Vermont Issues $100M Tax Refunds, $800 Average

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Department of Taxes Urges Vermonters to Claim Refunds and Credits

Press Release

Thu, 04/09/2026 - 12:00

Montpelier, Vt. -  As the April 15 deadline for Personal Income Tax filing nears, the Vermont Department of Taxes has issued more than $100 million in tax refunds to date, with an average refund of $800. The average refund is up $36 from last year. The department is also getting money back to Vermonters quicker than ever, with more than 130,000 refunds issued already this year, an increase of 17,300 refunds over last year at this time.

“For many Vermonters, the state owes you money, sometimes quite a bit of money, and you can only get it by filing your taxes,” said Commissioner of Taxes Bill Shouldice. “Thanks to the tax relief package Vermont passed last year, millions of additional dollars are available for taxpayers who file, including parents with young children, working adults without children, retirees collecting social security, and military veterans and retirees.”

In a typical tax year, more than 65% of Vermont Personal Income Tax filers receive money back. The department estimates that there are approximately 40,000 Vermonters who do not file and have incomes below the federal filing requirement. These individuals likely owe no income tax but could be eligible for valuable refundable tax credits like the Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit or the Vermont Child Tax Credit. Refundable tax credits offered by Vermont and the federal government can add thousands of dollars to a tax refund.

“The price of heating oil has gone up almost 40% since February, and gas prices are on the rise. Many Vermonters could use a little extra in their bank accounts right now,” said Andrew Stein, Department of Taxes Chief Operating Officer. “Our team is working hard to get refunds out as soon as possible. We’re proud to be issuing refunds even faster than last year, and we will continue to get people the money they are owed while safeguarding public dollars against errors and fraud.”

Last year, the department prevented nearly $20 million in fraudulent and erroneous Personal Income Tax refunds and Renter Credits from going out the door.

“For anyone who has not filed their taxes yet, if you have any questions or concerns, I absolutely encourage you to reach out, give us a call, schedule an appointment,” said Justin DiVenanzo, Director of Taxpayer Services. “We’re here to help.”

Contact information for the department, as well as information about free tax preparation assistance and free online tax filing through Free File are available on the Department of Taxes website.