Thousands of taxpayers across the U.S. are still waiting for their IRS tax refunds to arrive as we move into the second half of July 2025. Both the Internal Revenue Service and several state tax agencies are actively processing returns, particularly those filed late or submitted via paper. Delays, while frustrating, remain common due to processing backlogs, documentation errors, and limited staff capacity.
From federal checks to state-level refunds in North Carolina and Georgia, many are still in line to receive what they’re owed. If your refund hasn’t arrived yet, now is a good time to understand the timelines, average refund amounts, and how to track your payment status.
IRS Tax Refunds Still Being Processed in Late July 2025
If you filed your federal tax return between mid-May and the end of June, especially by paper, there’s a good chance your refund is either being processed now or will be released by July 25, based on the IRS’s latest guidance. Electronic filers from early July are also starting to see their payments, since the IRS typically processes e-filed returns within 21 days.
Refunds are issued to taxpayers who either overpaid their taxes throughout the year or qualified for credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit (CTC). These refunds apply to a wide range of taxpayers, from individuals and families to small business owners. Despite the steady pace of distributions, the IRS is still grappling with delays due to staffing shortages and the lingering effects of budget cuts.
Average Refund and State-Level Updates
According to the IRS, the average federal refund issued so far in 2025 is $2,939—slightly higher than the previous year’s $2,869. This bump is tied to several factors, including updated withholding rules, changes in tax credits, and a higher number of credit claims overall.
On the state side, North Carolina is experiencing paper check delays after a vendor shutdown in mid-June. While electronic refunds via direct deposit are unaffected, those expecting mailed checks might have to wait a bit longer. Meanwhile, Georgia is sending out surplus refunds tied to 2023 returns under House Bill 112, offering $250 to single filers and $500 to joint filers. Though payments began in June, many residents are still waiting for theirs to arrive this month.
Other states like California, South Carolina, and New Jersey continue processing regular tax returns without any special refund programs announced for July. Each state follows its own timeline, and refund durations can vary—California generally pays within a month for individuals, while business refunds take longer.
What to Do If Your IRS Refund Hasn’t Arrived Yet
If your refund hasn’t shown up and you’ve passed the expected wait time—21 days for e-filing or over six weeks for paper returns—it’s time to check your refund status. Use the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool on their website or the IRS2Go mobile app. If the system shows your check was issued but it hasn’t arrived, give it five extra business days before calling for help.
For further assistance, you can contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1954 (individuals) or 800-829-4933 (businesses). Be ready to provide your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount. If the check was lost or stolen, you might need to fill out Form 3911 to start a trace. For direct deposit issues, double-check your banking details; if the deposit failed, the IRS will usually mail a paper check to the address they have on file. In more complicated cases, the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778 can step in to help resolve the problem.
