Tax Refunds: Early Returns Are In, and Refunds Are Higher This Year (So Far)
Written by
Vance Cariaga
Edited by
Daria Uhlig
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Any good news from the IRS is welcome these days, and the agency provided some last week. As of mid-February, it was ahead of last year’s pace both in terms of processing returns and the refund amounts it has issued.
The average refund this tax season was $3,590 through Feb. 18, 2022, the IRS reported — up 23% from $2,920 during a similar period last year. The total number of refunds grew 33% to 22.1 million, while the total number of direct deposit refunds increased 36% to 21.8 million.
The total number of returns received was up 3.5% to 35.9 million, and the total number of returns processed had risen 12% to 33.5 million — a key stat, considering that the IRS has been playing catch-up on a huge backlog of unprocessed returns for much of the past year.
The average refund amount surprised experts who expect lower refunds this year for families who received the advance child tax credit, borrowers who paused student loan payments and investors with large mutual fund payouts, CNBC reported.
Of course, it’s still early. The 2022 filing season began on Jan. 24, and there were still two months to go when the data were compiled. The tax season is scheduled to end on April 18. The average refund amount might come down as more returns are processed. As GOBankingRates previously reported, more than 160 million individual tax returns for the 2021 tax year are expected to be filed.
It should also be noted that last year’s tax season got off to a late start due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 filing season began Feb. 12, 2021, the IRS said, and the filing deadline was May 17, 2021.
The IRS issues most refunds within 21 days of returns being filed, but you could face a delay if you file a paper return instead of an online return, and if you have inaccurate information on the return.
“We urge extra attention to those who received an economic impact payment or an advance child tax credit last year,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a statement. “People should make sure they report the correct amount on their tax return to avoid delays.”
More From GOBankingRates
