The calendar is advancing and with it the deadline for filing tax returns in the United States. With less than a week to go before the April 15 deadline, more than 70 million taxpayers have already complied with this tax obligation. The figure, although impressive, represents a slight drop of 1.7% compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data shared by the IRS.
Even so, there is something that has improved with respect to the previous campaign: the amount of refunds. The IRS has already refunded more than $162.992 billion, which is an increase of 6.7% compared to 2024. Much of that money, specifically 160,919 million, has been sent via direct deposit, a method that continues to grow in popularity due to its speed and security.
At a time when inflation and the cost of living continue to put pressure on many households, this economic injection comes as a relief to millions of families. In addition, the average amount being refunded has also increased: those who have already received their direct deposit have collected an average of $3,330, 4.8% more than the previous year. But, as always, that amount can vary greatly depending on the personal situation of each taxpayer.
So you can get your refund by April 15th
Although the number of returns has fallen slightly, this has not affected the money being returned to those who have already submitted their forms. In fact, the overall average refund in this 2025 campaign is $3,271, which marks an increase of 5.2% over the previous year. These figures reflect an increase that is undoubtedly welcome in an economic context where every dollar counts.
For those who have not yet filed their return, it is still best to do so electronically and request direct deposit. This is the fastest way to get the money, provided that three basic conditions are met:
- You have filed your return electronically
- You have requested a refund by direct deposit
- You have submitted a complete and error-free return
If these requirements are met, the IRS estimates that the deposit can arrive in 21 days or less. In case an additional review is needed, the process could take a few more days. To find out the status of your refund, you can check the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website.
The IRS has also published an estimated timetable linking the date of submission with the day you could get your deposit:
- 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
Although many people have already got their refund, there is still time to act. Filing your return as soon as possible not only allows you to avoid penalties, but also to access your refund before the deadline. Remember: April 15th is the deadline, and the sooner you file your return, the sooner you will see that money in your account.