The IRS immediately published two bad news for US taxpayers.

Americans got a double dose of bad news Friday as the IRS released data for the first week of tax refund filings. Not only did the agency process fewer returns due to the shutdown compared to the same period last year, but it also turned out that Americans received much smaller amounts of refunds.

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On average, the tax refund was about 170 dollars lower than last year. The average refund this year is 1865 dollars compared to 2035 dollars in 2018, writes CBS News.

The IRS is also behind schedule after the government’s record close, which ended on January 25. Although the agency received 12% less profit in the first week than in the same period last year, the IRS processed 26% less returns.

Refund amounts may vary greatly. Last year, the average refund for each week during filing season could range from $2000 to just over $3000. But for many taxpayers and most working-class people, their tax refund is the largest cash payment they receive during the year.

Many people complain in their Twitter accounts for smaller amounts of return, while some blame the Law on the reduction of taxes and jobs in 2017 year.

How has the retention amount changed

A smaller refund does not always mean that you paid more taxes. At the beginning of last year, enterprises were recommended to adjust the amount of taxes levied on employee salaries to reflect lower tax rates. The IRS also urged people to conduct a “pay check”, stating that “some taxpayers may want to receive more in the form of wages, paying less for taxes.”

The problem is that few Americans have done it. According to ADP, which deals with the processing of wages, only a small proportion of workers tried to change their retention.

“We thought many taxpayers would change their benefits, but we found they didn't,” said Pete Isberg, head of government relations for ADP. “Few people have taken the time or bothered to see whether the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act affects them personally.”

He added: "I think that taxpayers, as a rule, try not to think about taxes even after major changes."

What determines the amount of return

The amount deducted from your paycheck is determined by how much benefits you are applying for in the W-4 tax form. The more benefits you require, the less money they will keep, writes USA Today.

How much is the benefit, decides the federal government. During the 2018 tax year, the hold accuracy increased. As a result, what you pay in taxes from your salary during the year is approximately equal to your total tax liability.

Getting a smaller refund does not mean that you pay more in taxes. In many cases, most of your tax savings are found in every paycheck, and as a result, your tax return may be less than last year.

Read also on ForumDaily:

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The tax season of 2019 is open: why it will be difficult and what you need to know

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