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Tax Returns and Processing Continue to Lag, IRS Web Visits See Sharp Decline
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With just a month left in the 2025 tax filing season, IRS data continues to show a slowdown in tax return submissions and processing. This trend has persisted since the season opened on January 27, 2025.
Despite expectations that over 140 million tax returns will be filed by April 15, filings, IRS website visits, and e-filing activity remain lower than last year.
Filing and Processing Numbers Show a Downward Trend
As of March 7, 2025, the IRS received 62.76 million tax returns, a 2.1% decline compared to March 8, 2024. Processing has also slowed, with 51.81 million returns completed, down 2.7% from the previous year.
Most returns were e-filed, but those too have dropped. The IRS has received 59.87 million e-filed returns, 2.1% lower than in 2024.
More Americans Are Filing Their Own Taxes
The share of self-prepared e-filed returns has increased to 52%, compared to 48% last year. The IRS Free File program remains available, but taxpayers should check for eligibility and state filing fees before using it.
The Direct File option, now available in 23 states, covers about 62% of the U.S. population and has expanded to support more income types, credits, and deductions in 2025.
IRS Web Traffic Drops by 44%
IRS.gov has seen a sharp decline in traffic, with 210.85 million visits as of March 7, a 44% drop from 2024.
This may be due to fewer IRS updates, as well as a shift toward third-party tax software and professional services instead of IRS.gov tools.
Tax Refunds Are Up Despite Filing Slowdown
While filings are down, tax refunds have increased:
- 43.64 million refunds have been issued in 2025, slightly up from last year.
- The average refund is $3,324, a 5.7% increase from 2024.
- Direct deposit refunds now average $3,379, up from $3,209 last year.
This may be due to tax credit adjustments, inflation-related tax bracket shifts, or withholding changes.
What’s Next? One Month Until the Filing Deadline
With April 15 approaching, taxpayers are encouraged to file early to avoid delays.
The IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool remains the best way to track:
- Receipt of the return
- Approval of the refund
- Expected payment date
The IRS processes e-filed refunds within 24 hours, while paper returns take four weeks.
As the season nears its end, it remains to be seen whether filing trends will recover or if 2025 will mark one of the slowest tax seasons in recent years.
Read more: IRS Announces 2025 Tax Updates: What You Need to Know
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