Tax Refund Delays Expected Due to Trump’s Federal Hiring Freeze and Enhanced Verification.

Tax Refund Delays Expected Due to Trump’s Federal Hiring Freeze and Enhanced Verification.

The news as it trends.

The federal hiring freeze implemented by President Trump may significantly impact the processing of tax refunds this year.

Recent reports indicate that some individuals could experience delays in receiving their refunds.

This situation arises primarily due to the hiring freeze, which has resulted in a reduced workforce at the IRS, thereby hindering their ability to process returns efficiently.

Additionally, the selection of specific tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), may further contribute to these delays.

The IRS requires extra time to conduct identity verification checks for these credits.

While the agency has maintained identity verification measures for several years to combat tax-related identity theft, critics have expressed concerns that these processes have become increasingly rigorous, particularly in light of the current hiring freeze, which has added to the workload for the remaining staff.