The interest rate that individuals will pay on underpayments remains at 3% for the first quarter of 2012. The interest rate that the IRS will pay on overpayments (tax refunds) will also be 3%. Most ordinary tax refunds do not earn interest. The IRS does not have to pay interest on tax refunds made within 45 days of the return
A portion of earnings withheld by an employer or put into a retirement plan for distribution to the employee at a later date. If certain legal requirements are met, the deferred amount is not taxable until actually paid, for example, after retirement.