As tax season unfolds in 2025, taxpayers are experiencing unexpected delays in their refunds. With 7.7% fewer returns received by the IRS, several factors are contributing to this slowdown.

The average tax refund amount is higher than it was last year at this time, according to a batch of data released by the IRS late last week. As of March 7, the IRS says it has paid out 43,647,000 refunds for a total of $145.

The IRS has issued more than 29.6 million individual income tax refunds through Feb. 21, up 2.3% from a year ago.

As the April 15 filing deadline looms, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that after three years, any unclaimed 2021 tax year refunds go to the U.S. Treasury.

If you've already filed your tax return, it's natural to wonder when you'll receive your refund. One of the most common questions is the exact time the IRS makes deposits.