Latest IRS Refund Statistics
Fresh data from the IRS reveals that Americans' average tax refunds in the 2026 filing season have climbed significantly to $3,571 through March 20, marking a $350 or 10.9% rise from the $3,221 average at this point last year. Total refunds paid out now surpass $202 billion, a 12.9% increase over the $179 billion from the same period in 2025. The number of refunds issued stands at just over 56.7 million, up modestly by 1.8% or about 1 million from last year.
Filing Trends and Pace
The overall filing season moves at a slightly slower pace than last year, with 78.9 million returns received, down 0.9%, and 77.8 million processed, down 1.1%. More taxpayers are handling returns independently, with self-prepared e-filings up 1.9% to over 37.8 million, while returns from tax professionals fell 1% to 39.7 million. The deadline for 2025 tax year returns is April 15, with extensions available if estimated payments are made.
Direct Deposit and Payment Shifts
- Direct deposit refunds up 6.5% to 57.3 million, averaging $3,561 (up 8.4%).
- Total direct deposit amount increased 15.5% to nearly $204 billion.
- IRS phasing out paper checks, favoring direct deposit, prepaid cards, or digital wallets for those without bank accounts.
Website Traffic and Tax Law Impacts
IRS.gov saw a 55.6% surge in visits to over 380 million from 244 million last year. Changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Donald Trump, including deductions for tips, overtime, seniors, auto loan interest, and new Trump Accounts for newborns, likely drive the increase.
