As the deadline for filing federal tax returns quickly approaches, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has already processed over 100.3 million returns. This year’s tax season has shown promising signs of growth, with the IRS reporting 67 million refunds issued by April 4, 2025, totaling more than $210 billion.
The overall tax season appears to be progressing smoothly, with the average refund amount up by 3.5% compared to the previous year.
IRS Progress in Processing Returns
The IRS has reported steady progress in processing tax returns. As of the tenth week of the 2025 tax season, the agency has processed 100.3 million returns, a 0.2% increase from the same period last year. Of the total returns received, 99% were filed electronically, reflecting the growing preference for e-filing among taxpayers.
Approximately 98.1 million returns were submitted digitally, with 53.3 million filed by tax professionals and 44.7 million by individuals who self-prepared their returns.
Despite the growing volume of returns, the IRS maintains an average processing time of 21 days for error-free electronic filings. However, paper returns or those with discrepancies could take up to six months to process. The IRS has emphasized that 9 out of 10 refunds are issued in less than three weeks, underscoring the efficiency of the electronic filing system.
State Variations in Refund Amounts
Refund amounts can vary significantly across different states. Florida leads the nation with the highest average refund of $3,852, followed by Texas at $3,774 and Wyoming at $3,720. Other states such as Nevada and Louisiana also feature higher-than-average refunds, with amounts surpassing the national average of $3,164.
Conversely, states in the Northeast and New England regions show average refunds that are about 12% lower than the national average. Factors contributing to these differences include state tax credits, income profiles, and access to tax preparation services.
Extensions and Deadlines for Filing
For most taxpayers, the general deadline to file is April 15, 2025. However, if you live in a state affected by natural disasters, such as California or Maine, you may be eligible for an extension. Those who need more time to file can request an extension, giving them until October 15, 2025, to submit their returns.
It’s important to remember that while you may be granted an extension to file, any taxes owed must still be paid by the original April 15 deadline to avoid penalties.
Tracking Your Refund: “Where’s My Refund?”
For those wondering about the status of their refunds, the IRS offers a tool called “Where’s My Refund?”. This can be accessed on the IRS portal or through the IRS2Go app. The tool allows taxpayers to track the status of their refund and provides updates on whether their refund has been processed or is still pending.
Additionally, the IRS recommends reviewing its “Essential Cheat Sheet” to avoid common filing mistakes. It also encourages utilizing tax software platforms like TurboTax or H&R Block, which have been rated among the best options for tax filing in 2025.
Payment Plans for Tax Debts Over $10,000
If you owe more than $10,000 in taxes and need assistance, the IRS offers online payment plans that allow you to settle your debt in installments over a period of up to 72 months. This option provides flexibility for taxpayers facing financial difficulties and helps them avoid penalties and interest on unpaid taxes.
The 2025 tax season has been marked by efficient processing, with millions of refunds already issued. With April 15 fast approaching as the filing deadline, taxpayers should ensure they submit their returns on time or request an extension if necessary.
By filing electronically and using resources like the “Where’s My Refund?” tool, taxpayers can ensure a smooth process and avoid common filing mistakes. For those with significant tax debts, the IRS’s online payment plans offer a helpful solution.
