IRS says average tax refund is 11% smaller than last year - here's why

IRS issued about 53M tax refunds as of mid-March, but some taxpayers could be in for a shock

Megan Henney / FOXBusiness

With the 2023 tax season coming to an end in just a few weeks, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers to brace for a smaller refund this year.

The IRS said that it has issued about 53 million refunds as of March 17, worth a collective $158.1 billion. The average refund check so far this year is worth $2,933 – about 11% lower compared to the $3,305 average recorded last year.

The decrease in refund size can be concerning to millions of Americans who depend on the influx of money from Uncle Sam to make major purchases, save for retirement or pay off debt. On top of that, millions of taxpayers are still struggling with the worst inflation bout in a generation that has sent the cost of staples like food, rent and gasoline soaring higher.

A recent survey from Bankrate found that about 75% of adults who expect to receive a tax refund this year believe the money is important to their overall financial situation. About 43% said the refund is "very important," compared to 32% who described it as "somewhat important." 

U.S. Marshals Were Told Not to Arrest Violent Protestors Outside of Supreme Court Justice's House

Sarah Arnold / Townhall Tipsheet

U.S. Marshals assigned to guard the Supreme Court Justice's home following the aftermath of Roe v. Wade being overturned last year were reportedly told not to make any arrests of violent protestors. 

According to training documents obtained by the office of Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala), "unless absolutely necessary," criminal enforcement action involving the protest or protestors, particularly in public space, was to be avoided. 

Previously, Attorney General Merrick Garland claimed that U.S. Marshals "have full authority to arrest people under any federal statute, including that federal statute." However, the training documents suggested that the Department of Justice lawyers believed applying the statute to peaceful protests directed at the justices would violate the First Amendment.