Tue Feb 18 09:40:00 UTC 2025: **IRS Processes Millions of Tax Returns, Issues Refunds Early in Filing Season**

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced a busy start to the 2025 tax filing season. As of January 31st, the agency received over 13 million tax returns and issued more than 3 million refunds, totaling billions of dollars. The average refund for the 2024 tax year (2023 returns) was $3,138, according to IRS data.

Taxpayers receiving large refunds may be having too much tax withheld from their paychecks. The IRS encourages taxpayers to adjust their W-4 forms to ensure accurate withholding. The agency provides a “Tax Withholding Estimator” tool to help taxpayers determine the correct amount. Refunds typically take up to 21 days for online filers and four weeks or more for mailed returns. Taxpayers can track their refund status online using the IRS’ “Where’s My Refund?” tool or by phone. For amended returns, a separate hotline is available. The IRS reminds taxpayers they have three years to claim a refund. Direct deposit is available for faster refund processing.

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