Your IRS tax refund check could be on the way. Here's how to track it online, and what to do if you lose your refund check.

The layoffs, which have been directed by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire and "special government employee" Elon Musk, have sparked concerns among experts who fear that the IRS won't be able to process Americans' tax refunds as quickly as usual this year.

In 2025, the IRS has issued over $124 billion in tax refunds, marking an 8.1% increase from the previous year. This surge in refunds comes despite fewer tax returns being filed, attributed to inflation adjustments and new deductions.

The Trump administration’s changes to the federal government could alter the tax filing process for this year’s reporting period and beyond. Reports indicate the Department of Government Efficiency has taken a long look at the IRS,

If you've already filed your tax return, it's natural to wonder when you'll receive your refund. One of the most common questions is the exact time the IRS makes deposits.

The IRS said the average refund amount has increased by 7.5% this year, going from $3,213 in 2024 to $3,453 so far in 2025. The average direct deposit refund was also up by 7.1% from last year – at an average of $3,505. The IRS began accepting tax returns on January 27, 2025.

The median potential refund nationwide is $781 for 2021. Florida, with 69,800 individuals who did not file, is just below the median potential refund at $721. New Yorkers — 73,000 of them — left the most money in the IRS till: $995.

In the United States, not every taxpayer will receive their tax refund as anticipated. Many may encounter reduced payments or, in some cases, no refund at all.

Alabamians who haven’t claimed their tax returns from 2021 will lose them if they don’t act before tax time this year. An estimated 18,100 Alabamians who did not file their form 1040 federal tax return for 2021 have a little more than a month to file before the refunds expire at the three-year mark.