The average direct-deposit tax refund amount is up 11% this year compared with the same span in 2025, the IRS said in a recent news release.
The average refund was $2,290 as of Feb. 6, 2026, up from $2,065 as of Feb. 7, 2025. Tax cuts enacted in H.R. 1, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, are driving the higher amounts, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.
Among the cuts that the center cites are a larger standard deduction, an expanded senior deduction, an auto loan interest deduction, and deductions for overtime and tips.
The total number of refunds received so far in 2026 is 7,403,000, compared with 8,054,000 at this point in 2025, a drop of 8.1%. Read more.