The latest statistics released by the IRS indicate a return to normalcy after two years of pandemic-related disruptions.
As of May 20, 2022, IRS refunds are up 8.2%. 96 million returns have been e-filed, totaling over $292 billion in refunds. The average refund amount also increased 7.5% from $2,827 to $3,039.
Additionally, tax returns filed by professional tax preparers made up 53% of total e-filed returns.
Although total e-files are down about 1% year over year, extensions have increased this year by approximately 43%. Another comparison of total e-files after the Oct 15 extension deadline should give us a better picture of the season as a whole.
2022 Filing Season Statistics as of May 20,2022
| 2021 | 2022 | % Change | |
| Individual Income Tax Returns: | |||
| Total Returns Received | 148,012,000 | 145,372,000 | -1.8 |
| Total Returns Processed | 135,773,000 | 140,618,000 | 3.6 |
| E-filing Receipts: | |||
| Total (with rounding difference) | 138,563,000 | 137,177,000 | -1.0 |
| Tax Professionals | 74,195,000 | 73,356,000 | -1.1 |
| Self-prepared | 64,368,000 | 63,820,000 | -0.9 |
| Web Usage: | |||
| Visits to IRS.gov | 1,372,697,000 | 679,249,000 | -50.5 |
| Total Refunds: | |||
| Number | 95,632,000 | 96,274,000 | 0.7 |
| Amount | $270.345 billion | $292.542 billion | 8.2 |
| Average refund | $2,827 | $3,039 | 7.5 |
| Direct Deposit Refunds: | |||
| Number | 87,045,000 | 90,527,000 | 4.0 |
| Amount | $252.374 billion | $282.529 billion | 11.9 |
| Average refund | $2,899 | $3,121 | 7.6 |