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.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Tens of millions of Americans have already received tax refunds from the federal government, with the average return totaling more than $3,000, according to the latest Internal Revenue Service data.

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.

With staffing cuts at the IRS, many taxpayers are concerned about delays in receiving their refunds. Here are some things you can do to avoid a delay.

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,

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.

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.

The IRS has issued more than 29.6 million individual income tax refunds through Feb. 21, up 2.3% from a year ago.

As the April 15 filing deadline looms, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that after three years, any unclaimed 2021 tax year refunds go to the U.S. Treasury.