The IRS has already issued over 43 million tax refunds totaling $135.3 billion, with an average refund of $3,145. However, this average could change as more returns are filed. The IRS encourages taxpayers to check their refund status using the "Where's My Refund?" tool online. Despite the early refunds, only about half of the expected returns have been received, and filing for an extension can push the deadline to October 15th.
The IRS' Direct File program, which offers free tax filing, is now available in 12 pilot states. An estimated 19 million taxpayers are eligible this season, with filing limited to simple tax situations like W-2 income and standard deductions. While Direct File is only available in certain states, most taxpayers can use IRS Free File, which has even wider eligibility criteria and allows for both electronic filings and printable forms.
