As the tax season for fiscal year 2024/2025 wraps up, many Americans are eagerly watching their bank accounts or mailboxes for signs of their long-awaited IRS tax refunds. With cost-of-living pressures still high, this financial boost comes at a crucial time for millions of households.
Whether you filed early or just before the April deadline, your refund may be on its way—especially if you opted for electronic filing and direct deposit, the fastest route to getting your money back.
How Soon Will You Get Your Refund?
Your refund timeline depends on two factors: how you filed and how you chose to receive your refund.
Here’s a breakdown of estimated refund timeframes for each method:
| Filing Method | Refund Delivery Method | Estimated Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| E-filed + Direct Deposit | Bank Account | 1–3 weeks |
| E-filed + Paper Check | ~4 weeks | |
| Mailed Return + Direct Deposit | Bank Account | ~3 weeks (after processing) |
| Mailed Return + Paper Check | ~2 months |
If you submitted your return at the end of April and used e-filing with direct deposit, you could see your refund as early as next week.
Average Refund Amount in 2024/2025
According to the IRS, this year’s average tax refund is $2,939, a modest increase from last year’s average of $2,869. In total, the agency issued $274.979 billion in refunds, processing over 143 million returns—a new high compared to previous years.
That’s good news for taxpayers still waiting, but it’s important to remember:
Not everyone is entitled to a refund. If your withholdings were exact or if you owe taxes, your refund could be smaller—or nonexistent.
Why Refunds Could Be Delayed This Year
This year’s refund processing has faced added strain due to staffing cuts. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) implemented a 31% reduction in IRS auditors, which slowed some backend operations and regional processing capacity.
According to Doreen Greenwald, president of the National Treasury Employees Union:
“These layoffs are disrupting local economies and hurting middle-income families in every state.”
While these cuts primarily affect audit functions, they may also contribute to longer processing times, especially for complex returns or mailed submissions.
How to Track Your Refund
To check your refund status, the IRS offers the “Where’s My Refund?” tool, which is updated once daily and accessible 24/7 at irs.gov/refunds.
What You’ll Need:
- Your Social Security number
- Your filing status (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly)
- The exact refund amount listed on your return
When You Can Use the Tool:
- E-filers: Use the tool within 24 hours of submitting your return.
- Mail-in filers: Must wait 4 weeks before accessing refund status.
If you’re within your expected timeframe and still haven’t received your refund, this tool is the IRS’s most accurate source of real-time updates.
A Final Note: Refunds Aren’t Guaranteed
It’s important to note that not everyone receives a tax refund. If you owed back taxes, child support, or student loans, your refund may be offset. Additionally, some returns require manual review due to potential errors or identity verification concerns, which can delay processing.
FAQs
Why haven’t I received my refund yet?
It depends on your filing method. Mailed returns take longer, and certain issues (like incorrect info or manual review) can delay refunds.
Is the average refund higher this year?
Yes. It rose to $2,939, up from $2,869 last year.
What if I didn’t get my third stimulus payment?
You may be eligible to claim it as a Recovery Rebate Credit on your return.
Can the IRS withhold my refund?
Yes, especially if you owe money to federal or state agencies.