economy
March 13, 2026
Average IRS tax refund is up 10.6%, filing data shows
The average IRS tax refund is up 10.6%, based on filing data. Here's what you can expect.

TL;DR
- The average tax refund is 10.6% higher so far this season compared to the same period in 2025.
- As of March 6, the average refund amount was $3,676, up from $3,324 last year.
- The IRS did not adjust paycheck withholdings after July 2025 changes, leading many workers to overpay taxes.
- New tax breaks from President Trump's "big beautiful bill" are being claimed on Schedule 1-A by nearly 45% of filers.
- Schedule 1-A includes deductions for overtime pay, tip income, seniors, and auto loan interest.
- The higher limit for the state and local tax deduction (SALT) is available to itemizers, a group that represented less than 10% of filings in 2022.
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