Inside the IRS: Key Stats and Surprises from 2024
Every year, the IRS publishes a detailed report summarizing its activity—and the 2024 IRS Data Book is full of insights. From record-breaking collections to faster taxpayer service, the agency has been busy. If you want to understand how the IRS is evolving and what it means for taxpayers and professionals alike, here’s what you need to know.
The IRS Collected Over $5 Trillion—A New Record
For the first time in U.S. history, the IRS collected more than $5 trillion in revenue. That’s up nearly 9% from the previous year. In total, the IRS took in $5.1 trillion, which accounts for 96% of all government funding.
That means the IRS is not just collecting taxes—it’s funding the vast majority of the federal government.
Taxpayer Services Got Better
The IRS has long been criticized for slow service, but FY 2024 showed improvement:
- 62.2 million taxpayer contacts (up 3.2%)
- Live telephone assistance to 20 million callers (up 11%)
- 2 million+ people assisted in person at local offices (up 26%)
If you tried calling the IRS this past year, chances are you noticed the shorter wait times and more available reps.
Digital Tools Are on the Rise
Thanks to the IRS's Digital First initiative, FY 2024 saw more digital tools launched than in the past 20 years combined. The results?
- 2 billion+ online assistance transactions (up 47%)
- 382.8 million Where’s My Refund? queries (up 26%)
- 690 million visits to IRS.gov
The IRS is quickly becoming more accessible online, making it easier for taxpayers to get answers without waiting on hold.
266 Million Returns Processed
That includes individuals, businesses, and nonprofits. Add to that:
- 4.6 billion information returns received
- $553 billion issued in refunds
This gives you a sense of the scale and complexity the IRS deals with annually.
More Audits, More Money
The IRS closed over 505,000 audits in FY 2024, which resulted in $29 billion in recommended additional tax owed.
Translation? Audits still matter—and they’re paying off for the government.
Collections Are Up—Especially with Installment Agreements
The IRS collected nearly $77.6 billion from taxpayers who owed but hadn’t paid yet—a 13.6% increase.
Installment agreements are becoming more popular. The IRS collected $16 billion through these payment plans (up 12%).
If you owe the IRS, a payment plan is still one of the most realistic solutions.
Conclusion: Why This Matters
The IRS is becoming faster, more digital, and more aggressive in collections. Whether you’re a taxpayer, a tax pro, or a small business owner, understanding how the IRS operates can help you avoid surprises and take advantage of helpful tools.
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