Electronically filed tax returns are on track with last year and overall refunds are running nearly 10 percent higher so far in 2010, according to statistics issued today by the Internal Revenue Service.
The statistics issued today, covering the period through March 12, show that while the overall number of tax returns filed this year is down slightly, the percentage of returns using e-file remains strong. More than 82 percent of the 69 million returns received this year have come in via e-file. Home usage of e-file is up almost 7 percent compared to this time last year.
Additionally, the average federal refund totaled $3,036, an increase of $266 compared with the same period a year ago.
The refund increase follows a number of federal tax incentives enacted last year as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, such as the home buyer credit and the American Opportunity Credit.
?There are several new credits and deductions this year, so we encourage taxpayers to see if they qualify when they fill out their tax return,? said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. ?To get their refunds quicker, the IRS reminds taxpayers that the fastest, easiest way is to e-file and use direct deposit.?
Taxpayers can check their eligibility for these credits and deductions on the IRS Web site at IRS.gov/recovery. This special section also contains instructions on how to claim the available tax incentives and provides answers to frequently asked questions. Detailed information is available on the:
Home buyer Credit
Making Work Pay Credit
Economic Recovery Payments
Earned Income Tax Credit
American Opportunity Tax Credit
Sales and excise tax deduction for new car purchases
Energy incentives for homeowners
2010 FILING SEASON STATISTICS
Cumulative through the weeks ending 03/13/09 and 03/12/10
Individual Income Tax Returns
2009
2010
% Change
Total Receipts
70,807,000
68,743,000
-2.9%
Total Processed
67,595,000
64,284,000
-4.9%
E-filing Receipts:
TOTAL
56,665,000
56,802,000
0.2%
Tax Professionals
36,751,000
35,509,000
-3.4%
Self-prepared
19,914,000
21,293,000
6.9%
Web Usage:
Visits to IRS.gov
126,091,068
121,091,068
-4.2
Total Refunds:
Number
61,042,000
57,779,000
-5.3%
Amount
$169.1
billion
$175.4
billion
3.7%
Average refund
$2,770
$3,036
9.6%
Direct Deposit Refunds:
Number
48,643,000
47,893,000
-1.5%
Amount
$146.4
billion
$154.8
billion
5.7%
Average refund
$3,010
$3,232
7.4%
Should you have any questions call Fresh Start Tax