IRS tax refunds are still being issued to a number of Americans in September 2025, despite the official end of tax season months ago. While most taxpayers receive their refunds shortly after filing, others experience delays due to various circumstances. These delays can be the result of several factors such as extended filing deadlines, amendments to returns, or the processing of certain credits.
According to Futbolete, the IRS has detailed procedures that influence when and how refunds are issued. Understanding these specific cases is key to identifying why some individuals are only receiving their tax refunds now, well beyond the usual timeframe.
Who’s Still Waiting for Their IRS Refunds in September 2025?
It might surprise you, but it’s completely normal for some taxpayers to receive their IRS refunds long after the official tax season has ended. Generally, the IRS processes tax refunds quickly—if you filed electronically and opted for direct deposit, you could see your refund within three weeks.
However, some situations and specific groups of taxpayers experience delays, which is why many Americans find themselves receiving checks as late as September.
The IRS began accepting returns for the 2024 tax season on January 27, 2025. Taxpayers who filed early and used electronic methods likely received their refunds long before September. However, one group that is still receiving refunds this month includes those who requested an extension to file their returns.
An automatic six-month extension gives taxpayers until October 15, 2025, to submit their returns. Between 20% and 25% of taxpayers opt for this extension each year, which is often used by individuals with complex financial situations, such as business owners or those with corporate income. If you filed your return in July or August 2025, you could be among those receiving your refund in September.
Special IRS Refund Cases: Why Some Refunds Are Delayed
Several other factors contribute to the delays. One major reason is if a taxpayer filed an amended return using Form 1040-X, which is required for corrections or claiming omitted credits. Since amended returns must be manually reviewed by IRS agents, they take much longer to process—typically three to four months.
Taxpayers who filed amended returns earlier in the year, including those claiming credits like the Recovery Rebate Credit, may now be receiving their refunds in September.
Additionally, refundable tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) often cause delays. Federal regulations state that the IRS cannot issue refunds involving these credits before March 3, regardless of when the return was filed. This is part of an effort to prevent fraud and ensure proper eligibility.
Another factor causing delays is the IRS review process for discrepancies in information, calculation errors, missing forms, or identity verification. These types of issues can add weeks or even months to the processing time. Refunds may also be delayed if there are outstanding debts that need to be offset, such as federal student loans or child support.
Why Paper Checks Are Still a Thing—and Why That’s Changing
One key point is that, as of September 2025, the IRS is still sending out paper checks for tax refunds. However, this will soon come to an end. According to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, the IRS is set to phase out paper checks by September 30, 2025.
From then on, taxpayers will be required to use electronic methods for receiving their refunds, such as direct deposit or debit cards. This change is expected to streamline the process and reduce the risk of lost or delayed checks.
If you’re still receiving paper checks, it’s a good idea to set up direct deposit to ensure a quicker and more reliable refund process moving forward. Keep in mind that, despite the convenience of checks, the IRS processing times for paper returns can be much slower.
For example, if you file a paper return, it may take six weeks or more just for the initial processing phase.
