$2,945 on ave. hitting pockets before Sunday ― IRS refunds for citizens on this list

As tax season winds down, many American taxpayers are seeing long-awaited refunds land in their bank accounts. If you filed your return electronically between April 15 and April 28 and chose direct deposit, there’s a good chance you’re part of the wave receiving an average refund of $2,495 between May 12 and May 18. While that’s great news for many, others may still be waiting—and wondering why.

Let’s break down who qualifies for this week’s refund payments, what might cause delays, and how to track your return effectively.

Why Timing and Filing Method Matter

The IRS processes tax returns in batches, and two factors significantly impact how quickly refunds are issued: when you file and how you file.

E-filing combined with direct deposit is the fastest route. According to IRS processing timelines, electronic submissions typically follow a 21-day window for refunds. This means that returns filed in late April are now being processed, with refunds hitting bank accounts during the third week of May.

Here’s a quick overview of typical refund timelines based on filing and payment method:

Filing Method	Payment Method	Estimated Refund Time
E-file	Direct Deposit	1 to 3 weeks
E-file	Paper Check	Up to 1 month
Mail-in Return	Direct Deposit	Within 3 weeks
Mail-in Return	Paper Check	Up to 2 months

If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit, your refund should be on time—unless something is holding it up.

Common Reasons for Refund Delays

If your refund hasn’t arrived yet, there are several reasons why it might be delayed:

• Bank Processing Delays: Weekends and high-volume periods can slow down deposits.
• Outstanding Tax Debts: Refunds can be offset to cover past-due tax balances.
• Credits Claimed: Filing for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) often leads to longer review times due to IRS fraud prevention checks.
• Typos or Errors: Incorrect Social Security numbers, income figures, or bank account details can stall the process.
• Fraud Checks and Manual Review: Some returns are flagged for additional screening to prevent identity theft or fraud.

How to Track Your Refund

The IRS encourages taxpayers to use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on its website. This tool provides real-time updates on your return status and any issues that may need to be resolved. You’ll need your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount to access the information.

Stay vigilant about IRS-related scams. The IRS will never email you requesting personal information. If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from the IRS, don’t click on any links—report it immediately.

Who Is Receiving Refunds This Week?

According to IRS data, taxpayers who filed electronically between April 15 and April 28 and opted for direct deposit are receiving refunds between May 12 and May 18. These refunds are averaging $2,495, slightly lower than the $3,186 average for taxpayers who filed between April 14 and April 20 and received their refunds during the previous week.

Thanks to the IRS’s streamlined electronic processing system, these payments are generally arriving on schedule for most filers.

The IRS Processing Timeline: A Moving Target

While the IRS promotes a 21-day processing window for electronic returns, this isn’t guaranteed. Filing close to the April deadline, claiming certain credits, or making errors can easily push you outside that range.

The good news? If you filed before the IRS began processing returns on January 27, you likely received your refund by mid-February. For others who submitted returns in mid-to-late April, your refund could still be in transit this week.

Being proactive and submitting your return early next year could help you beat the rush and receive your refund sooner.

Whether your refund arrives this week or next, it’s essential to understand the factors that influence its timing. Double-check your return for errors, monitor your refund status online, and avoid falling for scam attempts pretending to be the IRS. With a little preparation and awareness, tax season can go a lot more smoothly.

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