New federal data shows Americans are receiving significantly larger tax refunds during the 2026 filing season, with the average refund rising nearly 11% compared with the same period last year as millions of taxpayers submit their returns ahead of the deadline.
According to the latest figures released by the Internal Revenue Service, the average tax refund has reached $3,571 so far this year, an increase of $350 from the $3,221 average reported during the same stage of the 2025 filing season. The total amount returned to taxpayers has also climbed sharply, exceeding $202 billion through March 20 — a jump of nearly 13% compared with about $179 billion refunded during the same timeframe a year earlier.
The number of refunds issued has also increased slightly. The agency has sent out more than 56.7 million refunds so far this year, about 1.8% higher than last year’s total at the same point in the filing season.
While refunds have grown larger overall, the pace of tax filings has slowed somewhat. Nearly 78.9 million returns had been received by March 20, down 0.9% from last year, while just over 77.8 million returns had been processed — a decline of about 1.1% compared with the same period in 2025.
Another noticeable shift this year involves how Americans are filing their taxes. More taxpayers are preparing their returns themselves rather than relying on professional tax preparers. Self-prepared returns have risen 1.9% to more than 37.8 million filings. Meanwhile, electronic filings submitted by tax professionals on behalf of clients have slipped about 1%, totaling roughly 39.7 million returns so far.
Taxpayers still have time to submit their returns before the filing deadline. The due date for filing 2025 tax year returns is April 15. Individuals who require additional time may request an extension by that date, though they must still submit an estimated payment for any taxes owed.
Refund delivery methods are also evolving. Direct deposit continues to dominate as the preferred option, especially as the government phases out paper refund checks for most taxpayers. The number of refunds issued through direct deposit has climbed 6.5% from last year to nearly 57.3 million.
The average direct deposit refund currently stands at $3,561, representing an 8.4% increase compared with the previous year. Meanwhile, the total amount returned through direct deposit has surged 15.5%, reaching almost $204 billion.
Paper checks are gradually being eliminated, although the agency still sends them when no other option is available. For taxpayers who do not maintain bank accounts, alternatives such as prepaid debit cards, digital wallets, or other limited exceptions remain available.
The tax season has also generated a major spike in online traffic. Visits to the agency’s website have jumped more than 55% compared with last year, rising from about 244 million visits to more than 380 million.
Several recent changes to federal tax law may be contributing to the surge in activity. New provisions introduced under legislation signed by President Donald Trump last year altered several elements of the federal tax code and created new deductions and savings incentives for American families.
Among the updates are temporary deductions for income earned from tips and overtime pay, a stronger deduction aimed at helping seniors, and a new deduction for interest paid on auto loans. The legislation also introduced so-called Trump Accounts, savings accounts for newborn children that are seeded with federal funds and can also be opened for older children.
As the filing deadline approaches, millions more returns are expected to be processed, which could further increase the total amount refunded to taxpayers during the 2026 tax season.
