Proposed IRS staff reductions under President Trump’s administration have raised concerns about potential tax refund delays. Experts warn that layoffs—reportedly over 6,000 positions—could impact processing times, especially for paper filers and those needing customer support.
Tax professionals advise filing early and electronically to minimize disruptions. While direct deposit refunds are still expected within 21 days, errors or manual reviews could take longer due to reduced staffing. A potential government shutdown in mid-March adds further uncertainty.
Millions rely on tax refunds for essential expenses, making timely processing crucial. To avoid delays, taxpayers should file online, double-check their information, and use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool for updates.