Millions of Americans are awaiting their 2025 federal tax refunds while the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) continues to process and distribute payments throughout June. According to Newsweek, these refunds are issued through both direct deposits and mailed checks, with the exact timing depending heavily on the method and date of filing.
The IRS has established specific windows for processing returns submitted electronically or on paper, which affect when taxpayers can expect to receive their funds. Factors such as the completeness of tax forms and the accuracy of payment information also influence the speed of refunds in this tax season.
Timeline for Tax Refund Arrivals
The IRS began accepting individual tax returns in January 2025, following the standard filing deadline on April 15. Taxpayers who filed electronically between May 1 and May 15 with direct deposit selected can expect their refunds to arrive between May 22 and June 4.
Those who opted for mailed checks during this period should see payments between May 29 and June 11. Paper filers who submitted returns in this window may have to wait as late as July 10 to receive their refunds.
For returns filed between May 16 and May 31, the IRS projects direct deposit refunds between June 6 and June 19, mailed checks from June 13 to June 26, and paper returns possibly arriving as late as July 25.
These timelines reflect processing differences related to filing method, with paper returns requiring more manual review and thus longer wait times.
Tracking Your Refund Status
To assist taxpayers, the IRS provides the “Where’s My Refund?” online tool, which offers real-time updates on the status of refunds.
This portal indicates whether the IRS has received the return, approved it, or sent the payment. The agency encourages all taxpayers to use this resource to monitor their refunds rather than relying on estimated arrival dates alone.
Average Refund Amounts and Processing Factors
The average IRS tax refund in 2025 is approximately $2,950, a figure noted early in the filing season and slightly adjusted to $2,939 later, compared to $2,869 in 2024. Individual refund amounts vary based on factors such as earnings, tax withholding, credits, and deductions.
Several issues can delay refunds, including errors in tax filings, missing documentation, or incomplete forms. Additionally, the IRS is operating with reduced staffing and budget constraints, which contribute to longer processing times, especially for paper returns that require manual handling.
Taxpayers are advised to ensure all documentation is complete and accurate, and to verify that direct deposit information is correctly submitted to avoid unnecessary delays.
Impact of Filing Method on Refund Speed
E-filing combined with direct deposit remains the fastest method to receive a refund, typically processed within 21 days barring any issues. In contrast, paper filings can add several weeks to processing times, particularly if the IRS needs to verify or correct submitted information.
If a refund has not arrived after 21 days from e-filing or six weeks from mailing a paper return, taxpayers should consider contacting the IRS directly or using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool to check on their refund status.
Taxpayers who filed for an extension have until October 15, 2025, to submit their returns, although payment of any owed taxes was still required by the April deadline. This extended filing window affects refund processing timelines for some taxpayers and may cause further variation in payment dates throughout the year.
