Results of the Past Five Years’ Tax Filing Seasons

Here is a snapshot of recent filing seasons based on IRS data:

* “Returns processed” includes all federal returns and forms (individual, business, etc.)

What These Numbers Tell Us — Five Key Trends

1. Refunds Remain a Major IRS Payout — Hundreds of Billions Each Year

Over the last several years, the IRS has consistently issued hundreds of billions of dollars back to taxpayers. For example, about $211 billion was refunded in 2025 alone. That’s not pocket change — it’s part of why many Americans rely on refunds as a major piece of their annual financial planning.

2. Average Refunds Are Relatively Stable (~$3,000–$3,100)

Across recent seasons, the typical refund has hovered between about $3,000 and $3,200. In 2025, the average was roughly $3,116.
That’s a helpful benchmark if you’re trying to predict or compare what you might get back compared to the national norm.

3. Direct Deposit Is Dominant — And Likely Increases Speed

Most refunds are delivered via direct deposit. In 2025, roughly 64.7 million of the 67.7 million refunds went direct deposit, totaling $206.255 billion.
Direct deposit remains the fastest, safest refund delivery method.

4. E-Filing Is the Standard for Most Americans

The majority of individual returns (over 90%) are filed electronically. According to FY 2024 data, electronic filing accounted for 93.3% of individual returns.
E-filing helps ensure faster processing and fewer errors — a strong case for skipping paper returns if possible.

5. Filing Volume and Refund Totals Fluctuate — Reflecting Economic, Policy, and Demographic Shifts

Total returns processed, refunds issued, and total refund dollars can shift from year to year — sometimes in response to tax law changes, economic conditions, or shifts in income and withholding.
For instance, some years’ refund totals and average refund amounts rise slightly — showing that refunds remain a critical financial resource for many households.

Why It Matters for You

• Benchmarking: Knowing the average refund and nationwide totals helps you compare your own expected refund with national trends.
• Planning: Understanding how many people get refunds, and the typical timing/amount, helps you anticipate when and how to use your refund.
• Filing Method Matters: E-file + direct deposit remains the quickest way to get your refund — consistently across multiple years.
• Policy & Income Shifts Affect Everyone: Because annual refund trends can shift depending on tax laws, credits, withholding changes, and income levels, it’s wise to review your own situation each year rather than rely on last year’s refund.

What’s Not in the Numbers — and What You Should Watch For

• Wide Variance: The “average refund” masks a wide range — some people get hundreds, others thousands or tens of thousands depending on deductions, credits, withholding, and income.
• Refunds vs. Refundable Credits: Refund totals include non-refundable credits and withholdings. The data doesn’t show how many refunds were driven by refundable credits vs. withheld income.
• Delays & Audits: These stats count processed refunds — they don’t show how many returns were delayed, audited, or held for verification. Some taxpayers never see a refund because of freezes, audits, or offset for debts.
• Economic & Policy Effects: Recessions, unemployment spikes, legislative changes (new credits or deductions), and inflation all influence refund totals.

What To Watch For in 2025–2026 Filing Seasons

• New deductions or credits (if legislation passes) — may increase refund totals nationwide.
• Changes in withholding behavior — if more people under- or over-withhold, average refunds may shift.
• Continued growth of e-filing and direct deposit — driving faster refund processing.
• Greater use of IRS tools (transcripts, online account, etc.) — for transparency on refund status.
• Ongoing economic pressures — more families may depend on refunds for essential expenses.

The last five years show that for millions of Americans, the federal tax refund remains a crucial part of financial life. With hundreds of billions refunded annually, and average refunds of around $3,000, the system plays a key role in budgeting, debt payoff, education, and unexpected expenses.

If you plan carefully — optimize withholding, use e-filing and direct deposit, claim only credits you qualify for — you’re far more likely to receive your refund quickly and avoid surprises.