As the 2025 tax season draws to a close, many Americans are noticing a significant decrease in their tax refunds. With the IRS processing fewer returns and average refunds dropping by a third, taxpayers are left wondering about the impact of recent federal changes and administrative decisions.

The IRS said the average refund amount has increased by 7.5% this year, going from $3,213 in 2024 to $3,453 so far in 2025. The average direct deposit refund was also up by 7.1% from last year – at an average of $3,505. The IRS began accepting tax returns on January 27, 2025.

The 2025 tax season is already underway, and as the days go by, many taxpayers are anxiously awaiting the date when they will be able to receive their refunds from the Internal Rev