Average tax refund nearly 11% higher than 2025

American taxpayers are receiving tax refunds nearly 11% higher than the previous year across the United States in early 2026, as new tax provisions implemented by President Trump last summer continue to impact tax returns. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) data reveals that the average refund amount has increased significantly compared to the same period in 2025. This financial boost for millions of Americans comes as direct result of legislative changes signed by President Trump during the previous summer, which altered tax calculations and deductions available to taxpayers. The changes appear to have benefited middle-income families particularly, though specific demographic breakdowns are not yet available from the IRS. Tax experts suggest that while larger refunds may seem beneficial, they could also indicate that many taxpayers are having too much withheld from their paychecks throughout the year, effectively giving the government an interest-free loan rather than optimizing their personal cash flow.