2026 Tax Season: Early Filers Reap Benefits with Larger Refunds
Taxpayers who filed their taxes early this year are seeing larger refunds compared to last year, with the average refund amounting to $2,290 as of February 6, 2026, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. The IRS noted that the average refund amounts are robust, attributing the rise to new tax provisions introduced in a bill signed by President Trump. Financial analysts have estimated that the average payment per filer could increase by around $1,000. While higher-income households are expected to benefit the most, lower-earning taxpayers will also see gains, albeit not as substantial.
The 2026 tax season officially began on January 26, with the IRS receiving nearly 22.4 million returns by early February, slightly lower than the previous year's figures. Electronic filers typically receive their refunds in less than 21 days, according to the IRS. Refund amounts are anticipated to increase as the season progresses, with lower-income individuals filing early and wealthier households with more complex returns taking longer to file. The average refund amount usually starts small, peaks in mid-February, and then decreases slightly towards the end of the tax season.
According to Andrew Lautz, director of tax policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, last year's average refund was $2,939. The IRS regularly updates refund data throughout the tax season, with the next update expected on February 27. The agency anticipates higher refund numbers at that point, particularly for individuals claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit, which are refundable tax credits aimed at low- to moderate-income working families.
In conclusion, early filers this tax season are benefiting from larger refunds compared to the previous year, with average refund amounts on the rise. The IRS expects refund numbers to increase further as the season progresses, particularly for individuals eligible for specific tax credits. Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically for faster processing and receipt of refunds.