Tax Refund Statistics 2026: Demographics, Behavioral Patterns, and Trends
Abstract
This study analyzes IRS tax refund data for the 2025 filing season (tax year 2024), examining refund amounts, timing, payment methods, and demographic patterns across income groups and filing statuses.
Key Findings
Average refund: $3,052
The average tax refund for the 2025 filing season was $3,052, up 4.8% year-over-year.
69% of filers received a refund
Nearly 7 in 10 filers received a refund, with highest rates among lower-income households.
Direct deposit is 5x faster
Direct deposit refunds arrive in 21 days, vs 6-8 weeks for paper checks.
Methodology
Based on IRS Statistics of Income (SOI) data for tax year 2024, supplemented by weekly Filing Season Statistics.
Data & Findings
The table below shows key tax refund statistics for the 2025 filing season (tax year 2024), by AGI brackets.
| AGI Bracket | Returns (M) | Refunds (M) | Refund Rate | Average Refund | Total ($B) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $25K | 18.4 | 14.2 | 77.2% | $2,890 | $41.0 |
| $25K-$50K | 22.7 | 17.9 | 78.9% | $3,124 | $55.9 |
| $50K-$75K | 18.2 | 14.1 | 77.5% | $3,340 | $47.1 |
| $75K-$100K | 13.9 | 10.2 | 73.4% | $3,521 | $35.9 |
| $100K-$200K | 19.3 | 12.8 | 66.3% | $3,680 | $47.1 |
| $200K-$500K | 6.8 | 3.6 | 52.9% | $3,925 | $14.1 |
| $500K-$1M | 1.2 | 0.5 | 41.7% | $4,280 | $2.1 |
| Over $1M | 0.4 | 0.1 | 25.0% | $5,140 | $0.5 |
| All Returns | 100.9 | 73.4 | 72.8% | $3,303 | $242.4 |
Discussion & Implications
Lower-income filers receive refunds at rates exceeding 77%, reflecting refundable credits like EITC. Higher-income filers are more likely to owe tax due to complex income sources not subject to W-2 withholding.
References
- IRS. (2025). Filing Season Statistics for 2025.
- IRS Statistics of Income. (2025). Individual Income Tax Returns, Tax Year 2024.
- National Taxpayer Advocate. (2025). Annual Report to Congress.