The April 15 deadline is approaching.gettyThe most recent tax filing statistics from the IRS tell largely the same story as we’ve heard for most of the tax filing season: filing and processing continue to lag behind last year, even as refund dollars move higher. The data, covering activity through April 3, 2026, offers a near-final snapshot of how this year’s tax season is shaping up as the April 15 deadline approaches. Filing Activity Continues to LagSo far, the IRS has received 99,802,000 individual income tax returns, compared to 101,422,000 at the same point in 2025. That represents a 1.6% decline, and notably, that gap has persisted throughout the filing season rather than narrowing as the deadline draws closer. In most years, the difference between current and prior-year filings begins to tighten by early April. With the deadline approaching, a last-minute uptick could still happen.Tax return filing and processing rates remain down.Kelly Phillips ErbProcessing numbers tell a similar story. The IRS reports that it has processed 99,034,000 returns, down 1.3% from last year. That indicates that the agency is largely keeping pace with incoming returns, but the overall volume remains lower. E-Filing Holds Steady Electronic filing remains the most common method to submit individual income tax returns. The IRS has received 97,969,000 e-filed returns, a slight 0.2% decrease compared to last year. Most individual income tax returns which were e-filed were received from tax professionals.Kelly Phillips ErbReturns submitted by tax professionals have declined by 1.2% to 52,773,000, while self-prepared returns have increased by 0.9% to 45,196,000. That movement suggests more taxpayers are relying on software and handling their own filings, at least for now. It may reflect improved tools, cost considerations, or the relatively straightforward nature of early-season returns. Since returns filed earlier in the season tend to be simpler returns, we could see a change: as more complex filings enter the system, that balance could shift again.IRS.gov Traffic SurgesWhile filing activity has been slower, taxpayer engagement has surged. IRS.gov has recorded 435,926,000 visits so far this season, a sharp 58% increase over the same period last year. Taxpayers appear to be checking their refund status more frequently or seeking clarity on tax law changes thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).Visits to the IRS website continue to be robust.Kelly Phillips ErbFor refund updates, the IRS continues to point taxpayers to the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. The tracker provides three key updates:Confirmation that the IRS received the returnNotice that the refund has been approvedThe projected date the refund will be issued Refund status information is typically available within 24 hours of e-filing, three to four days after the IRS receives a prior-year e-filed return, or about four weeks after mailing a paper return. The tool updates once per day—usually overnight—so checking repeatedly during the day won’t speed things up or produce new information.Tax Refunds Are UpThe most dramatic movement in the data appears on the refund side. Despite fewer returns being filed and processed, the IRS has issued more refunds and significantly larger ones than last year. That’s largely thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law on July 4, 2025, but was retroactive to the beginning of the 2025 tax year.Tax refunds remain higher for the 2025 tax year than they were for the 2024 tax year.Kelly Phillips ErbThe total number of refunds stands at 69,818,000, an increase of 3.1%. More striking is the total dollar amount, which has climbed to $241.744 billion, up 14.5% from 2025. The average refund has risen to $3,462, an increase of 11.1%. That’s about $350 more than last year.Direct Deposit Keeps Climbing Direct deposit refunds are growing at an even faster pace, which isn’t totally surprising considering the IRS’s push towards electronic filing and payment. The IRS reports that 70,307,000 direct deposit refunds have been issued so far, up 8.6% from last year. The total value of those refunds has increased by 17.8% to $242.868 billion, while the average direct deposit refund stands at $3,454, up 8.4%. (It’s also worth noting that the number of direct deposit refunds includes refunds for both current and prior-year returns processed in 2026, which can boost the totals.)Looking Ahead to Tax DayWith Tax Day just ahead, it’s worth watching to see whether the IRS will face the usual last-minute wave of filings. Historically, millions of taxpayers wait until early April or even the final days before the filing deadline, particularly those with more complex returns. If you haven’t yet filed because you’re not ready (like me), you can always file for an extension.ForbesWhen Will Your Tax Refund Arrive? What To Know This Tax Filing SeasonBy Kelly Phillips ErbForbesRunning Out Of Time Before Tax Day? An Extension Might Be Your Best MoveBy Kelly Phillips ErbForbesForbes Last Minute Tax Guide: How To Navigate The Changes On Your 2025 ReturnBy Kelly Phillips Erb