The last day to claim an IRS tax refund will be April 15, 2025. Bear in mind that it is mandatory to pay any tax liability before the due date. If you do not pay on time, you may have to face a fee or penalty. Therefore, you will need to pay interest and it will be negative for your finances. Before this happens, pay all your taxes or agree to a payment plan (which may also have interest).
The good news is that both average refund amounts and direct deposit refund amounts are higher in 2025. One of the reasons why this may be possible is because the IRS has updated some tax credit amounts. So, this may have pushed up amounts. What is more, the Agency has also delivered more money than in 2024. A total of $195.189 billion has been refunded, up from $185.641 billion.
IRS average refund amounts and deposits
As of March 28, 2025, the average refund amount has increased by 3.9% if compared to the amount on March 29, 2024. A taxpayer can receive on average $3,170, up from the lower amount of $3,050 in 2024. The average direct deposit amount is $3,236 in 2025. It is true that average payments are becoming closer to the 2024 amounts but they are still considerably higher.
If you are receiving this year an average direct deposit, it is about $66 more than an average refund payment. To make sure you make the most of your 2024 tax return, check your tax credit eligibility.
The IRS offers a great deal of tax credits like the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit), the Child Tax Credit, or even the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. Hire a tax professional to get rid of this tax paperwork or look for help if you qualify for VITA or TCE.
IRS payment schedule
Checklist to see if you may receive your tax refund payment within 21 days after filing:
- you filed your 2024 return
- you signed it
- you dated it
- you made no mistakes or errors
- it is both complete and accurate
- you requested direct deposit
- you opted for IRS electronic filing
Possible IRS paydays:
- Payment of tax refunds on April 11: if you filed your 2024 return on March 21, 2025
- Payment of tax refunds on April 12: if you filed your 2024 return on March 22, 2025
- Payment of tax refunds on April 13: if you filed your 2024 return on March 23, 2025
- Payment of tax refunds on April 14: if you filed your 2024 return on March 24, 2025
- Payment of tax refunds on April 15: if you filed your 2024 return on March 25, 2025
- Payment of tax refunds on April 16: if you filed your 2024 return on March 26, 2025
- Payment of tax refunds on April 17: if you filed your 2024 return on March 27, 2025
- Payment of tax refunds on April 18: if you filed your 2024 return on March 28, 2025
- Payment of tax refunds on April 19: if you filed your 2024 return on March 29, 2025
- Payment of tax refunds on April 20: if you filed your 2024 return on March 30, 2025
- Payment of tax refunds on April 21: if you filed your 2024 return on March 31, 2025