Insight ReportFirst Round of US Tax Refunds Lower, Likely Due to Tax Changes and Government Shutdown: 2019 Tax Tracker #1 Coresight Research February 14, 2019 Executive SummaryThe U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tracks tax return filings on a weekly basis. As of February 1, the IRS had received 16 million tax returns, down 12.4% year over year. A total of 4.7 million refunds had been issued as of that date (down 24.3% year over year), totaling $8.7 billion (down 30.6% year over year) and averaging $1,865 each (down 8.4% year over year). The drop in returns filed is likely due to confusion ensuing from tax law changes, combined with reduced availability of IRS agents due to the government shutdown. Given a solid U.S. economy, higher wages and employment rates, total refunds are likely to be higher in 2019, once the disruption from the government shutdown is resolved. Already a subscriber? Log in You are currently viewing a preview of this report. Please select an access option to view the full report. Hide Options - Show Options + Get unlimited access to all our research with one of our subscription plans. View Subscription Plans or Contact us to purchase this report. Contact us ✕ This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in: Earnings Insights 1Q25, Week 4: Alibaba, Walmart and Others Report Sales Growth While Under Armour Reports Sales Decline—InfographicWhat You Need to Know About US Tariffs and Consumers’ and Retailers’ Reactions—April 2025 UpdateInnovator Profile: Big Sur AI—Boosting Brands’ Profitability with Commerce-First AI AgentsAugust 2025 US Retail Sales Outlook: July Strength and Improved Outlook Score Raise Retail Projection Above 4%
