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There is a deadline for your taxes to be filed, but there are still Americans who have not yet returned.
The IRS received and processed more than 140 million returns, reimbursing more than 93.5 million individuals and households in 2025. That means around 47 million people have not yet received returns.
According to the IRS, the average refund this year is $2,939.
Taxpayers who submit electronically and choose direct deposits usually get a refund within 21 days of filing, but it may take some time for a particular person to receive a refund, especially if the institution needs more time to spot errors or review the documentation.
“The IRS works hard to get taxpayer refunds quickly, but taxpayers should not resort to getting refunds on a specific date,” according to the agency’s website.
Here’s how to check your refund status:
Why does your tax refund take so long?
The reason for delayed tax returns is extended longer than the typical 21-day time frame, as it is often related to errors seen on tax returns or returns that require more reviews. The IRS issues most of the refunds within 21 days to those who file electronically or choose to deposit directly.
The agent will also email the taxpayer if more information is required to process the return.
Other factors that cause delay include:
- Returns are errors, incomplete or are subject to identity theft or fraud
- Returns require a revision to the credit amount of the child’s tax credit or recovery rebate
- The return includes claims filed for income tax credits and additional child tax credits.
- How long does it take for a taxpayer bank or credit union to post a refund to a taxpayer’s account?
How to check tax refund status
Taxpayers can use “Where is my refund?” Tools available on the IRS website to check the status of your refund.
This tool requires you to enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount on return. Then respond with one of the following:
- Returns the reception (processing)
- Approved refunds (preparing to issue a refund by the date shown)
- Sent refund (sent by bank or email)
According to the IRS, taxpayers filing electronically will have to wait 24 hours before checking their refund status. If you submit a paper return, you will need to wait 4 weeks before checking.
IRS representatives can only check the status of the refund if it has been more than 21 days since the taxpayer submitted the return electronically. It may take more than six weeks after the taxpayer has mailed the return, or the “Where is my refund?” tool will instruct taxpayers to contact the IRS.
Contributed by Maria Francis, USA Today Network
