With tax season in full swing, many Americans are wondering: Will IRS tax refunds be affected by former President Donald Trump’s ongoing audit? While there’s no direct evidence that individual refunds will be delayed because of it, larger IRS-related issues could have an impact on taxpayers.
What’s Happening with Trump’s Audit?
The IRS has been auditing Trump’s taxes for years, but the latest investigation focuses on his Chicago skyscraper project. Reports suggest he claimed massive tax deductions that may not have been legitimate, which could result in him owing more than $100 million in back taxes.
This high-profile case has put the IRS under intense scrutiny, but does it mean delays for regular taxpayers? Not necessarily—but other factors at play could slow things down.
How IRS Changes Could Affect Your Tax Refund
Even though Trump’s audit won’t directly change how quickly the IRS processes refunds, broader IRS challenges could lead to delays.
1. IRS Staffing Issues
A recent federal hiring freeze signed by Trump in early 2025 has prevented the IRS from adding new employees. This could mean fewer workers to process tax returns, respond to inquiries, and issue refunds on time.
2. IRS Budget Cuts
Congress recently cut $20 billion from the IRS’s budget, money that was supposed to help improve enforcement and efficiency. With fewer resources, the IRS may struggle to handle the workload.
3. Possible Increase in Audits for Regular Americans
With fewer staff, the IRS may shift its focus to middle- and low-income taxpayers to meet enforcement goals, rather than targeting the wealthiest filers. This could mean more audits for everyday people, leading to further refund delays.
How to Get Your Refund Faster
To avoid delays with your tax refund this year, take these steps:
✅ File Your Taxes Early – The sooner you file, the quicker you’re likely to get your refund.
✅ Double-Check for Errors – Mistakes on your return can slow things down and even trigger an audit.
✅ Stay Updated – Keep an eye on IRS announcements and any potential policy changes that might affect refunds.
While Trump’s tax audit itself won’t slow down IRS refunds, other factors like staffing shortages and budget cuts could cause issues. If you’re expecting a tax refund this year, the best thing you can do is file early and make sure everything is accurate to avoid any unnecessary delays.
