As of June 6, 2025, millions of Americans are still waiting for their tax refunds. With the 2025 tax filing deadline behind us, the IRS is now processing returns filed in April and May, while some early June e-filers are beginning to see their payments arrive.
Understanding the refund timeline and how to check your status is essential if you’re still waiting.
IRS refund timeline for June 2025
The IRS issues most refunds within 21 calendar days of receiving your tax return. Actual timing depends on the method of filing and whether you opted for direct deposit or a paper check.
Here’s what you can expect if you filed recently:
| Filing Window | Refund Type | Estimated Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| May 16–31 (e-file, DD) | Direct Deposit | June 6–19, 2025 |
| May 16–31 (e-file, Check) | Paper Check | June 13–26, 2025 |
| June 1–7 (e-file, DD) | Direct Deposit | June 14–21, 2025 (expected) |
| June 1–7 (e-file, Check) | Paper Check | June 21–28, 2025 (expected) |
Note: If you mailed in your return, expect longer delays—typically 4 to 9 weeks after the IRS receives your documents.
How to check your IRS refund status
You can check the status of your 2025 tax refund using the IRS’s official “Where’s My Refund?” tool, which is updated once daily (usually overnight).
You’ll need:
- Your Social Security number or ITIN
- Your filing status
- The exact refund amount on your return
✅ Check your refund status on IRS.gov
The tracker will show one of three statuses:
- Return Received
- Refund Approved
- Refund Sent
If your refund has been issued but not received, check with your bank for direct deposit processing times or monitor your mailbox if you requested a paper check.
Why is my refund delayed?
Several factors can slow down IRS processing:
- Paper returns take longer than e-filing.
- Errors or mismatches (such as incorrect Social Security numbers or income reporting).
- Claims involving credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit, often trigger longer reviews.
- Verification requests: If the IRS flags your return for identity verification, they’ll contact you by mail—not phone or email.
If it’s been over 21 days since e-filing or 6 weeks since mailing, and there’s no update online, you may contact the IRS. But calling won’t expedite processing.
Tips to get your IRS refund faster
Here’s how to improve your chances of a quicker refund:
- E-file instead of mailing your return.
- Choose direct deposit over a paper check.
- Triple-check your return for errors or missing info.
- Don’t file until you have all income forms (W-2s, 1099s, etc.).
- Respond quickly to any IRS mail notices.
What if you filed recently?
If you filed your taxes in late May or early June, you’re likely in the middle of the IRS’s 21-day processing window. Many e-filers from the final weeks of May have already seen “Refund Approved” statuses and are receiving payments as early as June 6.
For those filing this week (June 1–7), the earliest direct deposits may begin landing around June 14, assuming no issues or verifications are required.
Final word: Expect patience—and track it daily
With the peak of refund season behind us, most returns are now being processed on a rolling basis. The fastest way to receive your refund remains e-filing with direct deposit, and the best way to track it is the official IRS.gov tool.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.