US Tax Season Update: Over 100 Million Tax Returns Already Processed
As the tax filing deadline in the United States comes close, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has already handled more than 100.3 million tax returns. This shows that most people have been quick to file their returns before the April 15 deadline. So far, around 67 million people have received their tax refunds, and the total amount paid out is over $210 billion.
The IRS has also shared some good news – the average refund amount has gone up by 3.5% compared to last year. This means that people are getting a bit more money back from their taxes this year. However, those living in states hit by natural disasters, like California and Maine, are allowed more time to file their returns.
Most of the tax returns – about 99% – were filed electronically. The IRS expects the total number of returns this year to be about the same as last year, even though there’s been a slight drop of 0.4% in the number of returns received so far.
Progress of Tax Return Processing
According to the IRS’s weekly update, by the tenth week of 2025, a total of 100.3 million tax returns have been processed, which is 0.2% more than this time last year. Out of the 101.4 million returns received, 98.1 million were submitted online. These include 53.3 million filed by tax professionals and 44.7 million done by individuals themselves. Only 2.1 million were submitted using paper forms.
For error-free electronic filings, the average processing time is around 21 days. However, if someone sends a paper form or makes mistakes in their return, it could take up to 6 months for the IRS to process it. Still, the IRS says that 9 out of 10 people get their refunds within three weeks.
States with Highest Tax Refunds
The size of the tax refund also depends on where you live. Florida leads the list with an average refund of $3,852. Texas is next with $3,774, followed by Wyoming at $3,720. Nevada and Louisiana are also among the top five states with high average refunds. All of these are above the national average refund, which stands at $3,164.
On the other hand, people in the New England and Northeast regions are getting lower refunds – about 12% less than the average. This is mainly because of things like different state tax rules, the income level of people in those areas, and how easily they can get tax help. Louisiana is also worth mentioning because it has a 73% refund rate, which is the third highest in the country.
How to Track Your Refund
To check the status of your tax refund, the IRS suggests using their “Where’s My Refund?” tool. You can access this through the IRS website or the IRS2Go mobile app. They also advise using a helpful “cheat sheet” to avoid common filing errors. For those using tax software, services like TurboTax and H&R Block are recommended, as they are among the top-rated tools for 2025.
If someone needs more time to file their return, they can request an extension, giving them until October 15. But remember, any taxes you owe still need to be paid before the April 15 deadline to avoid fines. The IRS also offers payment plans online for those who owe more than $10,000. These plans can stretch up to 72 months, helping people pay off their dues in smaller amounts over time.
the IRS is working efficiently this tax season, with most people choosing the faster and safer electronic filing option. Refunds are being processed on time, with many taxpayers receiving slightly higher amounts than last year. For the best experience, file early, check for errors, and use official tools or trusted tax software.
