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Average IRS tax refund is up 14.2%, according to early filing data
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Average IRS tax refund is up 14.2%, according to early filing data

#IRS tax refunds #Tax season 2026 #Average refund increase #Earned income tax credit #Child tax credit #Trump administration #Filing statistics #Tax policy

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Average tax refunds increased 14.2% to $2,476 as of February 13, 2026
  • Total filings decreased by 2.6% while total refunded amount increased by 8.3% to $32 billion
  • Trump administration claims higher refunds but discrepancies exist between official data and administration statements
  • Experts attribute part of the increase to seasonal factors like earned income tax credit and child tax credit claims

📖 Full Retelling

The IRS reported that average tax refunds for individual filers increased by 14.2% as of February 13, 2026, with the average refund amount reaching $2,476 compared to $2,169 during the same period in 2025, as taxpayers file returns for the tax season that began on January 26. The data reveals that while the total number of filings decreased by 2.6%, the total amount refunded increased by 8.3% to approximately $32 billion, reflecting a significant shift in refund distribution among taxpayers. These figures come amid heightened political messaging from the Trump administration, with President Trump claiming refunds are 'substantially greater than ever before' and estimating that 'over 20% will be returned to the Taxpayer,' though the White House has not clarified which estimates Trump was referencing. The administration's focus on refund sizes comes as midterm elections approach, with officials emphasizing how Trump's 'big beautiful bill' may impact refund amounts this season.

🏷️ Themes

Tax Policy, Economic Indicators, Political Messaging

📚 Related People & Topics

Earned income tax credit

Earned income tax credit

Refundable tax credit for low-to-middle class individuals in the U.S.

The United States federal earned income tax credit or earned income credit (EITC or EIC) is a refundable tax credit for low- to moderate-income working individuals and couples, particularly those with children. The amount of EITC benefit depends on a recipient's income and number of children. Low-in...

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Child tax credit

Tax credit for parents with children

A child tax credit (CTC) is a tax credit for parents with dependent children given by various countries. The credit is often linked to the number of dependent children a taxpayer has and sometimes the taxpayer's income level. For example, with the Child Tax Credit in the United States, only families...

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In this article IRS Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Jose Luis Pelaez Inc. | Blend Images | Getty Images The average tax refund is 14.2% higher so far this season, compared to about the same period in 2025, according to early IRS filing data. As of Feb. 13, the average refund amount for individual filers was $2,476, up from $2,169 about one year prior, the IRS reported on Friday. The data is cumulative from the Jan. 26 tax season opening . The total amount refunded was about $32 billion, up 8.3% from 2025, according to the IRS release. However, the total filings received was down by 2.6%. Read more CNBC personal finance coverage Average IRS tax refund is up 14.2%, according to early filing data Student loan delinquency rate jumps to nearly 25% in Trump's second term: analysis What Supreme Court ruling against Trump tariffs means for your money Personal loans surge: It's 'the middle-class refinancing option,' expert says Trump: tax refunds are 'substantially greater than ever before.' What to expect Trump officials warn hundreds of colleges with low student loan repayment rates As AI puts the squeeze on entry-level jobs, teens remain optimistic: report Trump administration finds more borrowers eligible for student loan forgiveness More used cars are for sale, but ones under $20,000 are 'harder to find': Expert How to claim Trump's 'no tax on overtime' deduction this season Parents with student debt face deadline to secure affordable repayment, forgiveness Secure 2.0 let employers pair emergency savings and 401 s, but few have done so Home sellers start getting lower prices at 70, research shows — here's why Average IRS tax refund is up 10.9% so far this season, early filing data shows Early estimates point to lower Social Security COLA for 2027 Senators call for longer Social Security Fairness Act lump-sum payment timeline Here's the inflation breakdown for January 2026 — in one chart CNBC's Financial Advisor 100: Best financial advisors, top firms ran...
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