The Internal Revenue Service released its annual IRS Data Book on May 29, reporting that the agency collected a record $5.1 trillion in tax revenue during fiscal year 2024. It marks the first time federal income collections have surpassed the $5 trillion threshold, covering about 96 percent of government funding.
The largest portion of federal income came from individual income tax, which totaled $2.76 trillion in 2024. That amount included $1.8 trillion withheld from wages and salaries and $903 billion in payments made when taxpayers filed their tax returns. These figures underscore the central role of individual taxpayers in supporting the federal budget.
Corporate income tax contributed $565.1 billion during the fiscal year. While smaller than individual collections, this stream remains critical for funding government operations. Domestic corporations continue to provide a significant share of federal income, even as corporate tax rates remain lower than in some other OECD countries.
Employment taxes generated $1.66 trillion, supporting Social Security and Medicare programs. Additional revenue came from estate, gift, and excise taxes, which accounted for smaller but steady contributions to overall collections.
During fiscal year 2024, the Internal Revenue Service processed more than 266.6 million tax returns and other forms. In addition to routine processing, the agency focused on collecting unpaid balances. The IRS reported securing $77.6 billion from past-due accounts, a 13.6 percent increase compared with the prior year.
To support taxpayers unable to pay their full balance immediately, the IRS expanded installment agreements, allowing individuals and businesses to reconcile their tax obligations over time. More than 3.4 million new agreements were established, contributing $16.1 billion in payments. These compliance measures highlight how the tax system balances enforcement with payment flexibility, ensuring federal income continues to flow into the budget.
Although the IRS collected a record $5.1 trillion in tax revenue during fiscal year 2024, it also returned significant sums to taxpayers. The agency issued 120.1 million refunds totaling $552.7 billion. Of that amount, $490.6 billion went to individual taxpayers who had overpaid their federal income tax through withholding or estimated payments.
Refunds demonstrate how the collection system gathers taxable income and reconciles accounts to ensure accuracy. For many households, receiving a refund remains one of the most visible outcomes of filing a tax return each year.
The IRS Data Book also compares U.S. collections with those of other OECD countries. While income tax rates differ across nations, the United States relies more heavily on individual income tax than many of its peers. Corporate income tax collections remain an essential component, though the corporate tax rate in the U.S. is relatively lower than in several advanced economies.
The report underscores how taxable income, deductions, and credits ultimately shape taxpayers' payments. These factors influence individual and corporate liabilities, affecting the balance of revenue supporting federal programs and services.
In the letter accompanying the IRS Data Book, Acting Commissioner Michael Faulkender highlighted the scope of the agency’s role. “In FY 2024, the IRS collected approximately $5.1 trillion in gross revenues, generating about 96 percent of the funding that supports the federal government’s operations,” Faulkender wrote. The statement emphasized how the Internal Revenue Service manages both enforcement and taxpayer assistance while ensuring the fair application of federal tax laws.
The record $5.1 trillion in tax revenue reduces reliance on federal borrowing and supports essential programs ranging from defense to health care. Stronger collections reflect economic growth and the IRS’s modernization efforts, including expanded digital filing and faster processing of forms.
For taxpayers, the agency continues to provide relief options such as installment agreements and offers in compromise, which allow individuals and businesses to manage tax payments over time. These measures aim to balance revenue collection with support for those facing financial strain while maintaining stability in the federal budget.
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