Trump’s hiring freeze could delay 2025 tax refunds. Here’s what PA filers should do
Filing your federal and Pennsylvania state taxes early and error-free this year could help any potential refund hit your bank account sooner.
The Internal Revenue Service is one of many branches of the federal government subject to President Donald Trump’s hiring freeze (which also rescinded standing job offers) and his deferred resignation offer. The moves, aimed at drastically cutting the size of the federal government, could mean an agency which already struggles to hire and retain staff could be stretched further this spring.
Thursday, the Associated Press reported IRS employees who opt to take Trump’s buyout would continue working to process federal taxes and complete other work through Thursday, May 15, and the deadline to accept the deferred resignation plan was also paused by a federal judge that day.
What does this mean for your tax return? The IRS did not respond to a Wednesday request for comment from McClatchy News on any possible delays.
The deadline to file your taxes is Tuesday, April 15. Here’s what Pennsylvania filers should know.
What can I do to get my 2025 tax refund without delay?
The IRS recommends filing electronically through free services, if you are able to, and to be on the lookout for tax scams. Red flags can include promises of a large refund, pressures to claim credits you may not be eligible for, demands for payment and odd and misspelled website links.
The federal agency offers some answers to some frequently asked questions and interactive tax assistant online.
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue said Thursday it expects no delays on its end in processing state tax returns.
“The PA Department of Revenue is responsible for processing state personal income tax returns and refunds in Pennsylvania — not the federal returns that are processed by the IRS. On the state level, we are fully staffed and prepared to handle the volume of returns/refunds that we typically see during an income tax season,” Jeffrey Johnson, communications director for the agency, wrote in a Thursday email.
The state began accepting 2024 returns Jan. 27, and since then has received “nearly 600,000” electronically, Johnson wrote.
“This is the preferred filing method for the vast majority of our taxpayers, whether they are using third-party tax preparation software or other electronic options,” Johnson continued. “We strongly encourage everyone to file online — it’s seamless and helps alleviate errors that may occur when filing a return on paper and mailing it to us.”
This year, Pennsylvanians can use the new IRS Direct File tool to file simple federal and state tax returns for free. The tool was piloted in some states in 2024, and the IRS rolled it out to 13 more for this year’s tax filing season.
“We estimate that nearly 2.1 million Pennsylvanians are eligible to use this tool for this tax season, so it’s a great option for many people looking to save time and money when filing their taxes,” Johnson wrote.
You can also use the commonwealth’s PA myPATH to file a state return, track your refund and more.
When can I expect my tax refund?
If you expect a refund on your state taxes in Pennsylvania, the Department of Revenue reports you should receive it three to four weeks after you’ve filed. Any errors could delay it, however.
Johnson said roughly 20% of single personal income tax filers in Pennsylvania request a refund, averaging $265.
The IRS maintains in its Jan. 27 news release on the opening of tax season that most federal refunds will be issued in less than 21 days. You can check the status of your return and refund using the IRS Where’s My Refund? online tool.
Finally, opting for direct deposit on your refund should help you get your money back faster.
This story was originally published February 7, 2025 at 5:00 AM.