With the April 15 tax deadline one week away, IRS data shows the average refund this filing season is running significantly higher than last year — though not quite as large as the White House had predicted.

As of March 27, the average tax refund stood at $3,521, up from $3,170 at the same point in 2025. That marks an 11.1% year-over-year increase, and the IRS has issued $221 billion in total refunds so far in 2026, compared to $195 billion at this point last year.

Many filers are seeing larger refunds this year following changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law last July. The legislation included new deductions for tips, overtime, and senior citizens.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently said that nearly half of filers so far have benefited from at least one of the law’s signature provisions, including more than 4.6 million who claimed a tip deduction and nearly 20 million who benefited from no tax on overtime.

Still, the gains have fallen short of the administration’s earlier projections. The White House said in January it expected the average refund to grow by $1,000 or more, but so far, refunds remain below that threshold.

About 72% of processed returns have resulted in refunds so far — the highest share in at least five years — and the IRS has received about 88 million returns out of the roughly 164 million expected before the deadline.

Taxpayers who file electronically can expect their refund within 21 days. Those opting for direct deposit may receive it even sooner. Refund status can be checked using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool.

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