Average tax refund is nearly 11% higher so far this year, IRS data shows

Tax season is in full swing, and early filers are reaping the benefits of bigger refunds compared to last year. According to the latest figures from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as of February 6, 2026, the average tax refund amounts to $2,290, marking an impressive 11% increase from the previous year. The IRS highlighted the strength of these average refund amounts in a recent statement.

This significant rise in refunds can be attributed to a series of new tax provisions included in a comprehensive bill signed by President Trump in July 2025. Financial forecasters had predicted that taxpayers would see larger checks this year, with some estimates suggesting an increase of about $1,000 per filer. The biggest beneficiaries of these changes are expected to be households in the top 10% income bracket, although lower-earning taxpayers will also experience gains, albeit to a lesser extent.

The 2026 tax season officially commenced on January 26, and the IRS has already received nearly 22.4 million returns, slightly lower than the same period last year. Electronic filers can expect to receive their refunds in under 21 days, according to the IRS.

As tax season progresses, refund sizes are likely to continue expanding. Lower-income individuals tend to file early, while wealthier households with more complex tax situations take longer to submit their returns. Andrew Lautz, director of tax policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, noted that the average refund amount typically starts small, peaks in mid-February, and then gradually decreases by the end of tax season.

The IRS releases updated data weekly during tax season, with additional updates following the April 15 filing deadline. The agency anticipates an increase in refund numbers in its forthcoming update on February 27, particularly after processing refunds for Americans claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit, which benefit low- to moderate-income working families.

In conclusion, early tax filers are enjoying larger refunds this year, thanks to new tax provisions and changes in the tax code. As tax season progresses, refund amounts are expected to continue growing, with the IRS providing regular updates on refund statistics. Stay tuned for more information on tax refunds and filing updates as the 2026 tax season unfolds.