If you’ve been watching your bank account for signs of a tax refund, this may be the month you’ve been waiting for. According to the IRS, millions of Americans are set to receive refunds averaging nearly $3,000 in June 2025. And while this isn’t a new stimulus or bonus payment, it could feel like one—especially for those who filed early, claimed major tax credits, or overpaid their federal taxes last year.
The average refund for 2024 returns is hovering just below $3,000, and the IRS is actively processing payments now. Whether you’re getting a direct deposit or waiting for a paper check, here’s everything you need to know to make sure your money doesn’t get delayed—or lost in the shuffle.
What’s This $3,000 Refund All About?
Let’s clear this up: This isn’t “free money” or a special June giveaway. These are regular IRS refunds, and the amount you get depends on your 2024 tax return. Most people receiving around $3,000 fall into one or more of these categories:
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They overpaid taxes during the year
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They qualified for refundable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC)
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They filed early, e-filed, and opted for direct deposit
According to recent data, the average IRS refund this season is $2,945—and many filers are seeing numbers right at or above the $3,000 mark.
When Will You Get It?
Timing depends on how and when you filed:
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If you e-filed with direct deposit in early May, you could have already received your refund—or should see it by early to mid-June.
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If you filed between May 15 and May 31, expect your refund to hit your account sometime between June 6 and June 19.
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If you’re getting a paper check, the timeline stretches a little. Many checks are being mailed between June 13 and June 26.
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Paper filers, or those with tax issues or additional verifications, might have to wait into late July.
Who’s Eligible for These Refunds?
There’s no special application. If you filed your 2024 taxes and are owed money based on your withholding, tax credits, or deductions, you’re eligible. Key groups seeing the highest refunds include:
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Parents who claimed the Child Tax Credit
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Low- to moderate-income workers who qualified for the Earned Income Tax Credit
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Those who made extra tax payments or adjustments throughout 2024
And of course, anyone who withheld too much from their paycheck all year long is now seeing that money return to them.
How to Track Your Refund (Without the Guesswork)
Wondering if your refund is on the way? The IRS offers a simple tool called “Where’s My Refund?” on IRS.gov. You’ll need:
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Your Social Security number
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Your filing status (single, married, etc.)
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The exact refund amount
The tool updates once a day and will show whether your return is still being processed, approved, or sent.
Pro tip: Want to talk to a real person? You can try the IRS phone menu trick—press 1 for English, 2 for individual tax, 3 for refund questions, then 3 again to speak to a representative.
What Could Delay Your Refund?
A few common issues might hold up your payment:
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Errors on your tax return or missing documents
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Claiming certain credits (like EITC) that require extra review
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Filing by paper instead of electronically
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IRS staffing issues or ID verification flags
If it’s been more than 21 days since you e-filed (or 6 weeks for paper returns) and you still haven’t received your refund, it’s a good idea to contact the IRS.
Bottom Line
The IRS isn’t handing out surprise cash—but if you filed your taxes properly and are owed a refund, it could be coming your way this June. And with the average refund nearing $3,000, it’s more important than ever to check your status, watch your bank account, and take action if something seems off.
This isn’t a stimulus. It’s not political. It’s just your money—coming back to you. Make sure you get every dollar you’re due.
