The average IRS tax refund is running nearly 11% higher than it was at the same point a year ago, according to filing-season data reported by Fox Business. For households that count on that check, a double-digit jump can mean real money back in the bank.
The headline figure comes from the IRS’s own filing statistics. Fox Business highlighted the roughly 11% year-over-year increase in the average refund, though the specific dollar amounts behind that percentage were not included in the material available for this report.
What the IRS tax refund data actually shows
The core fact is straightforward: the average refund is up close to 11% compared with the same stage of the prior filing season. That is a comparison of averages at a similar point in the year, not a promise about what any individual filer will receive.
Because only the percentage change was reported, the exact average refund amounts for this year and last year are not specified here. Readers who want the precise dollar figures should check the IRS filing-season statistics directly.
Why is the average refund higher this year?
The source material does not spell out the reasons behind the increase, so any single explanation would be guesswork. Refund averages can shift for several ordinary reasons, however, including:
- Inflation adjustments: The IRS updates tax brackets, the standard deduction, and various credits each year, which can change how much tax people owe.
- Withholding levels: If more tax was withheld from paychecks than was ultimately owed, refunds grow.
- Credit eligibility: Changes in who qualifies for credits, or in the amounts, can move the average up or down.
- Timing of returns: Early filers often differ from later filers, so averages can shift as the season progresses.
Because the reported data reflects a snapshot in time, the final average for the full season could look different once all returns are processed.
What does a bigger average refund mean for me?
A higher average across all filers does not guarantee a larger refund for you personally. Your refund depends on your income, withholding, deductions, and the credits you claim.
For example, if your paycheck withholding stayed roughly the same as last year and your income and deductions did not change much, your refund may look similar to before, even while the national average climbs. On the other hand, if you became eligible for a new credit or had extra tax withheld, your own refund could rise more than the average.
How do I check the status of my tax refund?
The IRS runs a free online tracker so filers can follow their refund. To use it, you generally need three things ready:
- Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- Your filing status, such as single or married filing jointly.
- The exact refund amount shown on your return.
The “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov updates once per day, so checking repeatedly within the same day will not show new information. The IRS also offers refund status through its official mobile app.
When will my refund arrive?
The reported data covers refund averages, not a promise about processing speed for any single return. In general, the IRS says electronically filed returns with direct deposit tend to be processed faster than paper returns. Returns that claim certain credits, or that need extra review, can take longer.
If your refund is delayed, the online tracker is the most reliable place to see where your return stands rather than calling, since phone lines are often busy during filing season.
Where to verify the numbers
This report is based on IRS filing-season data as covered by Fox Business. For the underlying figures, the IRS publishes weekly filing-season statistics on its official website, IRS.gov, including the number of returns received, returns processed, and average refund amounts.
Because averages move week to week during the season, the nearly 11% increase reflects the point in time when the data was reported. Anyone comparing their own refund to the headline should treat it as a broad trend, not a personal benchmark.
