Internal Revenue Service begins issuing tax refunds: June update

Eligible U.S. taxpayers could see up to $3,000 in refunds arriving this June, according to the IRS. While some may receive their refunds early in the month, others might have to wait based on how and when they filed. Here’s everything to know, from eligibility to tracking your refund.
Who is eligible for the IRS refund?
To qualify for a refund in June 2025, taxpayers must have:
- Filed their federal income tax return for the 2024 tax year between May 1 and May 31, 2025
- Paid more in taxes than they owed
- Chosen a valid payment method (either direct deposit or check)
Returns filed electronically are prioritized. Paper filers often face delays due to manual processing by IRS agents.
IRS refund timeline for June 2025
The timing of your refund depends on your filing method and when your return was submitted:
Returns filed May 1–May 15, 2025
- E-filing with direct deposit: Refunds expected May 22 – June 4, 2025
- E-filing with mailed check: Refunds expected May 29 – June 11, 2025
- Paper filing: Refunds expected June 26 – July 10, 2025
Returns filed May 16–May 31, 2025
- E-filing with direct deposit: Refunds expected June 6 – June 19, 2025
- E-filing with mailed check: Refunds expected June 13 – June 26, 2025
- Paper filing: Refunds expected July 11 – July 25, 2025
How much will you get?
The IRS says the average refund this season is $2,945, with many individuals receiving close to $3,000 depending on their withholding and credits. Your actual refund amount is based on:
- Total taxes paid
- Tax credits and deductions claimed
- Accuracy of the return
What could delay your refund?
Several factors may slow down your refund, including:
- Filing by paper instead of electronically
- Errors or missing information on your return
- Budget-related delays at the IRS
- Selecting a check instead of direct deposit
Track your refund with IRS tools
Use the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool on irs.gov to track the progress of your payment. You’ll need:
- Your Social Security number or ITIN
- Filing status
- Exact refund amount
The tool shows three stages:
- Return Received
- Refund Approved
- Refund Sent
Note: For paper filers, it may take up to four weeks after mailing for the tool to update your status.
Key takeaways
- Most Americans can expect up to $3,000 in refunds this June.
- E-filing with direct deposit yields the fastest results.
- Paper returns take longer, with refunds possibly extending into July.
- Use the IRS’s online tool to track refund status in real time.
Useful tools
- Check the status of a refund
- Where’s My Refund explained
- IRS2Go mobile app
- Where’s My Refund tool
- Direct deposit