While many people associate tax refunds with the spring season, thousands of taxpayers are still waiting for their refunds well into the summer. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), taxpayers who filed paper returns between May 16 and 31 could see their refunds between July 11 and 25, 2025. This comes as a surprise to those who thought tax season had already ended.
Why the Delay? The Manual Processing Factor
The main reason for these delays is manual processing. Unlike digital tax returns, which are processed automatically by IRS systems, paper returns require IRS employees to verify each line, document, and signature.
This extra step causes significant delays, and the entire process can take up to six weeks longer than electronic returns. According to one tax agent, it takes three days just to open and register a paper return.
Missing Your Refund? Here’s What You Should Do
If your refund is still missing or delayed, there are steps you can take to track it down:
- Use the “Where’s My Refund?” Tool: Visit the IRS website and use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. This tool is updated every 24 hours and can tell you whether your return is under review, approved, or still pending.
- Call the IRS Customer Service: If you filed electronically and it’s been over 21 days, or if you’ve been waiting for eight weeks for a paper return, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. Have your tax return and ID ready when you call.
- Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS): If you’re experiencing extreme delays, like ignored verification notices or potential fraud, the IRS’s Taxpayer Advocate Service can help. They handle critical cases using Form 911 and resolved 73% of pending cases in less than 30 days during 2024.
The Big Issue: Paper Tax Returns and Their Delays
Despite efforts to move to digital platforms, 4.2 million Americans filed paper returns in 2025. These include older adults, rural residents with limited internet access, and people who prefer traditional paper filing.
For example, Marcos Rivera, a hardware store owner in New Mexico, prefers to send paper returns despite the delays: “My accountant insists on sending paper copies with return receipts. I’d rather wait than risk a system error.”
The IRS recognizes this issue, but their modernization budget was reduced by 11% this year. This has delayed the digitization of older records, leaving many paper returns stuck in the system. At centers like the one in Austin, Texas, overtime shifts are being worked to process the backlog, and this effort will continue until September.
Tips to Avoid Refund Delays
To avoid delays in the future, especially if you’re filing for complex credits or making amendments, here are some helpful tips:
File Digitally: If possible, file your taxes digitally before the end of June. This helps avoid the summer congestion at IRS service centers and reduces delays.
Opt for Direct Deposit: Always choose direct deposit for your refund. It’s quicker, safer, and eliminates the risk of delays, loss, or theft that can happen when a paper check is mailed.
While waiting for a tax refund in the summer of 2025 might be frustrating, understanding the causes behind these delays can help ease the process. Manual processing of paper returns is the primary culprit, and though efforts are being made to reduce the backlog, the IRS continues to work through the delays.
For those filing in the future, it’s best to file electronically and opt for direct deposit to ensure a quicker, safer refund process.
