The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has returned over $100 billion in tax refunds to taxpayers so far this year. According to the latest data, $102.253 billion has been refunded, with the average refund amount increasing from $3,213 in 2024 to $3,453 in 2025. The IRS has received more than 42,707,000 income tax returns this filing season, which began on January 27.
This number is 4.2 percent less than the same period last year. The agency expects to receive more than 163 million tax returns for taxes payable for 2023 by the end of 2024. If you submit a complete and accurate paper tax return, you can expect your refund within six to eight weeks from the date the IRS receives it.
Electronic returns, especially those with direct deposit, have a significantly quicker refund process. The IRS recommends electronically filing your return and choosing direct deposit for the fastest turnaround. You can check the status of your refund online using the IRS’ “Where’s My Refund?” tracker.
IRS tax return trends in 2025
The status will appear 24 hours after e-filing a current-year return, three or four days after e-filing a prior-year return, or four weeks after filing a paper return. The tracker has three stages: Return Received, Refund Approved, and Refund Sent.
The nationwide tax deadline is April 15 this year. Filing late can result in a penalty of five percent for each month the tax return is late, up to a total maximum penalty of 25 percent. Several factors are contributing to delays in filing, including misleading online tax advice, a surge in 1099-K forms, political uncertainties, some state delays due to federal disasters, and the calendar itself.
The IRS noted that the 2025 tax season started on January 27, two days earlier than in 2024, but initial filings didn’t increase. Many taxpayers may still be waiting for critical paperwork, such as W-2 forms. There has also been an influx of 1099-K forms due to changes in reporting rules, which might cause some to delay filing until they have all necessary documents.
The IRS is dealing with operational disruptions, including a hiring freeze initiated by the White House and reported reviews by Elon Musk’s cost-cutting group. Despite early-season challenges, taxpayers are encouraged to file accurate returns promptly and to consult reliable sources for tax information.
