According to the IRS, more than 70 million taxpayers in the United States had completed their tax returns by March 14, 2025. Despite this significant number, returns are 1.7% lower than in the same period of 2024.
One of the season’s highlights is the increase in refunds, which provides relief to many citizens in the face of inflation. To date, the IRS has refunded more than $162.992 billion, a 6.7% increase from the previous year. Of this total, $160.919 billion has been sent via direct deposits, a 6.8% increase from 2024.
How much money does each taxpayer get on average?
According to IRS statistics, the average refund received by taxpayers via direct deposit as of March 14 is $3,330, or 4.8% more than the previous year. However, the amount varies by case, with some individuals receiving anywhere from $2,600 to more.
Overall, the average refund for the 2025 tax season is $3,271, representing a 5.2% increase from 2024. Many citizens who are affected by inflation and rising living costs will benefit from this increase in payments.
Although the number of returns has decreased, the amount of money received by taxpayers remains the same. What has decreased is the number of people who have visited the IRS website or used tax professionals to file their returns.
Estimated dates for IRS direct deposits
Refund processing time depends on several factors. Those taxpayers who have met these three requirements may get their money in 21 days or less:
- Have filed electronically.
- Have applied for a refund by direct deposit.
- Have submitted a complete, error-free return.
If the IRS requires an additional review, the deposit may take longer. To find the exact date of the refund, taxpayers can use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website.
The IRS determines an estimated direct deposit schedule based on the return’s mailing date:
Filing Date → Estimated Deposit Date
✔ March 3 → March 24
✔ March 4 → March 25
✔ March 5 → March 26
✔ March 6 → March 27
✔ March 7 → March 28
✔ March 8 → March 29
✔ March 9 → March 30.
For those who have not yet filed their returns, doing so electronically and requesting direct deposit remains the best option for receiving the money in the shortest amount of time.
