Waiting for your tax refund and wondering if the IRS has stopped sending them out by September 2025? You’re not alone. Many people are still tracking their money and feeling unsure. The good news is—no, the IRS is not done sending refunds. They’re still actively processing returns from the 2024 tax year, which were filed in 2025.
Let’s break it all down so you understand what’s going on, why it’s taking time, and how to stay updated without losing your cool.
Why Does the IRS Give Tax Refunds?
A tax refund is basically the government giving you back money you overpaid throughout the year—mostly from tax deducted in your monthly salary. If you’re eligible for certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit, you could even get a refund without paying much in taxes.
Here’s how it works:
Your employer deducts taxes from your salary and sends it to the government.
At the end of the financial year, you file your return.
If you paid more than needed or qualify for certain benefits, the IRS refunds the extra amount.
When Are Refunds Usually Sent Out?
The IRS started accepting 2024 tax returns back in late January 2025. Most people filed by the April deadline, but many also took extensions till October 15th. Some even filed late.
So, tax refunds don’t go out all at once. It’s a rolling process and can continue well into the next year.
Here’s what affects your refund timeline:
E-filing with direct deposit: Usually processed in 21 days.
Paper filing: Takes much longer—up to 8 weeks or more.
As of September 2025, the IRS is still processing paper returns received in August. So if you mailed your return late in summer, you may still be in line.
Why Your Refund Might Be Delayed
Don’t panic if you haven’t got your refund yet. Here are some very normal reasons for the delay:
Filed for Extension: If you chose to file by October 15th, your return might just be getting processed now.
Filed an Amended Return: Amending a return (Form 1040-X) can take 16 weeks or more.
Special Credits (like EITC): These are subject to legal delays and extra reviews.
Manual Review Needed: If your return has any errors or flags, the IRS may manually verify it.
Refund Offset: If you owe money (like back taxes or student loans), your refund may be used to pay that. The IRS will send you a letter explaining this.
How to Track Your Refund Status
Instead of calling the IRS (which is usually frustrating and slow), use their online tools:
“Where’s My Refund?”: Visit irs.gov and check your refund status. You’ll need:
Your Social Security number
Filing status
Exact refund amount
“Where’s My Amended Return?”: For amended returns, use this separate tool.
Important tips:
The system updates once a day, usually overnight.
Checking multiple times a day won’t give you new info.
If it’s been over 21 days for e-file or 2 months for paper, and you still see no update, then it’s okay to call.
Important Change: No More Paper Refund Checks After September 30
Starting September 30, 2025, the IRS will no longer mail paper refund cheques. This is to reduce fraud and avoid delays due to lost mail.
If your return is processed after this date and you haven’t set up direct deposit, the IRS will send you instructions on how to get your money digitally—possibly through:
Direct deposit setup
A prepaid debit card
So if you haven’t already, now’s the time to:
Update your bank info with the IRS
Choose direct deposit as your refund method
It’s faster, safer, and easier.
If your tax refund hasn’t arrived yet, don’t worry—it’s not unusual. The IRS is still processing millions of returns, especially for people who filed late, amended their return, or are claiming special credits.
Use the IRS tools online to track your refund, and avoid calling unless it’s truly necessary. And remember, after September 30th, only digital refunds will be issued, so set up direct deposit if you haven’t. Stay patient—your money is probably on its way.
