From MarketWatch:

The IRS is issuing smaller tax refunds, averaging $1,395 so far this year, a decrease of 29% since last year’s average refund of $1,949. This decrease is due in part to fewer returns received, down 19% from last year, and a slight delay in the start of processing returns. The delay in certain refunds, such as those claiming the earned-income tax credit or the refundable part of the child tax credit, contributes to lower averages as well. However, by the end of the tax season, greater returns are expected, with average refunds potentially increasing by 5% to 10%.



Read more: The average tax refund is almost 29% lower this year, early IRS statistics show