Average Tax Refunds Up More than $200 as Filing Season Opens

Average tax refunds increased more than $200 in the first two weeks of filing season compared to the same time last year, as Republicans pin their midterm pitch to voters on delivering big tax savings.

Impressions taxpayers form this filing season could be politically pivotal since it will be their first experience under President Donald Trump’s new tax regime. The president has promised a generous boost in refunds from new and expanded tax breaks.

The IRS also faces the tall task of quickly and seamlessly delivering on Trump’s promises of huge tax refunds, amid steep staff cuts, leadership turnover ...