If you’ve filed your 2024 taxes (or at least completed the last-minute extension on them), there’s a pretty good chance you’ve been asking yourself: “When is that tax money finally going to get here?” Yeah, you and me both!
So, here’s the deal: The IRS is in the thick of processing all of those returns now, and if you’re owed a refund, it might be on the way soon. But exactly how soon you receive it depends on how you file and how you prefer to receive your money — digital or old-school paper.
E-File vs. Paper Filing: Big Difference in Speed
Let’s face it: e-filing takes the bacon. If you filed on the web and asked for direct deposit, you’re most likely lounging back while your actual refund is sent from the heavens at IRS speed (about 8-21 days).
But what if you chose paper? Oof. It is among a stack of returns somewhere, waiting for a human being to open it. That could be six to eight weeks before anything even begins to happen. I know… not ideal.
When Will the IRS Refunds Be Paid?
Here is what the IRS timeline is currently (yes, I am a geek and wrote it down for you):
👉 If you submitted between May 1 and May 15, 2025:
Paper return: You’re likely to receive your refund between June 26 and July 10
E-file + direct deposit: May 22 – June 4
E-file + mailed check: Expected to arrive sometime between May 29 and June 11
👉 If you submitted your claim May 16-31, 2025:
Paper return: Refunds could arrive between July 11 and July 25
E-file + direct deposit: You should receive yours between June 6 and June 19
E-file + mailed check: Watch for it June 13-26
So if you’re in that first wave of early May filers and you chose to receive your refund through direct deposit, that refund may already be knocking on your bank’s door!
So… Who Gets This \$3,000 Refund?
Let’s clarify this: Not everyone is receiving a flat $3,000. The average refund this year is roughly $2,939, according to recent IRS stats. That number may be higher or lower for you, based on factors such as your income, credits claimed, and how much was withheld from your paycheck.
Anecdotally, I have friends with children who are getting larger refunds on account of the Child Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit — those can cause your overall to explode.
Still Waiting? Here’s Why
If you’re stuck in refund limbo, a few things might be going on:
- You filed a paper return
- You chose a paper check
- You made a small mistake (like a typo or math error)
- You owe federal or state back taxes, child support, or even student loans
Seriously: The quickest route to getting back into the know is via the IRS’s free offering, “Where’s My Refund?” Just enter your information and it will tell you whether your refund has been approved, sent, or is still being processed. Pro tip: If you filed by mail, it may take up to 4 weeks before it even registers in their system — so don’t panic just yet.
Realistic Dates for Paper Checks
Did you mail a paper return on April 18? Then your check may come on or about May 30 (if you’re lucky and it’s a 6-week wait). For most people, that check could come between May 30 and June 20, Based on exactly when you mailed your return.
Here’s a quick example:
| Filing Date | 6-Week Arrival | 8-Week Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| April 18 | May 30 | June 13 |
| April 19 | May 31 | June 14 |
| April 20 | June 1 | June 15 |
| April 21 | June 2 | June 16 |
And so on. You get the picture — it’s a slow crawl with paper returns.
Why Refunds Happen in the First Place
I feel like it’s worth remembering why we get these refunds. That’s because, for most of us, taxes are automatically withheld from our paychecks throughout the year. When you file, the IRS double-checks how much you really owe vs. how much you paid. If you overpaid? Congrats, you get a refund!
Toss in some credits — say, the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit — and your refund could be bigger than expected.
But remember, a refund isn’t “free money” — it’s your money returning. I prefer to think of it as a mini savings account I never knew I opened.
Final Thoughts (and a Friendly Nudge)
If you are due a refund and haven’t seen it come through yet, don’t just hang back and hope — check your status on the I.R.S. site. Stay in touch If something doesn’t feel right or your refund is just taking way too long, contact Uncle Sam directly at the IRS. They’re the only ones who can provide you with good information about your individual return.
(And hey — if you haven’t filed yet, there’s no time like the present.) The earlier you do this (and the less paper you use), the sooner you should see that sweet refund.
For now, remember to continue checking that “Where’s My Refund” tool, and, if everything looks good, treat yourself when you get the money. After all, you earned it. 💸