Our Tax Software Picks

Our Tax Software Picks

Don’t stress about tax season. CNET Money editors have tested the top online tax software options to make your tax return easier so you can get your refund faster.

See at TurboTax

Best tax filing service for most filers

TurboTax

See at TurboTax

See at H&R Block

Best free tax filing service

H&R Block

See at H&R Block

See at FreeTaxUSA

A great free or low-cost filing option

FreeTaxUSA

See at FreeTaxUSA

See at Cash App

A free option that’s great for confident filers

Cash App Taxes

See at Cash App

See at TaxSlayer

Best tax filing service for freelancers, gig workers and sole proprietors

TaxSlayer

See at TaxSlayer

See at TaxAct

Best accuracy guarantee

TaxAct

See at TaxAct

See at Jackson Hewitt

Best for filing multiple state tax returns

Jackson Hewitt

See at Jackson Hewitt

The 2025 tax season has been underway since late January, and for many tax payers, the filing season officially wraps up today (unless you’ve filed an extension or the IRS issued you more time to file due to local natural disasters). That means more than 100 million taxpayers have already filed their tax return and have already received their refund money or are patiently tracking their tax refunds. 

Last Friday, the IRS said it has received over 101 million tax returns and issued more than 67 million tax refunds. Through the final week of the 2024 tax season, the average refund amount had risen by approximately 3.5% compared to 2023’s season. 

Read on for a breakdown of how the IRS has been performing up to Tax Day.

For more tax tips, check out our essential tax filing cheat sheet and how to track your refund from the IRS into your bank account. Check out our pick for the best tax software of 2025. 

How many tax returns has the IRS processed so far in 2025?

On Friday, the IRS released statistics comparing its progress through the 10th week of tax season 2024 (ending April 5, 2024) with its progress through the 10th week of 2025 (ending April 4, 2025). So far this year, the IRS has processed 100.3 million federal income tax returns, up 0.2% from the 100.1 million returns it had processed by the same time last year. 

The IRS has received more than 101.4 million tax returns total so far, compared with 101.8 million last year, marking a 0.4% decrease. 

The agency also breaks down how returns have been filed, with 98.1 million returns received electronically (53.3 million filed by tax professionals and 44.7 million self-prepared). 

How many tax refunds has the IRS issued in 2025?

The IRS has issued 67.7 million refunds, a 1.4% increase from the approximate 66.8 million sent out at this point in 2024.

The average tax refund amount so far is $3,116, up 3.5% from last year’s average of $3,011 at this time last year. 

How do 2025’s tax refunds compare to 2024’s so far?

So far, the IRS has issued more than $211 billion in tax refunds, a 5% increase from the $201 billion in tax refunds it had issued by this time in 2024.

The IRS noted that large percentage differences in filing statistics are typical for the beginning of each tax season. It accurately predicted that the numbers would even out as more people gathered important tax documents and filed before today’s Tax Day deadline.

The next Apple Watch (or watches) are months away from making their public debuts, but the rumors are already buzzing about what could be coming to the following generations of watches. From foldable displays to in-screen cameras and advanced health sensors, we’re breaking down the most likely —and the most far-fetched— Apple Watch predictions.

Apple Watch Series 11 release date

Unless there’s a massive glitch in the universe, I have it on good authority that we can expect the Apple Watch Series 11 this September, alongside the rumored iPhone 17. Apple has consistently announced a new Apple Watch every year since its 2014 debut. Except for the first-gen model, they all launched at the yearly iPhone event in September.

What’s less predictable is the release date. Traditionally, the new model goes on sale anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks after the keynote (which is what we expect for 2025), though recent years have seen delays due to production issues. It’s also unclear how newly imposed tariffs will affect the new watch’s launch and price in 2025.

The Apple Watch Series 11 will follow last year’s Apple Watch Series 10, which earned a CNET Editor’s Choice Award. Apple sells other models too, like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which came out in 2023 and the Apple Watch SE, which dropped in 2022. While Apple doesn’t say anything about future products, we are fortunate that there are numerous rumors for all Apple Watch models. Here’s what leakers and Apple analysts say we can expect for the next Apple Watch(es).

How many Apple Watches will we get this year?

We’re definitely getting a Series 11, and there’s a good chance we’ll see an updated Ultra and SE model, according to a report from Bloomberg’s Apple analyst Mark Gurman. The Apple Watch Ultra and the cheaper SE line haven’t exactly followed a predictable upgrade cycle, but last year’s absence could prove a strong clue that 2025 could be the year we get all three again. The Series 10 took the spotlight in 2024 as the only smartwatch announced that year. 

Apple Watch design

With last year’s redesign still fresh, the Series 11 will likely look similar to the Series 10 and feature the same large edge-to-edge screen (still 42mm and 46mm) that’s brighter, lighter and thinner bezels than its predecessors. Any design tweaks would probably be minor and driven by new technology under the hood.

According to MacRumors, the Apple Watch might get a more energy-efficient screen, maybe an LTPO display with higher resolution and better brightness, which, on paper, could help improve the battery life. This could be reserved for the higher-end Ultra 3, which will likely otherwise keep its original design. 

The more adorable SE, however, could see a more extensive design overhaul. It would still have the body of the Series 8 and, according to Gurman, get several upgrades from the Series 10, like an always-on display. 

Apple Watch processor

Apple typically bumps up the processor with every new smartwatch, so we should see an Apple S11 chip this time around for at least the Series 11 and Ultra 3. The Ultra 3 is also rumored to get satellite connectivity and 5G support, but according to Gurman, these features likely won’t make it to the Series 11. Considering last gens’ upgrade cycle, my personal bet would also be on the SE getting a processor bump up to the S9 chip, currently found in the Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9. 

Apple Watch battery

If there’s one thing on everyone’s wishlist, it’s better battery life. The Series 10 introduced faster charging — 0% to 80% in just 30 minutes compared with 90 minutes on previous models — but there’s room for improvement in battery capacity itself.

While there aren’t any rumors indicating that new Apple Watches will get a longer battery life, I truly hope Apple addresses the battery because its smartwatches are falling behind. Some Android models use dual chipsets to divide tasks and optimize battery life. I’d like to see Apple adopt a similar strategy and finally push battery life to two full days on a single charge for regular models. I hope the Ultra, which currently gets a full 72 hours on a charge, gets the faster charging and pushes its battery life limits to four full days.

Apple Watch price

Based on current pricing, the Apple Watch Series 11 could cost $399 for the 42mm aluminum version and $429 for the 46mm version, with upgrades for cover material and LTE connectivity costing extra. That is unless recently enacted tariffs play a part in pricing this year, which remains to be seen. The other question is what the most expensive variant will be — solid gold, diamond-encrusted Hermès, anyone?

Apple Watch health and fitness upgrades

There’s been a persistent rumor about blood pressure tracking finally making its way to the Apple Watch, but it’s unclear when it will be ready. According to March report from Gurman, Apple has already been testing the feature in its smartwatch but has run into problems. Other wearables health companies like Omron and Med-Watch have proven it’s possible to measure blood pressure from the wrist, but adding this feature would likely require new sensors and a bulkier design. It would also be less precise than dedicated health devices like Omron’s and measure baseline metrics like the Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra (which isn’t supported on Samsung watches in the US).

Glucose monitoring has also been thrown in the mix, but according to Gurman, that would be even further down the line. Lastly, the blood oxygen (SpO2) feature that debuted on the Series 6 likely won’t be making a comeback this year as Apple is still navigating legal issues related to it.

Additional future Apple Watch surprises

There’s another rumor floating around that the Apple Watch could get a camera — not for selfies (this isn’t 2015, after all) but for AI-based image recognition. With the release of Apple Intelligence, Apple introduced a visual search tool on the iPhone that uses the camera to provide relevant information about objects and places.

According to a report by Gurman, Apple is exploring this option, and even if the company decides to move forward with the technology, it likely wouldn’t make its way to the Apple Watch until the 2027 models. While it’s not expected for this launch, it could hint what kind of AI integration will arrive with WatchOS 12. By contrast, WatchOS 11 lacks any Apple Intelligence features.

WatchOS 12 may also give us clues about the direction Apple is taking with Apple Intelligence on the Watch and could hint at new hardware features as well. The new operating system is expected to be unveiled at Apple’s annual developers conference, WWDC 2025, which is scheduled for the week of June 5.

An even further fetched clue hints at a foldable Apple Watch with two cameras. A recent Apple patent, first uncovered by Patently Apple, and published by the US Patent and Trademark Office in March, details an Apple Watch design featuring a foldable screen and another with a dual-screen display that either folds or slides out. The additional screens could give the Apple Watch more real estate to expand its functionality and make it less reliant on the iPhone. The same patent also points to the possibility of two cameras on this dual-screened watch for either AI processing or video calls. Apple often files patents well before any related technology appears in an actual product, so even if this concept does live to see the light of day, we’re not expecting it to make its public debut anytime soon.

A Minecraft Movie has been a huge hit in theaters, but one goofy meme from the film is overshadowing all of its box office success.

While fans have embraced the absurd performances from Jack Black and Jason Momoa, it’s a split-second cameo featuring a baby zombie riding a chicken that’s sending teen audiences into absolute chaos. The Chicken Jockey, a rare and obscure Minecraft mob, has become the unlikely center of a viral eruption.

Across social media, and increasingly inside theaters, teens are reacting with wild enthusiasm-chanting, throwing popcorn, filming reenactments and, in some cases, prompting theaters to issue warnings or cancel showings altogether. What started as a deep-cut reference has exploded into a cultural flashpoint.

Jack Black, who stars as lead character Steve in the movie, took the opportunity to address the controversial meme and crazy behavior on Sunday, surprising moviegoers at the AMC Century City in Los Angeles with a personal appearance. Black jokingly warned the crowd not to throw «popped corn» before pumping his trusty pickaxe and high-fiving fans across the theater.

The Chicken Jockey has gone from niche in-game trivia to a full-blown pop culture icon and the source of real-world havoc. But what exactly is this strange little character, where did it come from, and how did it become the chaotic heartbeat of the movie?

What is a Minecraft Chicken Jockey?

A Minecraft Chicken Jockey is a rare hostile mob (Minecraft lingo for monster) in the game, formed when a baby zombie appears riding a chicken. It’s one of the stranger and less common creatures in Minecraft, and because of its rarity, it’s a fan-favorite Easter egg for veteran players. 

In the 2025 Minecraft movie, the Chicken Jockey makes a brief but memorable appearance. The film references its rarity, and that relatively small scene has exploded online, especially among fans who recognize the deep-cut reference.

What is the Chicken Jockey scene in the Minecraft movie?

The Chicken Jockey scene in the Minecraft movie isn’t very long or important. In reality, it’s probably worth little more than a chuckle. But people absolutely love it. And it’s easily understood without having seen the movie. For context, at one point, Garrett «The Garbage Man» Garrison (played by Momoa) is forced into a boxing ring with a chicken.

«They want me to fight the chicken,» he states, while a baby zombie drops down from a crate lowered from the ceiling. The grinning zombie lands on the chicken while giggling.

«Chicken Jockey!» a wary Steve (played by Jack Black) warns, as the baby zombie coos and charges at Garrison, knocking him into the ropes. And scene. 

Why did the Chicken Jockey scene go viral?

For Minecraft fans, this is a rare and oddly satisfying Easter egg. This mob isn’t seen often in-game, so it was a fun, tongue-in-cheek nod to those in the know.

Moviegoers have reported rather rowdy experiences at screenings, with fans singing and chanting along with the characters, especially with this scene. We’ve seen stories of spontaneous applause, kids chanting «Chicken Jockey!» and makeshift cosplay. But it’s only escalated from there.

The viral moment hit a new level when @DiscussingFilm posted to X (formerly Twitter), reporting that police had to remove several kids from a theater during a Minecraft screening due to their response to the Chicken Jockey’s appearance. The crowd erupted into such loud cheering, shouting and laughter that the screening was disrupted, and staff called the police to restore order. 

It appears the trend is picking up steam across the country and at various screenings, with social media evidence to show popcorn being thrown at screens, loud screaming and other disruptive behavior. Put simply, Chicken Jockey has people freaking out. 

Minecraft Chicken Jockey merchandise: Popcorn buckets, Lego sets and more

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Minecraft Chicken Jockey is driving a remarkable wave of merchandise demand. Fans are scrambling for collectibles ranging from exclusive theater popcorn buckets to McDonald’s toys.

One of the most sought-after items is the Cinemark-exclusive popcorn bucket and drink cup, which features the Chicken Jockey and is only available in limited quantities. It’s already being resold for as much as $150 on eBay. The trend extends to Lego as well. The Lego Minecraft Woodland Mansion Fighting Ring includes a Chicken Jockey minifigure, and fans have been quick to buy it following the movie’s release.

McDonald’s has also released Minecraft toys through its adult meal promotions, though the Chicken Jockey doesn’t appear in the standard Happy Meal lineup. Some adult meals come with boxed collectibles tied to the film, and photos have circulated online, but no direct retail link exists for the Chicken Jockey toy at this time. It’s clear that, at least for now, Chicken Jockey merchandise has become one of the year’s most unexpected movie collectible trends.