If you are waiting for your income tax refund in the United States, there’s good news! Millions of Americans are expected to receive their refunds by the end of May 2025. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has confirmed that taxpayers who filed their returns early—especially between May 12 and 19—will likely see their money arrive around May 30. This refund includes those who chose either direct deposit or paper checks by mail, although direct deposits will arrive faster.
Who Will Get Their Refund in May?
The IRS began accepting tax returns on January 27, 2025, and the last date to file was April 15, 2025. Many people who filed in March or April, especially those who selected postal checks, are seeing delays in their refund delivery.
People who submitted their returns between May 12 and May 19 and chose direct deposit could receive their refunds by May 30. Those who filed by mail and chose a paper check might receive it around the same date, but it could take an extra 5 to 7 days depending on postal delivery times.
Returns accepted by March 31, whether by mail or online, are also in line to receive refunds by the end of May.
Why Are Some Refunds Delayed?
Some refunds take longer than others due to a few reasons. One reason is if your return includes tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). These refunds are usually held for extra checks and can be delayed until mid-February or later.
Also, because many people filed their taxes in March and April, the IRS experiences high demand during this time, causing additional delays in processing.
How Much Will You Get?
The average refund in 2025 is around $3,116, according to IRS data shared as of April 5. This is about 3.5% higher than the average refund amount in 2024. The amount can change depending on your income, tax credits, and state of residence. Some people may get more if they qualify for additional credits or deductions.
As of early April, the IRS has already sent out more than 64.7 million refunds, mainly through direct deposit. The total amount refunded so far is around $206 billion.
Direct Deposit vs Check by Mail
If you chose direct deposit, your refund is usually processed within 10 to 21 days after the IRS accepts your return. But if you picked a check by mail, you may have to wait an extra 5 to 7 days, and sometimes longer if there are postal delays.
People who filed tax returns in April or early May using the paper filing method will mostly receive their payments during the last week of May, especially those who chose check delivery.
What If My Tax Refund Hasn’t Arrived?
If your refund hasn’t arrived within the normal time:
Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or download the IRS2Go app to track the status.
If the tool shows that your refund was issued but you still haven’t received it, you can call the IRS at:
- 800-829-1954 for direct deposits
- 800-829-1040 for mailed checks
In case your check is lost or stolen, you’ll need to fill out Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund) to request a replacement. Keep all your original tax documents and any messages from the IRS. Some delays happen because of errors, fraud checks, or address issues, but the IRS can help you reissue the payment.
If you’re one of the millions of taxpayers waiting for a refund, keep an eye on the last week of May 2025. Filing early and choosing direct deposit is still the best way to get your money faster. Even if your refund is slightly delayed, remember that tools and support from the IRS are available to help you track and resolve issues easily. Stay updated and always keep a record of your tax filings to avoid trouble.
