Average Tax Refunds Surge in 2024 Tax Season
Factors Behind the Increase in Average Tax Refunds
According to CBS News, amidst the ongoing challenges of inflation, there’s a glimmer of relief for many Americans as they receive their tax refunds for the 2024 tax season. Recent data from the IRS reveals that the average tax refund as of February 23 is $3,213 marking a notable 4% increase from the previous year. This uptick comes as a welcome contrast to the struggles faced by taxpayers in the previous year where many experienced smaller refunds due to the expiration of pandemic-related benefits contributing to an 11% decrease in average refunds compared to 2022.
The boost in average refund size for 2024 tax season can be attributed to adjustments made by the IRS to various tax provisions to account for inflation. Notably, the standard deduction and tax brackets were increased by 7% for the 2023 tax year which is the period being considered for current tax filings. This adjustment means that individuals whose earnings didn’t keep pace with the previous year’s inflationary pressures are now set to receive larger refunds with some potentially seeing an increase of up to 10% according to insights from Jackson Hewitt’s chief tax information officer, Mark Steber.
As taxpayers navigate the complexities of filing their taxes, the news of larger average refunds offers a silver lining amid economic uncertainty. With many households still grappling with the financial impact of inflation these increased refunds provide a timely boost to their financial well-being offering a measure of relief in the face of ongoing economic challenges.
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Responsible Financial Planning: Tax Refunds and Economic Impact
The anticipation of tax refunds remains a significant aspect of financial planning for many U.S. adults with a majority expecting it to be their largest annual cash influx according to recent findings from Bankrate. However, rather than indulging in splurges, a significant portion of taxpayers are adopting responsible financial strategies with their refunds. Bankrate’s study reveals that approximately half of respondents intend to utilize their refunds for debt repayment or bolstering savings reflecting a prudent approach to managing their finances amidst economic uncertainties.
Despite the recent increase in average tax refunds compared to the previous year, taxpayers are still receiving less than they did two years ago when pandemic-related benefits such as the expanded child tax credit contributed to higher refunds. Nonetheless, IRS data indicates that refunds are currently higher than those observed during the same period in tax seasons from 2018 through 2021. These refunds play a vital role in stimulating the economy as many individuals rely on them to make significant purchases like cars or home renovations providing an essential boost to consumer spending and economic growth.
As the 2024 tax season progresses, Americans have until April 15 to file their returns. With ongoing submissions and adjustments, the average tax refund may vary in the upcoming weeks. Taxpayers should remain attentive to any updates or changes as they navigate through the filing process.