Half of taxpayers are relying on refunds, but DOGE cuts could delay their dollars

Everyone loves tax filing season, right? But for many Americans, the process is confusing and challenging, while the potential refunds are desperately needed.

With little more than a month until the tax filing deadline on April 15, the IRS says more than one million American taxpayers have unclaimed refunds for the 2021 tax year – more than $1 billion overall - and need to submit a tax return to get refunds of a median $781. Miss the deadline and those dollars belong to the US Treasury.

Two new surveys highlight some of the issues faced by taxpayers. For example, almost 50% of respondents to a poll from Savanta said they don’t fully understand the tax filing process, 64% find it stressful, and 34% are concerned about making a mistake.

Meanwhile, Trustpilot reveals that 51% of respondents are relying on their tax refunds as a financial necessity rather than a windfall due to the cost of living. Half of those aged 18-34 told the firm’s survey that they plan to use their refund for essentials like rent and groceries, compared to 35% of those 35-54 and just 20% of those 55+.

One in three respondents said they are delaying filing their tax return out of fear of owing money to the government.

But in 2025 there’s another concern that hasn’t been there before – that Internal Revenue Service staff cuts will mean it takes longer to get a tax refund. Almost four in ten who took part in the Savanta research said this while one third said fewer IRS staff would encourage more people to cheat on their taxes.

And there’s also concern about how tax dollars are spent with 57% saying the federal government underspends on veterans' benefits, 52% believing Social Security needs more funding, and 48% saying education is underfunded.

"Public confidence in the IRS's ability to process tax returns is wavering as a result of the DOGE staff reductions," said Kyle Gollins, head of commercial, Americas at Savanta. "IRS staffing cuts are adding to taxpayer frustration. At the same time, many believe too little is spent on essential public services—highlighting a growing disconnect between taxpayers and how their money is managed."

As well as the tax filing deadline on April 15, the IRS also issued a reminder Thursday that in most cases retirees who turned 73 in 2024 must begin receiving payments from IRAs, 401(k)s and similar workplace retirement plans by Tuesday, April 1, 2025.