The average tax refund is 10.2% higher so far this season, compared to about the same period in 2025, according to the latest IRS filing data. The year-over-year percentage change is down from the 14.2% increase reported last week.
As of Feb. 20, the average refund amount for individual filers was $3,804, up from $3,453 about one year prior, the IRS reported on Friday.
The total amount refunded was about $109 billion, up 6.9% from 2025, according to the IRS release. But the total returns processed were down by 2.4%.
Amid consumer concerns about affordability, the Trump administration has emphasized how Trump’s “big beautiful bill” may impact the size of tax refunds this season.
In a late January release, the White House said average tax refunds could increase “by $1,000 or more,” citing several media reports that reference early October research from investment bank Piper Sandler.
