IRS tax refunds continue to be issued to thousands of Americans in September 2025, despite the official end of the 2024 tax season on April 15. This delayed distribution affects various taxpayers for several reasons, ranging from simple filing extensions to more complex cases involving amended returns or identity verification.
According to Futbolte Live, these delays can span several months, leaving many waiting longer than expected for their refunds. The IRS usually processes most refunds efficiently, but specific situations can cause certain returns to take much longer. Below is an overview of the factors contributing to these extended refund timelines.
Refunds Delayed by Extensions and Paper Returns
One significant reason many taxpayers are still waiting for their refunds in September is due to filing extensions. Every year, around 20% to 25% of taxpayers request an extension to file their returns, which pushes the filing deadline to October 15. This extension is especially common among entrepreneurs, investors, and people with complex financial situations. In these cases, tax returns might be filed in July or August, and as a result, these individuals are still waiting for their refunds in September.
While filing an extension is completely legal, it does add extra time to the process. Even if a return is filed electronically, it still needs to be processed by the IRS, which typically takes about three weeks. For taxpayers who filed their returns near the end of August, their refund is likely arriving right around the beginning of September.
Additionally, taxpayers who submit paper returns, rather than filing electronically, also face significant delays. Paper returns take much longer to process—sometimes up to six weeks—compared to e-filing, which is why some are still receiving refunds months after filing.
Amended Returns and Refunds: The Slow Process of Form 1040-X
Another reason for delays is the filing of amended returns, often using IRS Form 1040-X. If a taxpayer realizes they made an error on their original return or forgot to claim credits, they can file an amendment. However, this process requires manual review by IRS staff, which can take up to three or four months.
This is why some taxpayers who filed their amended returns earlier this year (in April or May) are only just now receiving their refunds in September.
For example, those who claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit for past tax years or missed out on credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) may see delays as their amended returns are processed. Because of the manual nature of this review, these refunds typically don’t arrive as quickly as standard returns.
Fraud Prevention and Miscellaneous Delays
Lastly, delays can occur due to discrepancies in the information submitted by taxpayers. Common issues include mismatched data, calculation errors, missing forms, or even identity verification problems, all of which may trigger a more in-depth IRS review. This can result in weeks or even months of delays, especially as the IRS works to prevent fraud.
In some cases, refunds are delayed because of debts owed to other government agencies. The IRS can offset a taxpayer’s refund to pay off outstanding obligations, which might further push back the arrival of the refund. These delays are usually outlined in IRS notices, but they are not always clear to the taxpayer until the refund is issued.
