Thousands of taxpayers in the United States are about to receive their tax refunds, but if you’ve recently filed your return, it’s essential to understand the deadlines and what to do if your refund is delayed. While refunds are typically issued within 21 days, some factors could cause delays. Whether your refund arrives on time or is delayed, here’s what you need to know.
Why Your Tax Refund Might Be Delayed
The IRS usually issues tax refunds within 21 days of receiving an electronic return. However, certain factors may cause your refund to take longer to process. Some of the most common reasons for delays include:
- Special Credits: If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the IRS holds these refunds until February to verify the data and reduce fraud risk.
- Identity Issues: If there’s a mismatch or question regarding your Social Security Number (SSN) or any issues with your identity, it could delay your refund.
- Outstanding IRS Debts: If you owe back taxes, child support, or other federal debts, the IRS may use your refund to cover those amounts.
- Refund Delivery Method: If you chose to receive your refund via postal check instead of direct deposit, this process takes much longer, sometimes weeks or even months. Paper statements also contribute to delays.
- External Delays: Delays can occur due to issues beyond the IRS’s control, such as postal service or banking delays.
How to Track Your Tax Refund
If it’s been more than 21 days since the IRS accepted your digital return, you can track your refund using the official “Where’s My Refund?” tool available on the IRS website.
Here’s how you can use it:
- Go to the IRS Website: Navigate to the Where’s My Refund? page.
- Provide Your Information: Enter your Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN (if you are a legal resident).
- Indicate Your Marital Status: Choose whether you’re single, married, or filing jointly.
- Enter Your Refund Amount: Include the exact refund amount you’re expecting.
The tool is updated daily, so you can check it frequently for updates on the status of your refund. If the tool doesn’t provide an answer, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1954 for personalized assistance.
Estimated IRS Refund Dates for 2025
Based on the IRS schedule for 2025, here are the estimated dates when you can expect to receive your tax refund depending on when and how you filed your 2024 tax return:
If you filed around April 15 (deadline):
- Estimated Direct Deposit: June 6-19, 2025
- Check by Mail: Between June 13 and June 26, 2025
- Note: Paper declarations do not apply to this timeline.
If you filed between May 1 and May 15:
- Estimated Direct Deposit: May 22 – June 4, 2025
- Check by Mail: Between May 29 and June 11, 2025
- Paper Return: Refund due by July 10, 2025
If you filed between May 16 and May 31:
- Estimated Direct Deposit: June 6-19, 2025
- Check by Mail: Between June 13 and June 26, 2025
Average Tax Refund for 2025
The average tax refund for 2025 is projected to be $3,116. This represents a 1% increase from the previous year and reflects significant changes in tax policies and economic conditions. To give some context:
- In 2021, the average refund was $2,827, due to pandemic measures and stimulus packages.
- By 2022, it had risen to $3,039, thanks to temporary tax credits.
- 2023 saw a slight increase, with the average refund reaching $3,054, adjusted for inflation.
- In 2024, it climbed to $3,088, and now in 2025, it has hit a new record of $3,116.