IR-2010-35, March 23, 2010 WASHINGTON –– 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 homebuyer 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 Recovery page of this Web site. 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: Homebuyer 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% Subscribe to IRS Newswire
