The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) manages tax refunds as part of the annual fiscal pattern in the United States. These refunds represent the return of money overpaid by taxpayers. Its calculation depends on factors such as withholdings, tax credits and real obligations, among other variables.
A tax refund occurs when the total paid exceeds the annual tax liability. This can occur due to excessive withholdings on payrolls, application of tax credits or estimated payments greater than what is owed. The IRS returns the difference after processing the return.
The IRS encourages American taxpayers and legal residents to claim their refunds, because it is money that legally belongs to them.
Average amounts of the 2025 tax refunds
During the 2024 tax season, the average refund was $3,011, representing a 38.2% increase compared to the same period last year, according to IRS data available on its official website.
These figures reflect national averages, but individual amounts vary depending on income, deductions and changes in personal situation. The IRS warns that delays or adjustments may occur if there are errors on the returns.
The amount that each taxpayer receives depends on several factors: Variations in income, such as salary increases or decreases, directly impact the refund. Events such as marriage, births or home purchases also modify tax obligations.
Eligibility for credits and deductions, such as the child credit or educational expenses, is another relevant factor. Loss of tax benefits or new obligations may reduce the final amount.
Process to receive tax refund
The process begins with the presentation of the declaration, preferably electronic to speed up the process. The IRS reviews the data, checks for inconsistencies, and calculates the refund.
The money is then sent via direct deposit or mail. “Filing electronically and opting for direct deposit speeds up receipt,” says the official taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov portal.
Electronic returns with direct deposit are typically processed in less than 21 days. Those sent in paper can take up to six weeks, depending on the workload of the IRS.
Errors in documents or additional verification delay the process. “Calling the IRS will not speed up the refund,” warns the entity, since the times depend on the complexity of each case.
Where’s My Refund?
The “Where’s my refund?” tool on the IRS website allows you to monitor the status with the Social Security number, marital status and exact expected amount. The IRS2Go app offers the same functions. Both systems are updated daily, but only display information once the return has been processed.
Lower-than-expected refunds may be due to IRS corrections or deductions for debts such as child support. “Review IRS notifications explains these adjustments,” indicates its portal.
Long delays are often linked to fraud or errors. Contacting the IRS through its official line or certified mail is the recommended step to clarify situations.