New data from IRS shows that Americans’ average tax refunds during the 2026 filing season have increased significantly from last year as the filing deadline approaches.
IRS data through March 20 showed that the average tax refund The amount has increased to $3,571 in the 2026 filing season so far, an increase of $350 or 10.9% from the average refund of $3,221 at this point in the 2025 filing season.
The total amount refunded to taxpayers by the IRS through March 20 was more than $202 billion, an increase of 12.9% from the $179 billion refunded at this point last year.
The total number of refunds issued increased slightly from last year, increasing 1.8% to just over 56.7 million, with an increase of approximately 1 million for the 2026 filing season.
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The IRS reported that the average tax refund has increased by nearly 11% so far this tax filing season. (Timothy Fadek/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Overall, the filing season is progressing at a slightly slower pace than last year. The total number of returns received as of March 20 stood at nearly 78.9 million, down 0.9%, while the total number of returns processed was just over 77.8 million, down 1.1%.
A growing number of taxpayers are choosing to prepare their own tax returns this year, the number of self-prepared statements deposits increased 1.9% to more than 37.8 million.
In contrast, the number of electronic returns submitted by tax professionals on behalf of their clients is down 1% from last year, with 39.7 million submitted so far by tax professionals.
The deadline to file your return for the 2025 tax year is Wednesday, April 15, although taxpayers who need an extension can request it before then – although they will be required to make an estimated payment.
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More Americans are receiving direct deposit refunds this filing season as the IRS phases out. paper reimbursement checks for most taxpayers.
Direct deposit refunds — a metric that includes all refunds processed this year, including returns from the current and prior years — are up 6.5% from a year ago to nearly 57.3 million.
The average direct deposit reimbursement increased 8.4% to $3,561; while the total amount refunded via direct deposit increased 15.5% to nearly $204 billion.
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The IRS is phasing out paper refund checks for most taxpayers. (Juanmonino via Getty Images)
Although the IRS began phasing out paper refund checks last fall, it will still send paper checks if no alternative is available. Options for taxpayers without bank accounts include prepaid debit cards, digital wallets or other limited exceptions.
IRS data also shows an increase in visits to the agency’s website this tax season, with visits to IRS.gov up 55.6% from a year ago, from 244 million to more than 380 million visits.
Changes to federal tax law under the One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law by the President. Donald Trump last year and made significant changes to some aspects of the federal tax code, may have contributed to the increase in web traffic.
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These changes include new temporary deductions for income from tips and overtime, an enhanced deduction for seniors, an interest deduction on auto loans as well as the creation of what is called Trump accountswhich are savings accounts for newborns with federal funds that can also be set up for older children.
