WASHINGTON – With the 2010 tax filing season underway, Vice President Joe Biden, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman today announced that that average tax refunds are up nearly 10 percent this year, due in large part to the significant new tax benefits available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), and reminded taxpayers that they can collect on those benefits this year as they file their 2009 tax returns. To help taxpayers see for themselves exactly how they can benefit from Recovery Act tax credits and collect every dollar owed when they file this tax season, the White House today launched a new interactive Tax Savings Tool available at www.WhiteHouse.gov/Recovery. “The big guys know all the credits and deductions to claim during tax season, but we want middle class families to know just how much is out there for them this year thanks to the Recovery Act – and how to take advantage of it,” said Vice President Biden. “From help with college expenses to credits for cost-saving, energy-efficiency home improvements, these Recovery Act tax credits not only provide some needed relief for working Americans, but also help them invest in their families’ futures.” “The more that individuals and families take advantage of these benefits, the more money is pushed back into the economy, helping all Americans as we grow our way out of this crisis,” said Treasury Secretary Geithner. “Only by getting these benefits to the American people can we help ensure that the recovery is firmly established. And only by firmly establishing the recovery can we encourage the creation of new jobs and lay a foundation for sustained economic growth.” "The average tax refund has reached $3,036 this year, a $266 increase from a year ago," said IRS Commissioner Shulman. "The Recovery Act is a major factor behind these larger, record refunds. About half of all Americans haven't filed their taxes yet, so we urge them to look carefully at these Recovery provisions. Taxpayers should also remember that the fastest, best way to get their tax refund is by filing electronically with direct deposit." During these tough economic times, Recovery Act tax cuts are helping hard-hit middle class families. This year’s tax refund puts more money in the pockets of families across the country, and gives them incentives to make energy-saving home improvements, purchase a new vehicle or buy a home. Those purchases are helping to jumpstart the economy and provide more clean energy, manufacturing and construction jobs for working families right here in the U.S. The Recovery Act’s nearly $300 billion in tax benefits are helping to rebuild the long-term strength of the economy, while helping middle class families get back on firm financial footing. According to early data from the IRS, the average income tax refund is up more than $260 – a 9.6 percent increase over last year – which is due in large part to the Recovery Act. The average refund through March 12, 2010, is $3,036, which is an increase of $266 compared to the same time a year ago. This is a sign that people are taking advantage of the Recovery Act tax savings this year. However, data show that less than half of the overall expected returns have been filed. The Obama Administration wants to make sure that taxpayers are aware of the new Recovery Act benefits they are eligible for this year. The new interactive Tax Savings Tool was launched today to alert taxpayers to the more than a dozen tax benefits available to them under the Recovery Act. The Tax Savings Tool can be accessed HERE. Administration officials will hold a series of events across the country leading up to the April 15th tax filing deadline to help educate taxpayers on the Recovery Act benefits available to them when they file their taxes this year. On Tuesday, March 23rd, Commerce Secretary Locke will travel to Minneapolis, MN to meet with homeowners and a contractor benefiting from the Recovery Act’s tax credits for new home purchases and energy-efficient home retrofits. On Wednesday, March 24th, Secretary Duncan will meet with students and parents that stand to benefit from the American Opportunity Credit for college expenses at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale, VA. Secretary Chu will visit Seaway Manufacturing Corporation, a manufacturer of energy efficient home improvement products that qualify for the Recovery Act tax credits, in Erie, PA on Friday, March 26th. Secretary LaHood will host a community roundtable on Recovery Act tax relief on Monday, March 29th, in the Chicago area; Secretary Donovan will hold an event on the First-Time Homebuyer Credit on Wednesday, March 31st in Charlotte, NC; and SBA Administrator Mills will also travel as part of the month-long effort. Taxpayers can collect more than a dozen 2009 Recovery Act tax benefits when they file their 2009 tax returns.