Overview
- IRS data show the average refund has climbed about 11% to roughly $2,290, even as overall processing is running about 12% slower than a year ago.
- Returns filed electronically with direct deposit and no errors are generally issued within 21 days, while claims involving credits like the EITC or ACTC are expected to fund in early March under statutory holds.
- Automated systems continue issuing straightforward refunds even during a partial federal shutdown, but filings that require manual verification can take longer.
- Taxpayers can track payments with the Where’s My Refund? tool and, if a mailed check is lost or stolen after 28 days, start a replacement claim using Form 3911, a review that can take up to six weeks.
- Small businesses taking Zelle or Cash App payments are urged to keep a separate business bank account, link apps to the legal business name and EIN, reconcile monthly, and remember that all receipts are taxable; deported or overseas filers still must file for U.S. income, can e‑file through authorized preparers, direct refunds to declared U.S. or foreign accounts, and authorize representation via Form 2848.