For millions of Americans, April brings not just the promise of spring, but also the annual ritual of filing tax returns. With the 2025 tax season’s April 15, 2026 deadline now in the rearview mirror, the next big question on taxpayers’ minds is simple: when will that long-awaited refund arrive, and just how much should they expect this year?
According to the IRS, most federal tax refunds for 2025 returns will be processed within 21 days, with payments deposited directly into taxpayers’ bank accounts. This timeline represents a continued push toward digital efficiency, as the agency has phased out paper checks almost entirely for the 2026 tax season. The move is designed to speed up refunds and reduce errors, a welcome change for those eager to see their funds sooner rather than later.
The process is even quicker in some states. In Oregon, for example, the Department of Revenue processes refunds for electronically filed returns in about two weeks, though heavy filing volume can sometimes add a few extra days, said Robin Maxey, a spokesperson for the agency, speaking to The Oregonian. "Refunds for e-filed returns that don’t require further review are still being completed in around two weeks, but the added volume this time of year can slow that by a few days," Maxey explained.
But what if you mailed your paper returns early in the year? For those who submitted Oregon state tax returns by mail in January 2026, refunds may only just now be arriving. The delay is due to the state’s late start in processing paper returns, which began in late March after the IRS provided necessary tax forms and information later than expected. Maxey added, "Generally, paper returns take longer because of the manual handling required. And they tend to have more errors that can extend the time to process." The lesson? Filing electronically and opting for direct deposit is the fastest way to get your money—an option chosen by about 85% of Oregon taxpayers.
Nationally, the odds are good that you’ll be getting a refund. In 2025, the IRS sent refunds to 63% of individual income taxpayers, with an average refund of $3,521. That’s a notable increase—$351 more than last year’s average. Oregon’s numbers are even higher, with 65% to 85% of taxpayers due refunds annually. As of mid-March 2026, the average kicker refund in Oregon stood at $429, though the state has yet to release the average overall refund amount for the year.
If you’re waiting for your federal refund, you can check its status using the IRS’s “Where’s my refund?” tracker or by logging into your Individual Online Account. Oregon taxpayers have a similar tool on the state’s website, making it easier than ever to track down your money.
Of course, the story doesn’t end at the state line. In California, taxpayers faced the same April 15, 2026 deadline for filing 2025 returns and paying any taxes owed to both the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board. For those needing more time, a six-month extension to file is available, but the IRS is clear: any taxes owed must still be paid by the April deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
But how do refunds stack up in California and across the country? According to a detailed analysis published by travel guide website Upgraded Points on April 7, 2026, average federal tax refund amounts have shifted significantly over the past decade and a half. Historically, refunds hovered between $2,800 and $3,000, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted that trend. In the 2020 filing season, the average refund dropped to $2,549, reflecting widespread job losses and reduced incomes. However, as the economy rebounded, so did refunds. By 2022, higher wages, expanded tax credits, and federal stimulus programs pushed the average refund to a record $3,252, Upgraded Points reported.
Those pandemic-era tax breaks didn’t last forever. As they expired, the share of returns resulting in a refund fell—from 77.1% in 2021 to just 62.8% by 2025. But preliminary data for the 2026 tax season suggests a reversal: average refunds have climbed to $3,571, with a 72.9% refund rate. Upgraded Points cautions that early filing trends may skew these numbers upward, but the increase is notable.
Where you live can make a big difference in the size of your refund. According to Upgraded Points, the U.S. states with the highest average federal tax refunds are mostly in the South. Florida leads the pack with an average refund of $4,433, followed by Texas at $4,344 and Wyoming at $4,282. California, while not at the very top, still fares well, ranking 11th with an average refund of $3,848—up from $3,344 the previous year.
Digging deeper, the disparities within California are striking. Upgraded Points identified Marin County as the state’s leader, with an eye-popping average refund of $7,100. Other high-refund counties include San Mateo ($5,557), Santa Clara ($5,069), and San Francisco ($4,919). Even at the lower end of the top ten, El Dorado County’s average refund stands at $3,824. These figures are based on the latest IRS data analyzed by Upgraded Points, which examined federal tax return data and filing season statistics to estimate average refund amounts by county and state.
Why such variation? Local economic conditions, income levels, and differences in deductions and credits all play a role. For some, a refund represents a crucial financial boost. As Alex Miller, CEO of Upgraded Points, wrote in the April 7 article, "For many, the federal tax refund represents an important financial boost—one that can help cover expenses, reduce debt or increase savings."
For those curious about their own refund, Upgraded Points provides a full breakdown by county on its website, offering a detailed look at how your community compares to others across the state and nation.
While the process of filing taxes is rarely anyone’s favorite annual chore, the promise of a refund—sometimes a sizable one—offers a silver lining. Whether you’re in Oregon, California, or elsewhere, the key to a speedy refund remains the same: file electronically, opt for direct deposit, and keep an eye on official trackers for updates. With average refunds on the rise and processing times improving, taxpayers have a bit more reason to look forward to tax season’s end.