Average tax refund is nearly 11% higher so far this year, IRS data shows

February 17, 2026

TL;DR

Average tax refunds are up nearly 11% as of Feb. 6, 2026, reaching $2,290.
New tax provisions are predicted to increase average refund amounts.
Higher-income households are expected to see the most significant refund increases.
The IRS has received nearly 22.4 million returns so far, slightly down from last year.
Refunds are anticipated to grow as more complex returns from wealthier households are processed and as refundable tax credits are accounted for.

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