In September 2025, many taxpayers in the United States are still getting their pending tax refunds from the IRS. Surprising as it may sound, these refunds are still being issued months after the official tax season closed on April 15, 2025.
While this is not a common situation, there are several valid reasons why some people continue receiving refunds so late in the year.
Why IRS Tax Refunds Are Still Being Issued
The IRS refund process officially begins in late January every year. For the 2024 tax season, the IRS started accepting returns on January 27, 2025. Normally, people who file electronically and choose direct deposit get their money within 21 days.
But the story is very different for those who file paper returns by mail. These can take six weeks or more to process. In addition, people who claim certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), often face delays. By law, refunds including these credits cannot be issued before March 3.
Average IRS Refund in 2025
The average IRS refund this year is about $2,825. For most American families, this extra money is a big help. It is commonly used for:
Paying down mortgages or loans
Clearing credit card dues
Adding to savings
Extra household expenses or leisure spending
September Refunds for Extension Filers
One major reason people are still receiving refunds in September is due to tax filing extensions. The IRS allows taxpayers to request an extension, moving their filing deadline to October 15.
This option is mostly used by business owners, investors, or individuals with complex financial paperwork like K-1 forms. About 20–25% of taxpayers take this route every year.
For example, someone who filed in mid-August could expect their refund around early September, since electronically filed returns still take roughly three weeks to process.
Refunds from Amended Tax Returns
Another group receiving late refunds are those who filed an amended return (Form 1040-X). These are used when taxpayers correct mistakes, add missing information, or claim forgotten credits. Unlike normal returns, amendments need manual review by IRS staff, which can take three to four months.
So, taxpayers who submitted amendments in April or May 2025 are only now receiving their refunds. This also applies to those claiming past credits such as the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Other Reasons for Delayed Refunds
Refunds can also be delayed due to:
Errors in tax forms or calculations
Missing information or documents
Identity verification checks to prevent fraud
Refund offsets if money is owed to another government agency
Each of these adds extra time to the process, stretching refunds well beyond the regular timeline.
IRS Moving Away from Paper Checks
An important update is that the IRS will stop issuing paper refund checks after September 30, 2025, following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. From then on, taxpayers will need to use direct deposit or other electronic methods to receive their refunds.
If you haven’t updated your payment method yet, it’s best to contact the IRS quickly to avoid issues with future refunds.
Even though the 2024 tax season officially ended months ago, many Americans are still waiting for their refunds in September 2025. Whether due to filing extensions, amended returns, or additional review processes, these delays are part of the IRS’s normal procedures.
With the shift away from paper checks at the end of September, taxpayers must ensure their details are updated for digital payments. Staying informed and prepared will help avoid unnecessary delays in the future.
