The Republican Tax bill of 2017 saw the most substantial overhaul to the United States' tax code in decades. While the bill touted lowered individual tax rates and an increase for the standard deduction, it was heavily criticized for its slashing of corporate tax rates from 35% to 21%—a move many predict will lead to a notable increase in the deficit.
Though many individuals saw an increase in take-home pay throughout 2018, their refunds are likely to take a hit—especially if they didn't adjust their withholdings when the 2018 rates took effect. The new code also got rid of many deductions that were previously standard, like personal exemptions and and moving expenses.
The average refund amount for 2018 is $1,865, lowered from $2,035 the previous year, while the number of returns received so far has decreased by two million. While some say, the tax bill's benefits were reflected in an increase of take-home pay, some are incensed at the decrease in refund amounts.
Trump supporters who were promised a substantial economic boost from the tax bill are now feeling the burn when it comes to refunds.
i voted for trump will not vote for him in 2020 thanks for the refund screwing— shawn mitchem (@shawn mitchem) 1549855313.0
@carrieksada1 @megdogwuff I voted for trump and I am really disappointed I am getting less this year than I got las… https://t.co/OABcvn7tov— Rorschach (@Rorschach) 1549513646.0
I voted for this crack pot President, what a mistake I made, getting screwed on my taxes, loosing roughly $3,500, m… https://t.co/WSdHkB0Zk2— Nick (@Nick) 1549386841.0
@realDonaldTrump I will not vote for you ever again. You stole my income tax refund . And the tax cut for the rich… https://t.co/fRkhJB4XKo— Michelle ripoll (@Michelle ripoll) 1549674933.0
@realDonaldTrump Mr Trump, I voted for you and im for a lot of what you stand for to make this country great again,… https://t.co/Sprcevpen0— David Applegate (@David Applegate) 1549149884.0
@realDonaldTrump I voted for you and I'm down $2,000 on my tax refund this year. I'm not happy but I bet your busi… https://t.co/uodtZJ9nfz— Maria Parks (@Maria Parks) 1549688171.0
@realDonaldTrump so i received a few more dollars in my paycheck recently. But thanks to the new tax policy I now… https://t.co/EXK6AE38ET— coric2855 (@coric2855) 1549823169.0
The President's supporters have been dismayed by the effects of the tax bill on their refunds for some time now.
However, some on the Left are finding it difficult to be sympathetic toward Trump supporters who saw their refunds decrease.
@MSNBC @huskiefan_geer My refund was half what it used to be. #TaxScam #TaxScamBill People who voted for trump SUCK.— impeach, indict, imprison (@impeach, indict, imprison) 1549717933.0
Tax code changes leave Americans asking, 'What happened to my refund?' I too was disappointed in my return. It was… https://t.co/AuOjuZkYKb— Valdet Selimaj (@Valdet Selimaj) 1549715153.0
@DonaldJTrumpJr @GOPLeader @GOP To Trump voters, other than the 1%, you got Royalty Screwed you got what you voted… https://t.co/G0ODvV6plv— MWKrieger2 (@MWKrieger2) 1549666644.0
Tax season isn't even over yet.