With the 2024 tax season officially behind us, many taxpayers are now turning their attention to one important question: Where’s my refund? While millions have already received their payments, some individuals are still waiting—especially those who filed later or opted for paper returns. If you’re among them, you might be in line to receive your check as soon as next week.
Who Qualifies for a Tax Refund?
A tax refund is issued when you pay more in taxes throughout the year than your total tax liability. Most commonly, this happens when too much is withheld from your paycheck by your employer. Refunds can also come from refundable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC).
To claim a refund, you must file a tax return, even if your income is below the IRS filing threshold. Filing lets the IRS determine whether you’ve overpaid—and how much they owe you.
How Refund Delivery Method Affects Timing
The IRS processes refunds in different timeframes based on how you file and choose to receive your refund:
| Filing Method | Refund Delivery Method | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| E-filing | Direct Deposit | 1–3 weeks |
| E-filing | Paper Check | Up to 4 weeks |
| Paper Filing | Direct Deposit | About 3 weeks |
| Paper Filing | Paper Check | Up to 2 months |
If you filed by mail in mid-April and opted to receive your refund by check, next week marks the end of the estimated two-month waiting period. That means your refund—likely averaging around $2,939, according to the latest IRS data—could be arriving soon.
Why Some Taxpayers Are Receiving $3,000 Checks
According to IRS statistics released on May 9, the average refund issued during the 2024 tax season was $2,939. While not everyone will receive this exact amount, it reflects the average overpayment and credits applied to returns.
If you:
- Filed your return near the April deadline,
- Used paper filing, and
- Opted for a mailed check,
you may be one of the individuals receiving this average-sized refund in the upcoming week, assuming no errors or issues delayed processing.
Why You Might Not Receive a Refund
Not every taxpayer receives a refund, even if they expect one. The IRS may withhold or offset your refund for a number of reasons:
Common Reasons Refunds Are Delayed or Withheld:
- Unpaid federal student loans
- Back child support
- Outstanding state income taxes
- Federal agency debts
If your refund has been offset, the IRS will notify you by mail, detailing the reason and the amount withheld.
What To Do If You Haven’t Received Your Refund
If your refund is delayed or you’re unsure of its status, use the IRS’s Where’s My Refund? tool to check your payment status. This tool is updated daily and requires basic information such as your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount.
If you suspect your refund has been offset due to a debt, contact the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS). They can help you resolve outstanding debts and set up payment plans.
Refund Season Wrap-Up and Next Steps
While most refunds have already been issued for the 2024 season, a final wave of payments is on its way for late filers and those who used mail-in forms. If you’re among this group and opted for a paper check, your refund could arrive as soon as next week.
To stay informed and avoid delays in the future:
- File early
- Choose direct deposit
- Monitor your IRS account
FAQs
Who is still waiting for a tax refund?
Late filers, especially those who mailed their returns and chose a paper check, may still be waiting on their refunds.
Why was my refund delayed?
Delays can occur due to errors on your return, verification of credits, or offsets due to unpaid debts.
Can the IRS take my refund?
Yes. The IRS may offset your refund to cover certain debts like unpaid loans or child support.