Millions of taxpayers could still be eligible for the averaging $3,034 tax refund—the stimulus many overlooked. If you missed the April 15 deadline, filed for an extension, or live in a disaster-affected area, there’s still an opportunity to claim it. Here’s all you need to know.
Who Can Still Receive the Refund?
Up to four groups may still be eligible:
- Low-income earners not required to file but qualify for refundable credits.
- U.S. citizens living abroad who filed by the June 16 deadline.
- Individuals who filed an extension, giving them until October 15 to submit returns (taxes due by April 15).
- Disaster-impacted taxpayers, whose deadlines were postponed to Oct. 15 or Nov. 3.
A fifth group includes those whose returns were under IRS review, delaying their refund—but not disqualifying it.
Why the Average Is $3,034
Recent data shows the average IRS refund for 2025 is around $2,945–$3,034, driven by excess tax withholdings and refundable credits like Earned Income Credit (EIC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).
Refund Triggers:
- Over-withholding during the year
- Claiming refundable credits
- Eligibility criteria aligning with average refund amounts
When Will Refunds Arrive?
Refund timing depends on filing and method:
- E-file + Direct Deposit: 10–21 days
- E-file + Paper Check: 21–35 days
- Paper Filed Returns: up to 6 weeks or longer
Example timeline:
- File on June 24 → direct deposit ~July 4, paper check ~July 15
- Extension or review delays may extend payment into fall
Extended Deadlines for Disasters & Expats
Natural Disasters
Taxpayers in FEMA-declared areas have extended deadlines to Oct. 15 or Nov. 3, 2025. These include recent disasters in California, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Texas, and others.
Americans Abroad
Citizens residing overseas must file by June 16 but still qualify for refunds from the 2024 tax year.
Steps to Take Now
Follow these simple steps to secure your refund:
- Determine eligibility using the IRS “Do I Need to File?” tool.
- File your tax return electronically (recommended).
- Opt for direct deposit—it’s the fastest method.
- Track with “Where’s My Refund?” on IRS.gov or the mobile app.
- Fix any errors or missing info promptly.
- File for disaster-related relief if applicable.
| Category | Deadline | Expected Refund Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Low-income / refundable credits | April 15 | 10–21 days via e-file + deposit |
| U.S. expats | June 16 | 10–21 days after e-filing |
| Extension filers | Oct. 15 | 10–21 days post-filing |
| Disaster-area residents | Oct 15 / Nov 3 | 10–21 days after final filing |
| Under IRS review | N/A | Dependent on issue resolution |
What to Do If You Don’t Get Refund
- Wait 3 business days before investigating
- Confirm banking info and e-file submission
- If delayed beyond 21 days, contact the IRS directly
If you’re among the millions of taxpayers with potential refunds, acting now is crucial. With potential payouts over $3,000, it’s worth checking your eligibility before October 15, 2025. File soon, use direct deposit, and follow the guidance above to secure your refund—before time runs out.
FAQs
Can I claim a refund if my income was very low?
Yes—if you qualify for refundable credits like EITC, even non-filers may claim refunds.
What if I lived in a declared disaster area in 2024?
You likely qualify for a filing extension, typically through Oct. 15 or Nov. 3, 2025.
How quickly will I get my refund after filing electronically?
Most electronically filed returns with direct deposit arrive within 10–21 days.