As the April 15, 2025, tax deadline approaches in the United States, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has already processed over 100.3 million tax returns. With just a few hours left for most Americans to file their federal taxes, the tax season is in full swing, and millions have already received their refunds.
So far, more than 67 million refunds have been issued, adding up to over $210 billion in total returns. The average refund this year has also gone up by 3.5% compared to last year, showing a positive trend for many taxpayers.
IRS 2025 Tax Season Snapshot
Here’s a quick look at how things are shaping up this year:
- Total returns received: 101.4 million
- Returns processed: 100.3 million (up 0.2% from 2024)
- Filed electronically: 98.1 million (99% of all returns)
- 53.3 million by tax professionals
- 44.7 million self-prepared
- Paper returns: Only 2.1 million filed
The IRS says it is handling most returns efficiently, with 9 out of 10 refunds processed in under 3 weeks, especially for error-free electronic filings. However, if you file by paper or submit returns with mistakes, you may have to wait up to 6 months for your refund.
Tax Filing Deadline and Extension Info
The standard tax filing deadline is April 15, 2025. However, residents in disaster-affected states like California and Maine may have extensions.
If you need more time to file, you can request a filing extension until October 15. But remember — you still need to pay any taxes owed by April 15, or you might face penalties or interest.
The IRS also offers online payment plans for tax debts above $10,000, with flexible repayment options lasting up to 72 months.
Where Are the Highest Refunds Coming From?
Refund amounts vary by state, and this year, some states are leading with significantly higher-than-average refunds.
Top states by average refund:
- Florida: $3,852
- Texas: $3,774
- Wyoming: $3,720
- Nevada: $3,643
- Louisiana: $3,577
The national average refund is currently $3,164. On the other hand, New England and Northeast states are seeing refunds about 12% lower than the national average. Experts say this could be due to differences in income levels, state tax credits, and access to tax advisors.
How to Track Your IRS Refund
If you’ve already filed and are waiting for your refund, the IRS recommends using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool, available at irs.gov or through the IRS2Go mobile app.
To avoid delays or mistakes, the IRS also suggests:
- Reviewing its “essential cheat sheet”
- Using trusted software like TurboTax or H&R Block, which are among the best-rated for 2025