Tax filing season has already passed, but some Americans may still be waiting for their federal tax refunds. For many taxpayers, those payments could arrive in June, depending on when they filed, how they filed, and whether the IRS needed extra information before releasing the money.
Federal refunds for tax year 2025 were expected to be larger than usual, with the average refund reported at more than $3,400.
That was about an 11 percent increase from the previous tax year, according to the Treasury Department. However, the increase was still smaller than some earlier projections suggested.
Why Some Refunds Are Still Arriving In June
Most taxpayers who filed electronically and provided correct direct deposit information likely received their refunds earlier. The IRS generally says electronic filers can receive refunds in about 21 days.
Paper filers usually wait longer. Filing by mail can add extra time to the process, especially if the return needs manual review, corrections, or additional verification.
Because of that, some taxpayers may still receive refunds in June, particularly if they filed late, filed on paper, requested an extension, or were affected by disaster-related deadline changes.
Taxpayers Who Filed In May May Receive Refunds Now
One group most likely to see refunds in June includes taxpayers who filed in May.
Some people filed later because they received an extension. Others had extra time because the IRS extended filing deadlines for communities affected by disasters, including storms, flooding, wildfires, landslides, mudslides, and other severe weather events.
For example, some taxpayers affected by storms and flooding in Alaska, Montana, Washington state, Mississippi, Hawaii, and Georgia received delayed filing or payment deadlines. If those taxpayers filed close to their extended deadlines, their refunds may naturally arrive later than those of standard April filers.
Missing Banking Information May Delay Refunds
Another reason some taxpayers may still be waiting is missing or incorrect banking information.
Earlier this year, House Ways and Means Committee Democrats said thousands of taxpayers had been notified that their refunds were delayed because they did not provide banking information. In some cases, refunds were reportedly paused for more than two months.
The IRS’s Taxpayer Advocate Service previously warned that refunds could be temporarily frozen when filers failed to include direct deposit information. The freeze may last until the taxpayer provides banking details or asks to receive a paper check.
Paper Checks Can Take Much Longer
Taxpayers who do not provide direct deposit information may eventually receive a paper check, but this can take significantly longer.
Some filers may receive a paper check after several weeks. However, lawmakers warned that those waiting for paper checks could face delays of more than 10 weeks, or over two and a half months.
That means someone who filed close to Tax Day and did not include banking information could still be waiting for a refund in June.
Your Return Will Still Be Processed
The IRS has said tax returns can still be processed even if banking information is missing. However, refund delivery may be delayed until the payment method is resolved.
Taxpayers who receive a notice from the IRS should read it carefully and follow the instructions. Some notices may ask filers to add or update direct deposit information through the IRS website.
If banking information cannot be added, taxpayers may receive a paper check instead, but they should expect a longer wait.
How To Track Your IRS Refund
Taxpayers can check the status of their refund using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
For electronic filers, refund status is usually available within 24 hours after the IRS receives the return. For paper returns, it can take around four weeks before the status appears in the system.
The tool can show whether the return was received, whether the refund was approved, and whether the payment has been sent.
Why Filing Method Matters
How you file your taxes plays a major role in how quickly you receive your refund.
Electronic filing with direct deposit is usually the fastest option. Paper filing, missing banking details, amended returns, errors, and disaster-related extensions can all slow the timeline.
Taxpayers who are still waiting should avoid filing a second return unless instructed by the IRS, as duplicate filings can create more delays.
Some taxpayers may still receive federal refunds in June because of late filings, paper returns, disaster-related extensions, missing banking information, or IRS processing delays.
While most electronic filers should have already received their money, those who filed in May or waited for paper checks may still be in line for payment.
The best step is to use the IRS refund tracking tool, check for any notices, and update direct deposit information if requested.
For taxpayers still waiting, June could finally bring the refund they have been expecting.