IRS data shows that the average refund check so far is about $2,200, or $1,000 less than a year earlier. Here's what experts say.

Experts warn that filing close to the deadline or submitting a return with errors is a recipe for delay. During tax season, IRS employees wear a lot of hats. Filing a paper return or having your return flagged will likely lead to longer wait times.

Early results from the IRS indicate that 7.7% fewer tax returns were filed in the first two weeks of the 2025 season. Why are some delaying filing?