Average IRS Refund Hits $2,945 – Check If You’re On The List For Next Week
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that the average federal tax refund for the 2025 tax season has increased to $2,945, up from $2,852 in 2024. This rise is attributed to inflation-related adjustments, including increased standard deductions and widened tax brackets .
Taxpayers who filed their 2024 income taxes (due in 2025) and opted for direct deposit can expect their refunds as early as the week of May 19–25, 2025, provided their returns were accepted by the Internal Revenue Service ( by May 5, 2025.
IRS Refund Statistics for 2025
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Refund Amount | $2,852 | $2,945 | +3.3% |
| Total Refunds Issued | 91.36 million | 90.22 million | -1.3% |
| Total Amount Refunded | $260.56 billion | $265.65 billion | +2.0% |
| Average Direct Deposit Refund | $2,945 | $3,023 | +2.7% |
Source: IRS Filing Season Statistics for Week Ending April 25, 2025
Factors Affecting Refund Timing
Several factors can influence the timing of your tax refund:
- Filing Method: E-filing is faster than mailing a paper return.
- Refund Delivery Method: Direct deposits are quicker than paper checks.
- Return Complexity: Returns with multiple income streams or cryptocurrency transactions may take longer to process.
- Filing Date: Returns filed closer to the deadline (April 15) may experience delays due to processing backlogs.
Typically, the IRS processes refunds within 21 days of accepting a return. However, the acceptance of a return can take 24 to 72 hours after submission. Therefore, the refund timeline begins post-acceptance.
Who Will Receive Refunds May 19–25?
Taxpayers meeting the following criteria can expect their refunds during the week of May 19–25, 2025:
- E-filed their returns.
- Selected direct deposit as the refund method.
- Internal Revenue Service ( accepted their returns by May 5, 2025.
- Did not claim credits that typically delay processing, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).
- Filed accurate returns with no verification issues or errors.
Taxpayers who mailed their paper returns can expect their refunds by May 30, 2025.
Tools to Track Your Refund
The IRS provides tools to help taxpayers track their refund status:
- Where’s My Refund?: Available on IRS.gov and the IRS2Go mobile app, this tool allows you to check your refund status 24 hours after e-filing or four weeks after mailing a paper return. You’ll need:
- Your Social Security Number (or ITIN)
- Filing status
- Exact refund amount
- IRS2Go App: The official mobile app provides refund status updates, tax payment options, and free tax help resources.
Note: The Internal Revenue Service ( updates refund status information once daily, usually overnight.
Potential Delays
Certain situations may delay your refund:
- Incomplete or Inaccurate Returns: Errors or missing information can slow processing.
- Claiming EITC or ACTC: These credits require additional verification, delaying refunds until at least mid-February.
- Bank Processing Times: Delays can occur once the IRS sends the refund, depending on your bank’s processing times.
- Additional Documentation Requests: The Internal Revenue Service ( may contact you by mail if more information is needed.
The average Internal Revenue Service ( refund for the 2025 tax season has risen to $2,945, providing a financial boost to many taxpayers. If you’ve e-filed your return, selected direct deposit, and had your return accepted by May 5, 2025, you can anticipate receiving your refund between May 19 and May 25.
To monitor your refund status, utilize the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool or the IRS2Go app. Remember, accurate and timely filing, along with choosing direct deposit, are key to expediting your refund.
FAQs
How can I check the status of my tax refund?
Use the Where’s My Refund? tool on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app. You’ll need your Social Security Number (or ITIN), filing status, and the exact refund amount.
What should I do if it’s been more than 21 days since I filed and I haven’t received my refund?
First, check your refund status using the IRS tools mentioned above. If there’s no update, ensure your return was accepted and that there are no errors or issues requiring additional documentation.
Will claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit delay my refund?
Yes, claiming the EITC or ACTC can delay your refund due to additional verification processes. The IRS typically issues these refunds by mid-February.