Average tax refund down 9%, IRS says (2024)

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Average tax refund down 9%, IRS says? ›

According to the IRS, 80 million Americans have filed their 2022 returns. So far, the government has issued $172 billion in refunds, which is down 9% from this time last year. The average refund also dropped from about $3,200 to $2,900.

You may be in line for a smaller tax refund this year if your income rose in 2023. Earning a lot of interest in a bank account could also lead to a smaller refund. A smaller refund isn't necessarily terrible, since it means you got paid sooner rather than loaning the IRS money for no good reason.

All or part of your refund may be offset to pay off past-due federal tax, state income tax, state unemployment compensation debts, child support, spousal support, or other federal nontax debts, such as student loans.

If you make $20,000 a year living in the region of California, USA, you will be taxed $2,687. That means that your net pay will be $17,313 per year, or $1,443 per month.

If you didn't pay taxes on your side hustle income throughout the year, the IRS will keep any extra tax you had withheld from your regular paychecks to cover it, leading to less money back as a tax refund.

If you owe money to a federal or state agency, the federal government may use part or all of your federal tax refund to repay the debt. This is called a tax refund offset. If your tax refund is lower than you calculated, it may be due to a tax refund offset for an unpaid debt such as child support.

Tax refunds for some taxpayers may be bigger in 2024 thanks to the inflation adjustments the Internal Revenue Service made to tax brackets implemented in 2023, along with increased standard deductions. Each year, the IRS adjusts income tax brackets according to a formula set by Congress to account for inflation.

How do you know if your refund is being offset? ›

BFS will send you a notice if an offset occurs. The notice will reflect the original refund amount, your offset amount, the agency receiving the payment, and the address and telephone number of the agency. BFS will notify the IRS of the amount taken from your refund once your refund date has passed.

Another major reason for a smaller-than-anticipated refund is because your income may have increased in 2023, possibly putting you in a different tax bracket or disqualifying you from tax credits you previously received, both of which would change your refund amount.

Tax season began on Jan. 29, 2024, when the IRS started accepting and processing 2023 tax returns. As of the week ending March 8, the agency has processed about 62 million returns and issued more than 43 million refunds. To date, the average refund issued in 2024 is $3,145.

You can increase the amount of your tax refund by decreasing your taxable income and taking advantage of tax credits. Working with a financial advisor and tax professional can help you make the most of deductions and credits you're eligible for.

Keep in mind there's no limit to the size of a tax refund. You can even get a bigger tax refund than what you already paid in taxes.

If you make $50,000 a year living in the region of California, USA, you will be taxed $10,242. That means that your net pay will be $39,758 per year, or $3,313 per month.

If you make $80,000 a year living in the region of California, USA, you will be taxed $21,763. That means that your net pay will be $58,237 per year, or $4,853 per month.

If you make $70,000 a year living in the region of California, USA, you will be taxed $17,665. That means that your net pay will be $52,335 per year, or $4,361 per month. Your average tax rate is 25.2% and your marginal tax rate is 41.0%.

Income: $75k-100k; Average Refund: $3,657. Income: $100k-200k; Average Refund: $4,704.

If you make $65,000 a year living in the region of California, USA, you will be taxed $15,631. That means that your net pay will be $49,369 per year, or $4,114 per month.