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:

Since taking office, President Trump has issued numerous executive orders affecting federal agencies, potentially impacting taxpayer services. With tax season underway, these changes could lead to delays and reduced assistance for millions of Americans.

The IRS will function much better today and in the upcoming filing season with this hiring freeze than they would have, say, four years ago,” Hamilton said. A different execu