Average IRS tax refund is up 10.9% so far this season, early filing data shows

February 14, 2026

TL;DR

The average tax refund is 10.9% higher so far this tax season compared to the same period in the prior year.
As of February 6, the average refund was $2,290, up from $2,065 last year.
Total refunds issued are up 1.9% compared to last year.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously stated refunds were up 22%, but the comparison period was unclear.
Experts caution that early filing data can be misleading, as refunds tend to increase significantly in mid-February.
Larger refunds, including those with earned income tax credit or additional child tax credit, will be reflected in later IRS releases.
The size of an individual's refund depends on personal tax breaks and payments made throughout the year.

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