The Internal Revenue Service (known as IRS) continues to process and issue tax refunds for the 2024 tax year throughout September 2025. The issuance of a refund during this month is primarily determined by the date and method of a taxpayer’s filing. These refunds largely correspond to returns that were recently processed by the agency.
This includes tax returns submitted during July or August, alongside those that necessitated corrections or a more thorough manual review. Furthermore, an important policy change will take effect regarding how these payments are distributed. According to official guidelines, the IRS is phasing out the paper checks to prioritize the digital methods.
This transition to an all-electronic disbursement system is mandated by Executive Order 14247. The modernization effort aims to enhance security measures and reduce incidents of fraud associated with physical checks. This procedural shift impacts all taxpayers anticipating a refund following their annual filing.
Why your IRS tax refund could be coming in September
The timeline for receiving a refund is formally outlined by the IRS. The majority of electronically filed refunds are issued within a 21-day window following the acceptance of the return. For returns filed on paper, the standard processing time extends to between four and eight weeks from the receipt date.
Taxpayers who selected direct deposit and filed their returns electronically prior to July have most likely received their funds. Individuals who filed paper returns or whose submissions required extended manual review are the primary recipients of refunds in September. The method of filing remains the most critical factor in the processing duration.
The source of a refund occurs when the amount of tax paid exceeds the actual liability. This can stem from several common scenarios, including over-withholding of taxes from wages or the claiming of refundable tax credits. Errors corrected by the IRS on a filed return can also generate an adjusted refund amount.
Other situations that delay tax refund checks
Several specific circumstances can delay processing beyond the standard timeframes. The claiming of certain refundable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), triggers additional verification procedures. These are mandated by the PATH Act and can extend processing times.
Returns that contain errors, incorrect Social Security numbers, or missing supporting documentation are subject to a manual review process. This can prolong the waiting period for a refund by up to 16 weeks or more. Any inconsistency in the information provided will result in a processing delay.
Taxpayers who filed for an extension until October 15, 2025, and submitted their returns near that deadline are another group likely to receive refunds in September or early October. Furthermore, outstanding debts to federal or state agencies can result in a refund being offset to satisfy those obligations.
Tracking your refund status: free IRS tools
The IRS provides the “Where’s My Refund?” digital tool on its official website for tracking purposes. This platform allows taxpayers to verify the status of a refund within 24 hours after e-filing a return. For paper returns, it is advisable to wait approximately four weeks before checking the status.
Have in hnd your Social Security number or ITIN, the filing status used on the return, and the exact refund amount as reported. The system displays the progress through three distinct stages: “Return Received,” “Refund Approved,” and “Refund Sent.” The IRS2Go mobile application offers identical tracking functionality.
The information on both platforms is refreshed once every 24 hours, typically overnight. Checking more frequently is unnecessary. If the tool instructs a user to contact the IRS, the number 800-829-1040 is provided for further assistance and inquiry.
Checklist of requirements for tax refunds
Eligibility for a refund requires the successful filing of a 2024 tax return. Submitting a return by its deadline is the fundamental first step; extension filers must submit by October 15, but any owed taxes were due by April 15 to avoid penalties. Timely filing is crucial for timely processing.
Opt for the direct deposit, the most efficient and secure method for receiving a refund. It is imperative to enter banking account and routing numbers accurately to prevent disbursement issues. Paper checks, which will no longer be issued after September 30, have a higher propensity for being lost or stolen.
Using free filing options like IRS Free File, available to individuals with an income of $84,000 or less in 2024, can facilitate error-free electronic submission.
