Map Shows States Where People Usually See Highest Tax Refunds

Newsweek - Mar 27th, 2025

April 15 marks Tax Day in the U.S., and many Americans have already received their tax refunds for the previous fiscal year. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has disbursed millions in refunds, reflecting overpaid taxes. Refund amounts differ based on factors like income, deductions, and taxes paid. A LendingTree report highlights that Wyoming, Florida, and Washington, D.C. had the highest average refunds for 2022, with Wyoming taxpayers receiving an average of $6,367, 7.7% higher than the previous year. Conversely, West Virginia and Maine reported some of the lowest average refunds. The national average refund was $4,381.

The variation in tax refund amounts is attributed to differences in income levels and tax withholdings across states. Higher-income states, such as New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, unsurprisingly reported higher refunds. However, Wyoming's top position is noteworthy given its smaller population but concentrated wealth. Financial experts like Kevin Thompson and Alex Beene note that states with higher incomes naturally see larger refunds. The IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days of filing, and the deadline for tax submissions remains April 15, with penalties for late submissions.

Florida Irs Tax Refunds Washington, D.C. Lending Tree Report Kevin Thompson Alex Beene Wyoming Income Tax April 15

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RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of tax refunds, focusing on state disparities and factors influencing refund amounts. It is timely and relevant, particularly during the tax season, and addresses a topic of significant public interest. The clarity and readability are strong, with a logical structure and straightforward language. However, the article could improve its accuracy and transparency by directly citing primary data sources, such as IRS statistics or detailed financial reports. While it includes expert opinions that add depth, it could benefit from a broader range of perspectives to enhance balance. Overall, the article serves as a useful resource for understanding tax refund dynamics, though it has limited potential for controversy or significant societal impact.

Accuracy

The article presents factual information regarding Tax Day and the process of tax refunds in the United States, which is generally accurate. It correctly states that April 15 is Tax Day and that tax refunds are influenced by factors such as income and deductions. The claim that states like Wyoming and Florida had high average tax refunds in 2022 aligns with available data, though specific figures such as the average refund amounts for Wyoming ($6,367) and Florida ($5,934) should be verified with IRS data or reports from financial analyses like LendingTree. The article also accurately discusses the impact of refundable tax credits and penalties for late filing, which are consistent with IRS guidelines. However, some claims, such as the national average refund amount and the percentage changes in refund amounts, require further verification to ensure precision.

Balance

The article provides a balanced perspective on the factors influencing tax refunds, highlighting both high and low refund states. It includes expert opinions from Kevin Thompson and Alex Beene, offering insights into why certain states have higher refunds. However, the article could improve by including perspectives from taxpayers in states with lower refunds or discussing potential reasons for disparities beyond income levels. The focus on higher-income states might suggest a slight bias towards wealthier regions, but overall, the article maintains a fair representation of the topic.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical structure that guides readers through the main points about tax refunds. It uses straightforward language to explain complex tax concepts, making it accessible to a general audience. The inclusion of expert opinions adds depth and context to the discussion, though the article could benefit from clearer citations of data sources to avoid potential confusion about the origin of specific figures.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including expert opinions from Kevin Thompson and Alex Beene, which adds authority to the analysis of tax refund trends. However, it lacks direct references to primary data sources such as the IRS or detailed reports from LendingTree, which could enhance the reliability of the specific figures mentioned. Including these sources would strengthen the article's credibility and provide a more solid foundation for its claims.

Transparency

The article provides a general explanation of how tax refunds are calculated and the factors involved, but it lacks detailed methodology or data sources for the specific figures presented. While it mentions a LendingTree report, it does not provide a link or detailed description of the report's methodology. Greater transparency in the data sources and methods used to derive the average refund amounts and percentage changes would improve the article's transparency and enhance reader trust.