.
Total returns rose .5 to 54,948,000 for the season as reported to date, compared to 54,741,000 in last year’s corresponding period.
Total efiles of 53,598,000 through March 3 rose .7 percent from 53,216,000 a year ago. Professionals submitted 25,210,000 efiles, rising 4.2 percent from 24,201,000. The shift away from self-prepared returns continued as efiles in that category dropped 2.2 percent to 28,387,000 from 29,015,000.
The average refund dropped 11 percent to $3,028 from $3,401 while the total amount refunded.