Average tax refund is little changed at $2,833, IRS chief says
CBS News –
The IRS commissioner, who is overseeing the most sweeping overhaul of the U.S. tax code in a generation, says the $2,833 average refund in this year’s tax-filing season is working out to be close to last year’s.
Taxes and returns for 2018 are due on Monday.
Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Charles Rettig, who testified before Congress Wednesday, said some 65 million refunds totaling about $191 billion have been issued as of March 22. The average amount of $2,833 is close to last year’s $2,864. His comments come at a time when many taxpayers are skeptical about the tax overhaul signed into law at the end of 2017, with a CBS News poll finding a majority believe the changes benefited the wealthy and large corporations while their own taxes did not go down.
Americans across income groups are more likely to say their taxes are now higher than lower. Those earning less — with household incomes under $50,000 — are the most likely to say their taxes haven’t been affected by the law.
Rettig also said that an increase is urgently needed in the agency’s budget to modernize antiquated computer systems and protect taxpayers’ data.
Source: US Government Class
