Overview
- As of Feb. 20, the IRS reports an average refund of $3,804, up 10.2% from the same point last year.
- Roughly $109 billion has been refunded so far, a 6.9% increase year over year, while total returns processed are down about 2.4%.
- Refunds that include the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit were held until mid-February under the PATH Act, with most error‑free direct‑deposit payments slated for release by March 2.
- Early direct‑deposit refunds began arriving Feb. 6, and the first paper checks were mailed around Feb. 13.
- The IRS directs taxpayers to the Where’s My Refund tool for status updates, noting that mailed checks, returns with errors, or identity verification requests can take longer.