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Des Plaines Today
By the People, for the People
IRS Reports 14% Increase in Early Tax Refunds
Average refund amount rises to $2,476 as of February 13, 2026
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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The IRS has reported a 14.2% increase in the average tax refund amount for the 2026 filing season, with the average refund reaching $2,476 as of February 13, 2026. This is up from $2,169 for the same period last year. The IRS also noted that the total number of tax returns filed and processed is down slightly year-over-year.
Why it matters
The increase in average tax refund amounts suggests that the tax changes implemented under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) passed last year are resulting in larger refunds for many American taxpayers. However, the slight decline in total returns filed and processed could indicate that some taxpayers are still adjusting to the new tax laws.
The details
According to the IRS, the average direct deposit refund amount is also up 13.1% year-over-year, from $2,252 in 2025 to $2,548 in 2026. The agency noted that the refund numbers do not yet include millions of refunds related to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), which are expected to be released on February 27 and further increase the final average refund amount.
- As of February 13, 2026, the average tax refund amount was $2,476.
- Last year, the average refund for the same time period was $2,169.
The players
IRS
The Internal Revenue Service, the federal agency responsible for administering and enforcing federal tax laws.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)
A tax reform bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump last year, which included multiple new tax law provisions that took effect in 2026.
Donald Trump
The former President of the United States who signed the OBBBA into law.
Chuck Schumer
The Senate Minority Leader, who has been critical of the Trump administration's economic policies.
What they’re saying
“Average refund amounts are strong”
— IRS (IRS update)
“There would be 'substantial refunds for working Americans'”
— Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary (Fox News interview)
“Housing costs have been skyrocketing. Rent is too high and eating away at the ability for people to save money to own a home. The average age of a first-time homebuyer just hit a record high of over 40 years old”
— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (Statement)
What’s next
The IRS expects to release updated refund numbers on February 27, which will include refunds related to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).
The takeaway
The increase in average tax refund amounts suggests that the new tax laws passed under the OBBBA are providing financial relief to many American taxpayers. However, the slight decline in total returns filed and processed indicates that some taxpayers may still be adjusting to the changes, underscoring the importance of clear communication and education around the new tax policies.
