Will people get bigger tax refunds this year?
Changes to the tax code mean your refund check could be noticeably larger. Today is Tax Day, the deadline for most Americans to file their federal tax return. To date, refunds for tax year 2023 are tracking higher than they were in 2022.
After a slow start to the 2024 tax season, the average tax refund this year is now up to $3,070, a 6% increase from this time in 2023. While a $3,000 check in April is a welcome cash infusion, wouldn't it be even better to get $6,000 back?
Because of the increase, taxpayers may have also dropped into a lower-paying tax bracket if they were near the bottom of their previous one. As a result, your tax refund might be bigger this year, especially if your pay didn't keep up with inflation last year.
| Income level | Average refund | % of income |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 to $49,999 | $2,845.81 | 5.7% to 11.4% |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | $2,830.10 | 3.8% to 5.7% |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | $3,347.69 | 3.3% to 4.5% |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | $4,436.36 | 2.2% to 4.4% |
If you make $60,000 a year living in the region of California, USA, you will be taxed $13,653. That means that your net pay will be $46,347 per year, or $3,862 per month.
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.
How much is the average refund? So far in 2024, the average federal income tax refund is $3,011, an increase of just under 5% from 2023. It's not entirely unexpected: To adjust for inflation, the IRS raised both the standard deduction and tax brackets by about 7%.
| Number of children | Maximum earned income tax credit | Max income: Single or head of household filers |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $632 | $18,591 |
| 1 | $4,213 | $49,084 |
| 2 | $6,960 | $55,768 |
| 3 or more | $7,830 | $59,899 |
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.
IRS refund over $10,000: who is eligible and how to apply
Individuals who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) may be able to receive a refund of more than $10,000.
How to get $7000 tax refund?
- Have worked and earned income under $63,398.
- Have investment income below $11,000 in the tax year 2023.
- Have a valid Social Security number by the due date of your 2023 return (including extensions)
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.
| Rank | State | Average refund |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Nevada | $4,884 |
| 7 | Connecticut | $4,877 |
| 8 | Texas | $4,753 |
| 9 | California | $4,671 |
- Contribute more to your retirement and health savings accounts.
- Choose the right deduction and filing strategy.
- Donate to charity.
- Be organized and thorough.
Keep records for 3 years from the date you filed your original return or 2 years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later, if you file a claim for credit or refund after you file your return. Keep records for 7 years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction.
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 your personal or financial circ*mstances have changed, you may end up owing taxes to the IRS when you usually get a refund. Common reasons include underpaying quarterly taxes if you're self-employed or not updating your withholding as a W-2 employee.
A smaller refund means you got more of your money when you earned it. You can reduce your future tax refunds by adjusting your tax withholding.
This year's average income tax refund is larger, but fewer taxpayers have gotten money back than last year in the final stretch of tax season, IRS data shows.
If you make $15,000 a year living in the region of California, USA, you will be taxed $1,518. That means that your net pay will be $13,483 per year, or $1,124 per month.
How much is the child tax credit for 2024?
Child tax credit 2024 (taxes filed in 2025)
For the 2024 tax year (tax returns filed in 2025), the child tax credit will be worth $2,000 per qualifying child, with $1,700 being potentially refundable through the additional child tax credit.
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.
How many children can you claim? There is no maximum number of children. To qualify, children must be claimed as your dependent and live with you for at least half of the year and meet other conditions explained by the IRS.
You can't claim the EIC unless your investment income is $11,000 or less. If your investment income is more than $11,000, you can't claim the credit. Use Worksheet 1 in this chapter to figure your investment income.
- Try itemizing your deductions.
- Double check your filing status.
- Make a retirement contribution.
- Claim tax credits.
- Contribute to your health savings account.
- Work with a tax professional.
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