The latest report for filing season statistics from the Internal Revenue Service shows a 4.3-percent decline in tax returns through April 14. But since the year-ago period for comparison was the season through April 15, the numbers may be distorted by the timing.The most recent numbers for the 2023 season showed 117,321,000 returns filed, down from 122,543,000 a year ago.
For the first time, reports show efiles from paid preparers falling behind 2022 levels. There were 62,174,000 of those through April 14, a drop of 2.4 percent from 63,692,000. Self-submitted efiles declined to 51,027,000, off 5.8 percent from 54,167,000.
The number of refunds issued fell 3 percent to 75,824,000 from 78,201,000. The average refund dropped 8.8 percent to $2,902 from $3,181.
