IRS tax refunds in June 2025: Payment dates, delays, and how to track them

Millions of Americans are checking their bank accounts and mailboxes, waiting for their 2025 federal tax refunds to arrive. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began issuing payments at the end of May and continues to do so throughout June via direct deposit and mailed checks. Here is the key information.

Who will receive refunds in June?

Most taxpayers who filed their 2024 returns in May 2025 are part of the June refund cycle. The IRS gives priority to returns filed electronically with direct deposit, which remains the fastest and most reliable method of receiving your refund. Taxpayers who file paper returns may have to wait several more weeks.

According to the IRS, the average federal tax refund for 2025 is approximately $2,945.

IRS refund schedule for June 2025

The IRS has established a clear schedule for when taxpayers can expect their refunds, depending on how and when they filed their returns:

If you filed your return between May 1 and May 15:

• Filed electronically with direct deposit: refunds should have arrived between May 22 and June 4.
• Filed electronically with check by mail: arrive between May 29 and June 11.
• Filed on paper: refunds may not arrive until July 10.

If you filed your return between May 16 and May 31:

• Filed electronically with direct deposit: Refunds are expected between June 6 and June 19.
• Filed electronically with check by mail: Should arrive between June 13 and June 26.
• Paper returns: Refunds could be delayed until July 11 to 25.

These timelines are estimates and may vary depending on the accuracy of the return, the IRS workload, and bank processing times.

Why some refunds may be delayed

Despite the schedule, not all taxpayers will receive their refund promptly. Several factors can contribute to delays:

• Errors or omissions on the tax return.
• Missing documents or incorrect Social Security numbers.
• Incomplete or inaccurate banking information for direct deposit.
• Manual review required for paper returns.

In addition, ongoing staffing shortages and budget constraints at the IRS affect processing speed, especially for paper returns that require manual processing.

How to check the status of your refund

If you want to know if your refund has been processed or is delayed, the IRS recommends using its online tool “Where’s My Refund?” This service is updated daily and allows taxpayers to track the progress of their refund.

To access your status, you will need:

• Your Social Security number (or ITIN)
• Your marital status (single, married, etc.)
• The exact amount of your expected refund

This tool is the fastest way to get real-time updates without having to call the IRS.

What if the refund has not arrived yet?

If a person filed their return electronically and selected direct deposit, but their refund has not arrived 21 days later, it is recommended to review the case. If you filed a paper return, you should wait at least six weeks before contacting the IRS. In the meantime, the following is recommended:

• Check the “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
• Check your email and postal mail for any notifications from the IRS.
• Make sure the bank details on your return are correct.

If the deadline has passed and there is no news, you can contact the IRS directly or consult a tax professional for more information.

What if you requested an extension?

The IRS’s April 15 deadline applied to most taxpayers. However, those who requested an extension have until October 15, 2025, to file their return. It is important to note that although filing can be delayed, taxes owed were still due on April 15 to avoid interest and penalties.

If you filed your return in June or plan to do so later this summer, your refund will enter a later payment cycle, so be sure to check the IRS for updates on the relevant schedule.

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