The IRS reports that average tax refunds are up in the 2026 filing season compared to last year, although the number of returns processed and the pace of filing are slightly down. The average refund amount is $2,290, an increase of 10.9% compared to the prior year. The total amount refunded has risen 1.9%, even with fewer returns processed. Taxpayers can track their refund status online.
Americans are receiving larger tax refunds on average in the 2026 filing season than last year, though taxpayers are filing at a slower pace in the first few weeks than they were a year ago. The latest IRS tax filing data was released by the agency on Friday and showed that as of Feb.
6, the average tax refund amount paid to taxpayers was $2,290. That represents an increase of 10.9% when compared with the average size of refunds paid at the same stage of the 2025 tax filing season, when the average refund amount was $2,065. Over 7.4 million refunds have been issued as of Feb. 6, down 8.1% from the same time last year when nearly 8.1 million were disbursed to taxpayers. HERE'S WHEN TAXPAYERS WILL GET THEIR REFUNDS While the number of refunds has declined, the total amount refunded has risen 1.9% from nearly $16.7 billion to almost $17 billion, which helped boost the size of the average refund. IRS data also showed that the average direct deposit refund rose by a similar amount when compared with this point of last year's tax filing season, as the average direct deposit refund for the current year is $2,388 – up 10.3% from $2,165 at this time a year ago. While refunds are rising thus far in the 2026 filing season when compared with a year ago, the number of tax returns received and processed has declined relative to last year. TAX FILING SEASON IS OFFICIALLY HERE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW The IRS reported that it has received nearly 22.4 million returns as of Feb. 6, a decrease of 5.2% from last year when almost 23.6 million returns were received at the same stage of the filing season. The IRS offers an online "Where's my refund?" tool for taxpayers to check on the status of their tax refund. The IRS website said that processing a tax refund generally takes up to 21 days for e-filed returns, whereas returns sent by mail can take six weeks or more to reach the taxpayer. Refunds may also take longer if the return is in need of corrections or additional review. BESSENT EXPECTS TAXPAYERS WILL SEE 'VERY LARGE' TAX REFUNDS EARLY NEXT YEAR Taxpayers who are preparing to file their returns should consider setting up direct deposit with the IRS if they wish to receive their refund sooner. Taxpayers who e-file their returns can typically see their refund status within 24 hours using the "Where's my refund?" tool, which can provide refund information for not only the current year but also the past two years. If a taxpayer needs to amend their return after filing, it can take longer to receive their tax return. Amended returns can take up to three weeks to appear in the IRS' system and up to 16 weeks to process. GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE The IRS also offers a "Where's my amended return?" tool for taxpayers who submitted an amended return and want to track the status of their filing and any related refund.
Tax Refunds IRS Tax Filing Refund Amounts Tax Returns
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
2026 DAYTONA 500 - February 15, 2026View 2026 DAYTONA 500 race, qualifier and practice leaderboards, live streams, bonus cameras, videos and odds information.
Read more »
USA vs World format delivers real competition at 2026 NBA All-Star GameThe 2026 NBA All-Star Game unveiled a USA vs. World round-robin format at Intuit Dome that reignited pride, intensity, and real competition—proving the league might have found a fix for its long-criticized showcase.
Read more »
Khaite Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear CollectionKhaite Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection, runway looks, beauty, models, and reviews.
Read more »
Five Best Moments From a Shockingly Great 2026 NBA All-Star GameThe mini tournament of two American teams and one international team was a pleasant surprise with Anthony Edwards, Kawhi Leonard and Victor Wembanyama stealing the show.
Read more »
Bengals Announce Coaching Staff Changes for 2026 SeasonThe Cincinnati Bengals have finalized their coaching staff for the 2026 season with the hiring of Davis Koetter as assistant wide receivers coach and several title changes for existing staff members. Additionally, the news includes updates on a multi-state manhunt arrest, an aggravated robbery investigation, a fatal car accident, and a jury decision in a shooting case.
Read more »
CXM wins “Best Gold Trading Broker 2026” at iFX EXPO Dubai 2026DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, February, 16, 2026 – CXM Group has been awarded the prestigious “Best Gold Trading Broker 2026” title at iFX EXPO Dubai 2026, recognizing the broker’s leadership in precious metals trading and its commitment to delivering institutional‑grade conditions to retail and...
Read more »