Tax refuses arriving in early files; What is the average amount?

On February 8, 2025By Littum

We are almost two weeks into the tax season. And early tax files will know one thing: “Where is my refund?” Many may ask that question because their tax return has not yet been processed.

Friday reported the internal income service that the agency has processed 15.8% fewer individual income tax returns During the first week of the tax season through 31 January Compared to the first week of the archiving season last year. Nearly 11.73 million returns were treated in the first week of the tax season 2025.

The IRS said it received 14% fewer returns during the first week of the tax season compared to last year.

This year, the IRS began accepting and processing e-archived tax returns for individuals who started January 27. Last year’s tax season started January 29, and the first week’s data ran through February 2nd.

Why the IRS says treatment numbers are down

The IRS essentially accused the calendar of why we saw such a large decrease in the percentage of returns received and treated. We will see what will happen in the coming weeks.

“Because many taxpayers were still waiting for important tax documents in late January, the IRS expects the tax returns to catch up in the following weeks,” the IRS said in a footnote with the filing seasonal statistics published Friday.

For example, employers have a period of 31 January each year to send W-2 forms reporting an employee’s income and detention. Many times, however, tax files are able to get some of this information online and avoid waiting for the documents to be sent in the mail.

IRS said it received nearly 13.18 million returns through 31 January, down 14% from same period last year.

In footnote on Friday, the IRS said, “Big percentage changes in filing seasonal numbers are usually seen at the beginning of each tax season.”

The IRS stated that figures tend to historically smooth out in the coming weeks as more tax returns will come.

Right now, however, there are some uncertainties about how smooth this tax season will go. Many changes are initiated by President Donald Trump and his administration. Just before the start of the tax season, for example, the White House launched an employment freezing at the IRS, which could be much longer than the employment of freezers facing other federal agencies.

About 3.23 million refunds were issued

Believe it or not, some tax fusions have already been sent, and maybe even used, even if the early data does not look good when it comes to return.

According to the first bit of the available data for the 2025 tax season, the IRS reported that the average refund was $ 1,928 for tax returns processed by January 31. It has risen 38.2% from an average of $ 1,395 during the first week of the tax season last year that ran through February 2, 2024.

The IRS issued 3.23 million reimbursement in the first week of the tax season 2025, which is up 23.5%.

At the same time, the IRS data showed that 3,285 million refunds were sent with direct deposit during the first week of this year, an increase of 24.2% from last year. The average reimbursement amount received with direct deposit was $ 2,069 – up 34.1% for the same timeframe last year.

The IRS noted that the total reimbursement of the issued reimbursement represents reimbursement for returns received and processed in 2025, which only reflects the current year’s return.

The number of refunds of direct deposits includes money for both the current and previous year that was processed in 2025, the IRS said, making the figure greater than the “total number of refunds” stated for the current year.

The IRS took a special step in issuing extra refund to 1 million people in December and January, as part of a stimulus -related collection program. Most of these people filed a tax return from 2021 three years ago, but somehow they skipped and claimed a much-talked about stimulus credit for a lot of money. Most likely they were not aware that they qualified. The money was sent to bank accounts and by check by mail, based on information that the IRS had on file.

The diagram issued on Friday afternoon did not state a total amount, often in billions of dollars, for all reimbursement issued through 31 January. Last year’s statistics showed that almost $ 3.65 billion in reimbursement had been issued through February 2, February 2, 2004.

Just a week of treasures news

Recognizes that only a week’s tax data does not give you much of a clue how well the rest of the tax season will go.

Last year, for example, the total number of reimbursement issued during the first week of the tax season had fallen 67.3%. Much of it was blamed for the change in kickoff dates for the archiving season.

The release season 2023 began on January 23, so the IRS had received a return for 12 days before February 3, 2023.

Why does average refund go up later in the season?

The average tax refund received during the first week of most tax seasons tends to be lower than the average reported later in the year. Why?

There is a simple explanation: Some very large refunds, such as those involving tax returns claiming the earned income tax, face the delays of law that require these reimbursement to be issued after mid -February.

The average refund of federal income tax in 2024 was $ 3,138 based on IRS data to December 27, dropped 0.9% from the same period in 2023.

When can you expect reimbursement cash?

The IRS issues most reimbursement of less than 21 days, especially when the return is filed electronically and the reimbursement must be made via direct deposit to a bank account. Some refund arrives even earlier than that.

If the IRS accepted your federal income tax on tax return on January 27, you can expect to receive a refund per February 7, if you archived the return and selected direct deposit. If you e-film but requested a paper check, you can expect the reimbursement check on February 14, just in time for Valentine’s Day, according to an estimate from CPA tax adviser that provides resources to tax professionals. These dates do not apply to all returns.

“Do not take these dates as accurate predictions as all taxpayers have different tax returns, documents, income and other situations,” according to CPA tax adviser.

A key factor to be considered is when the IRS “accepts” your return, which can be two days to three days after the day you submitted it electronically.

In general, tax experts say anyone can expect a refund for direct deposit already 10 days after the e-filled return is accepted by the IRS. It takes longer if you request a paper check.

If the IRS accepts your e-file tax return by February 10, according to CPA Advisors, the estimated date of receipt of Refund 21 is for direct deposit and February 28 for a paper check. Again, there are many exceptions.

If you claim the earned income tax credit or the extra tax credit for childcare, the IRS notes that you can expect to have your refund before March 3rd. It is, if you submit your return online, choose to get your refund with direct deposit and have no problems with your tax return.

Some taxpayers, the IRS said, may receive their income taxation a few days earlier. IRS “Where is my refund?” The tool is expected to show an updated status on February 22 for most early filers who claimed the earned income tax credit or the extra tax credit.

The IRS warns all taxpayers not to rely on receiving a refund after a fixed date, especially when making larger purchases or paying bills. Some returns require further review and take longer.

The deadline for filing returns is April 15 for most taxpayers, including those in Michigan.

Contact Personal Finance -Paltist Susan Toppor: [email protected]. Follow himR. at x @tompor.