Millions of U.S. taxpayers still awaiting their refunds: Guidance for those in the same boat
Waiting on Your Tax Refund? Here's What You Need to Know
If you're amongst the 47 million Americans yet to receive your tax refund, fret not! Here's a lowdown on what you should expect:
Timeline for Your Tax Refund
The duration to receive your tax refund can fluctuate based on the method of filing. Here's a general timeline for both electronic and paper filings:
- Electronic Filing: Generally, it takes up to 21 days for the IRS to process e-filed returns via direct deposit, although it might stretch beyond four weeks.
- Paper Filing: Returns submitted via snail mail may take four weeks or more to process. Addition time might be required if the return needs corrections or review.
Factors Delaying Your Refund
If you're still waiting on your refund, these reasons may be causing the holdup:
- IRS Processing Times: Mistakes or incomplete returns can elongate the processing time.
- Errors or Incomplete Returns: This includes blunders like missing Social Security numbers, mismatched bank info, or inaccurate calculations.
- Certain Tax Credits: Returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) might face delays as the IRS verifies eligibility.
- Identity Verification or Fraud: If identity theft or fraud is suspected, your information will require verification, causing a delay.
- Unclaimed Refunds: Refunds from previous tax years can remain unclaimed if returns are not filed. For instance, over $1 billion in 2021 refunds were unclaimed as of May 12, 2025.
Checking Your Refund Status
To keep tabs on your refund, use the IRS's online tool called "Where's My Refund?" Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your tax return to access your refund status.
When to Check Your Refund Status
According to the IRS, those who e-filed their returns should wait 24 hours before checking their refund status. If you mailed a paper return, wait four weeks.
Potential Refund Dates for 2025
According to the Taxpayer Advocate, if you e-filed or requested a paper check, you may receive your refund between June 20 and 24, depending on when you filed your return. The tentative dates are as follows:
For Direct Deposit:
- Taxpayers filing on May 30: June 20 to June 24
- Taxpayers filing on May 31: June 21 to June 24
- Taxpayers filing on June 1: June 22 to June 24
- Taxpayers filing on June 2: June 23 to June 24
- Taxpayers filing on June 3: June 24 to June 24
For Paper Check:
- Taxpayers filing from May 8: June 20 to June 24
- Taxpayers filing from May 9: June 21 to June 24
- Taxpayers filing from May 10: June 22 to June 24
- Taxpayers filing from May 11: June 23 to June 24
- Taxpayers filing from May 12: June 24 to June 24
Note: These dates are estimations and might vary based on when you filed your return.
Bonus: New Yorkers to Receive Inflation Offset Stimulus Checks of up to $400
In other news, New Yorkers can expect stimulus checks of up to $400 to help counter inflation-related price increases. Stay tuned for more details!
If your tax refund is still pending, it might be due to errors or incomplete returns, or the IRS needing to verify your eligibility for certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). To manage your personal-finance amidst this wait, you could consider setting aside funds for potential expenses or investing in fever-reducing products if you or a family member are experiencing fever symptoms.
