IRS Tax Refund Delays? Here’s What You Need to Know if Your Check Is Coming Between May 5-11!

By Ronak Sharma Last updated May 7, 2025 Share with new partner:

Waiting on your tax refund can feel like a game of hurry up and wait. If you’re expecting yours to come between May 5 and May 11, 2025, it’s helpful to know exactly when to expect it—and why certain people get theirs sooner than others.

Who Will Get Their Refund Between May 5 and May 11, 2025?

If you’ve filed your taxes and you’re wondering when the IRS will cut you a check, it’s all about how you filed and how you want to receive your refund. If you’re in the group expecting a refund during this window, here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:

Filed electronically: If you filed your return online, you’re in luck! E-filing is the quickest way to get your refund processed.
Opted for direct deposit: Choosing direct deposit is by far the fastest option. The IRS will send your refund straight to your bank account, which means no waiting around for paper checks.
Accurate, straightforward return: If your tax return is free from mistakes, you’ve got a better shot at getting your refund quickly. Simple returns are processed faster, so if your filing was clean and clear, expect your refund on time.

For most taxpayers who meet all these criteria, you’ll likely see your refund hit your bank account by Monday or Tuesday. If you chose to receive a paper check, you’ll probably have to wait a little longer, but it should arrive soon after the scheduled date.

What Can Cause Refund Delays?

Of course, life happens, and sometimes refunds can be delayed. Here are a few reasons why your check might not show up exactly when you expect it:

Errors on your tax return: Mistakes happen, but they can slow down the refund process. If there’s an issue with your banking details, your social security number, or even a typo in your address, it can delay your refund.
Paper returns: If you filed your tax return on paper, you’re going to have to wait a bit longer. Paper returns usually take 6 to 8 weeks to process, so keep that in mind if you went the old-fashioned route.
Credits that need extra verification: If your return includes credits that require further review—like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)—the IRS will need to verify your eligibility before processing your refund, which can add some time.
Identity verification issues: If the IRS suspects any issues related to identity theft, they may need to confirm your identity, which can delay your refund as well.
Filing issues with joint returns: For those filing jointly, any discrepancies between you and your spouse on the return could cause delays.

How Can You Track Your Refund?

Worried about where your refund is? No problem—the IRS has made it pretty easy to track. If you want to know when to expect your money, there are two main ways you can do it:

Where’s My Refund? Tool: This is available on the IRS website. Just have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready. You’ll get an update on your refund within 24 hours if you e-filed, or about 4 weeks after mailing a paper return.
IRS2Go Mobile App: If you like using your phone to keep track of things, the IRS2Go app is the way to go. It’s super handy and helps you stay up to date on the status of your refund no matter where you are.

IRS Tax Refund Delays? Here’s What You Need to Know if Your Check Is Coming Between May 5-11!

Tips to Get Your Refund Faster

Everyone wants their refund as quickly as possible, right? Here are a few ways to make sure you’re getting yours as soon as the IRS is ready to send it:

File early: Filing as soon as you can puts you ahead of the game. The earlier you submit your tax return, the earlier you’ll get your refund.
Choose direct deposit: If you haven’t filed yet, make sure you select direct deposit on your return. It’s the fastest and most reliable way to get your refund.
Double-check everything: Before submitting your return, take a few minutes to review your information. Errors are one of the biggest reasons for delays, so making sure everything is correct can speed things up.
File electronically: If you can, avoid paper returns. Filing online is much quicker and will ensure you get your refund faster.

What If There’s a Delay?

Don’t panic if your refund doesn’t show up exactly when you expect it. There are a lot of moving parts involved in processing tax returns, and delays can happen for a variety of reasons. If your refund hasn’t shown up by the expected date, check your return for any issues, or use the IRS tracking tools mentioned earlier. If you’re still not seeing any updates, feel free to contact the IRS for more information.

Knowing when you’ll receive your tax refund can make it easier to plan your month, whether you’re paying bills, saving up, or treating yourself to something special. If your refund is due between May 5 and May 11, 2025, and you filed electronically with direct deposit, it should be arriving soon—just make sure everything’s in order to avoid any hiccups.

And remember, if you’re filing late or using paper forms, your refund might take longer. Stay on top of things by tracking your refund and checking for updates with the IRS tools. It’s all about staying informed and prepared!