The IRS reported it had received 28,826,000 for the period reported, compared to 26,421,000 a year ago.

Efiles rose 6.3 percent to 27,239,000 from 25,627,000. 

The pace of growth in efiles submitted by professionals continued to outstrip growth in DIY efiles. Pros submitted 10,664,000 returns for the season to date, rising 11.1 percent from 9,598,000. There were 16,575,000 user efiles, an increase of 3.4 percent from 16,029,000.

Refunds continued to lag behind a year ago. The average return was $1,997, off 14 percent from $2,323 last year. Meanwhile, there were 12,186,000 directly deposited refunds, jumping 34.8 percent  from 9,037,000  in last year’s corresponding period.