WASHINGTON -- Tax refunds are expected to start hitting bank accounts in the coming weeks as the Internal Revenue Service continues to process millions of returns. However, a pair of executive orders signed recently by President Donald Trump might cause some delays in getting those refunds paid out, according to Newsweek.

In early February 2025, claims emerged that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk, had terminated, or planned to terminate, a program — Direct File — run by the IRS that allows (some) citizens to file individual tax returns for free:

"Weaponization" of IRS audits by a US President is a concern held by many. How likely is it? I asked legal experts and IRS Commissioners who served under Trump and Biden.

Taxpayers should expect to receive their tax refunds within 21 days of filing if they file electronically, but that money could be delayed this year.

The recently ordered hiring freeze at the IRS might have you worried about what will happen to your tax return. This filing method will speed up the process.

And the potential loss of expertise in information technology and cybersecurity could put both agency efficiency and taxpayer information at risk.

President Trump signed an executive order last month enacting a hiring freeze for federal employees. The memorandum is set to expire in 90 days for every department and agency besides the Internal Revenue Service.