Last year was difficult for people who enjoy getting things on time. A global supply chain crisis led to delays in shipments and receipts of packages during the holiday season. Now, supermarket shelves are barren, and gas prices are creeping over $5 per gallon yet again. And if the IRS has any say, fans of timely returns will be just as frustrated, if not more so, in 2022.

Tax refunds and other services provided by the IRS will be delayed this year, according to reports out of the Treasury Department. The IRS complains that this is because of challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic as well as cuts to the agency’s budget over the last 10 years. This failure to perform its most basic function is yet another example of the agency’s incompetence.