Every year, April 15 is called Tax Day in the United States. It’s the deadline to file your income tax returns. This year, many Americans are getting some good news — the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) has started sending tax refunds, and the average amount is around $2,600. That’s a helpful boost for many families, especially now when prices for groceries, rent, and gas are rising fast.
Let’s break down what’s going on and what you should know if you still haven’t filed your taxes.
What Is a Tax Refund?
A tax refund is money the government gives back to you if you paid more tax than you owed during the year. It’s basically your money being returned. Many people look forward to this every year.
IRS Sends Out Over $162 Billion in Refunds
So far in 2025, the IRS has refunded $162.99 billion to Americans. That’s a 6.7% increase from last year. About 70 million people have already filed their taxes.
And guess what? Most of this money was sent through direct deposit — straight to people’s bank accounts. The amount sent this way was over $160.91 billion, showing that digital banking is now more popular than ever.
How Much Is the Average Refund?
On average, people are getting back $2,600, which is 4.8% more than last year. That’s a nice amount, especially during these hard times with high prices and ongoing economic struggles.
Who Can Use the IRS Free Filing Program?
If you made less than $73,000 in 2024, you can use the IRS Free File program. It helps you file your taxes without paying for tax software or a professional.
When Will My Refund Arrive?
If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, your refund can arrive within 21 days. Below is a quick timeline of when you might get your refund if you filed on a certain date:
- March 10 → March 31
- March 11 → April 1
- March 12 → April 2
- March 13 → April 3
- March 14 → April 4
- March 15 → April 5
- March 16 → April 6
- March 17 → April 7
- March 18 → April 8
- March 19 → April 9
- March 20 → April 10
- March 21 → April 11
- March 22 → April 12
- March 23 → April 13
- March 24 → April 14
- March 25 → April 15
What If You Miss the April 15 Deadline?
Don’t panic. If you miss the April 15 deadline, the IRS may charge you a penalty for not paying on time. It’s 0.5% of what you owe each month, and it can go up to 25% of your total unpaid taxes.
So it’s better to file as soon as possible—even if you can’t pay everything right now.
How to Get Your Refund Faster
Here are three easy tips:
- File electronically – It’s faster and more accurate.
- Use direct deposit – It’s the quickest way to get your refund.
- Double-check your information – Mistakes can delay your refund.
Conclusion
Tax Day is here, and millions of Americans are already seeing extra cash in their bank accounts, thanks to IRS refunds averaging $2,600. If you haven’t filed yet, don’t wait! Filing your taxes on time and choosing direct deposit can get you your refund faster and help avoid late penalties. With rising living costs, that money could come in handy.
Always keep track of your paperwork and use the tools the IRS offers—especially if you qualify for free filing. A little action today could mean a big reward in a few weeks.
