32 Across

NYT Daily ? September 28, 2025

Org. not getting many happy returns?

Answer:

IRS

Hint:

Think of the U.S. agency that collects taxes—its initials might remind you of a form you fill out every April, but it’s not known for giving money back.

Explanation:

This clue plays on the idea of "happy returns," which usually means birthday wishes but can also refer to tax returns. The "org." is the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), the U.S. agency that handles taxes—and since people rarely enjoy paying taxes, they’re not getting many "happy" returns. The pun ties the phrase to the IRS’s role in processing tax filings.

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General solving tip

A question mark usually flags wordplay or a non-literal reading. Expect a pun, a twist, or a definition that's one step removed from the surface meaning.

More tips → General Hints