As we get to 2025’s peak tax season, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is letting us know that the average tax refund has soared to $3,271, which on time has brought relief to millions of Americans’ financial wellness. First reports gave us the idea of the average refund to be around $2,250, but the new data of the IRS shows that the national average is higher, by 5.2% for the 2024 tax season than the previous one.
According to the IRS, millions of these taxpayers have been getting their last year’s refund for a month now, with a million more expected in the upcoming weeks.
Average Refund Higher Than Expected in 2025
In the report released by the IRS on March 14, 2025, they reported that the average refund amount for the year is $3,271, which is almost $150 more than the previous year. This increase is caused by the adjustment of the credits for inflation, better processing systems, and a wider reach of the program to eligible taxpayers.
To households, a refund like this is an important boost for their financial status,
IRS Refund Schedule — When Will You Get Paid?
The IRS will stick to its 21-day time frame to process e-filed returns. Taxpayers who filed in February or the beginning of March already have the money in their bank accounts.
Here is a general timeline based on typical filing dates:
| Date Filed | Estimated Refund Date (Direct Deposit) |
|---|---|
| February 24 | March 17 |
| March 1 | March 23 |
| March 7 | March 29 |
| March 15 | April 5 |
| March 31 | April 21 |
Consider these are just an estimation as factual dates might be different for each filer, depending on the banking institution used, filing status, and whether an additional review was required for the tax return.
Direct Deposit or Paper Check?
All taxpayers are supported by the IRS in choosing the direct deposit method, as this is the quickest and most secure way to receive their funds. Nevertheless, taxpayers who opted for a paper check will face slower windfalls which may be as long as 7 to 10 business days longer than those who selected direct deposit.
Refunds will be issued if there are no errors in the return forms or there is no request for additional verification, within 21 days.
Why Some Breaks Can Be Delayed
Very many U.S. citizens are currently getting money back; however, the IRS cautions that certain typical issues can disrupt the process:
- Submitting wrong or incomplete information
- Claiming credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) which need further verification
- Another e-file process which may be under identity verification surveillance
- Errors in the bank details
Taxpayers can easily check where their refund is in the process using the tool “Where’s My Refund” which is found online on the IRS website.
IRS Advises Taxpayers to File in Advance and Correctly
With the 15th of April, 2025, only a week away, the IRS is advising the citizens of the U.S. to file the tax as fast as it is possible. Timely and correct filing guarantees faster transaction and the safe arrival of the refund.
It is also brought to notice by the IRS to the taxpayers that requesting for an extension of time does not put off the dates of problems’ payment. You must first try to pay all the taxes owed by the deadline of April 15 otherwise penalties and interest will be imposed.
One Last Point to Faster Refunds
The IRS suggests the following as a way to make your refund procedure problem-free:
- Use e-file for your return
- Pick direct deposit of payment
- Find out the common mistakes on your return before you file it
- See if you qualify for IRS Free File program and use it
