IRS Sends Out $211 Billion in Refunds as 2025 Filing Season Wraps Up – Check If You’re Included

Washington, D.C. – April 15, 2025 — As the 2025 federal tax filing season comes to a close today, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that it has already issued over $211 billion in refunds to taxpayers across the country.

With millions of returns filed and the final deadline looming, taxpayers are being urged to file their taxes immediately and ensure they don’t miss out on available refunds.

Record-High Refund Activity in 2025

According to the IRS’s latest statistics, approximately 67.7 million tax refunds have been processed as of the week ending April 4. This marks a 1.4% increase from the same point during last year’s filing season.

The average refund amount issued this year has also climbed, currently standing at $3,116, which is a 3.5% increase from the 2024 average of $3,011. For many households, these refunds serve as a critical source of financial relief.

Additionally, 64.7 million of the refunds were sent via direct deposit, totaling $206.3 billion. The average refund for those choosing direct deposit was slightly higher—$3,186.

“We continue to encourage taxpayers to file electronically and choose direct deposit for the fastest, safest way to get their refunds,” the IRS stated.

Final Deadline Is Today, April 15

Today marks the official deadline for submitting federal income tax returns for the 2024 tax year. Any taxpayer who misses the April 15 deadline without filing for an extension may be subject to penalties and interest.

To avoid issues, the IRS recommends using their Free File tool, which is available to eligible filers, particularly those with incomes below $79,000.

Taxpayers can also track their refund status through the “Where’s My Refund?” online tool, which updates daily and allows you to see your status within 24 hours of e-filing.

Over $1 Billion in Refunds Still Unclaimed from 2021

In addition to this year’s refunds, the IRS has raised concerns that more than 1.1 million Americans still haven’t claimed their refunds for Tax Year 2021, which could be worth more than $1 billion collectively.

The deadline to file a return and claim a refund for 2021 is also April 15, 2025. If the returns aren’t filed in time, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury.

“We want taxpayers to claim the refunds they’re entitled to, especially with the Recovery Rebate Credits and other COVID-era benefits still available,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel.

This includes those who didn’t receive the full third stimulus payment or qualify for additional Child Tax Credits during the pandemic.

How to File or Request an Extension

For those unable to file by the April 15 deadline, an automatic extension request can be submitted online via IRS Free File. However, it’s important to note that this only extends the time to file, not the time to pay any taxes owed.

The extension grants taxpayers until October 15, 2025, to file their returns. To avoid penalties, any estimated tax due should still be paid by April 15.

Final Thoughts

With today being the last opportunity to file for both the 2024 tax year and unclaimed 2021 refunds, taxpayers are urged not to delay.

With over $211 billion already disbursed and more potentially left unclaimed, the IRS emphasizes the importance of timely filing to secure your refund and avoid financial penalties.

Whether you’re still waiting on your payment or need to take action on a past return, use the IRS’s digital tools to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table.

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