Tax refunds are smaller this year — and fewer people are getting them

May 12, 2023
Blame the termination of benefits that came with pandemic emergency measures.
The average refund amount is down more than 7% from last year so far, according to the IRS.
Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

IRS says $1.3 billion in tax refunds is unclaimed — from 2017

Apr 12, 2021
People have until May 17 to file their 2017 taxes and request their refunds.
More than 1 million people a year fail to claim the refunds they are owed, according to a tax expert.
masterSergeant via Getty Images

What might consumers do with both a tax refund and pandemic relief money?

Mar 9, 2021
Those who have already paid off debt and built up their savings may be ready to spend tax refund money.
NoDerog via Getty Images

A tax refund is a lifeline for a lot of Americans

Mar 4, 2020
Last year, after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 went into effect, a lot of people saw their tax refunds shrink or disappear.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Why the IRS has received 2 million fewer tax returns this year

Mar 13, 2019
Word of smaller refunds may have had a chilling effect on filing.
People are afraid to file their taxes — and accountants are moving slower.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The history — and psychology — behind the tax refund

Feb 20, 2019
When did taxpayers and industries start to rely on the refund?
A neon sign is seen in a window of a tax preparation office in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Tim Boyle/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Tax refund delays could sting working poor

May 13, 2016
The IRS won't be able to send some workers' refunds next year until after Feb. 15.
Refund delays could disrupt workers’ personal budgets.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Why do people overpay their taxes, then get refunds?

Apr 13, 2015
Many taxpayers will receive a refund averaging $2,800. That's free money for the government.

Predatory tax preparers target low-income households

Apr 3, 2015
Some tax preparers charge high fees and make dubious loans to vulnerable clients.