The average tax refund amount is higher than it was last year at this time, according to a batch of data released by the IRS late last week.

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.

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

Recent Internal Revenue Service data reveals that tax refunds are substantially larger this year, even though fewer Americans are filing early returns. According to a Detroit Free Press report, this shift presents a valuable opportunity for tax professionals to guide clients through changing tax dynamics.

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.

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.