IRS Refund Delayed? The Real Timeline

2024 Tax Refunds: What May Filers Should Know

Millions of Americans have already gotten their 2024 tax refunds as the tax season draws to a close; the average return is $3,324. Your refund might still be on the way, though, if you filed your taxes in May—either because of a natural calamity like extreme weather or wildfires, or because of an extension granted by the IRS.
Don’t panic if you’re among those late filers who are still awaiting payment; your deposit may shortly appear in your account.

When Will You Get Your 2024 Tax Refund?

Filing Dates and Estimated Refund Arrival

The IRS typically processes refunds within three weeks for electronically filed returns with direct deposit. Here’s a breakdown based on when you filed:

Filed May 1–May 12 (E-File + Direct Deposit)
⏳ Expected Refund: By June 1–June 9
Filed May 13–May 31 (E-File + Direct Deposit)
⏳ Expected Refund: Between June 10 and June 23
(Note: June 21 falls on a Saturday, so processing may extend to Monday, June 23)

If you requested a paper check by mail, add about one extra week:

Filed May 1–May 12 (E-File + Check by Mail)
📬 Refund Window: June 3–June 16
Filed May 13–May 31 (E-File + Check by Mail)
📬 Refund Window: June 17–June 28

Paper Returns Take Longer

Whether you selected direct deposit or a postal cheque, the IRS refund schedule runs four to eight weeks if you mailed in a paper return.
For May paper filers, expect your refund no earlier than late June, and possibly not until the end of July.

Track Your Tax Refund with IRS Tools

To avoid guessing when your refund will arrive, use the IRS’s official tracking systems:

1. Where’s My Refund? Tool

Visit the IRS Where’s My Refund page to track your refund status.

E-filers: Status available within 24 hours
Paper filers: Status available in about 4 weeks
Previous year e-filers: Status updates in 3–4 days

2. IRS2Go App

Download the IRS2Go mobile app for easy refund tracking on your phone.

What You Need to Track Your Refund

Be ready with the following information:

Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.)
Your exact refund amount

Note: These tools only track federal tax refunds. For your state refund, visit your state’s Department of Revenue website.

Final Tips for May Filers Awaiting Their Refund

E-filing + direct deposit is always the fastest option.
If your refund seems delayed beyond the expected window, double-check your return for errors or missing information.
Keep your eye on both the Where’s My Refund? tool and your bank account or mailbox over the coming weeks.

Conclusion

If you filed in May, your payment is probably on its way; the IRS is gradually processing refunds for 2024 tax returns. Use online tools to stay up to date and organise your finances properly.

Filing electronically and opting for direct deposit remains the fastest, most efficient method for receiving your refund.

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