President Donald Trump has offered an update on tax refunds that are due to millions of Americans this year, saying they are expected to be higher than usual.
Trump administration officials have said numerous times that tax refunds are expected to be larger this year, owing to several adjustments to the tax code passed in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025. The adjustments include new deductions, an expanded Child Tax Credit, and special provisions for some workers and seniors.
Writing on Truth Social, the president said: “Tax Refunds this year, because of ‘THE GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL,’ are substantially greater than ever before. In some cases, estimates are that over 20% will be returned to the Taxpayer.
“So, when you get your Tax Refund, think about what a wonderful President you have — NO TAX ON TIPS, NO TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY FOR OUR GREAT SENIORS, NO TAX ON OVERTIME, INTEREST DEDUCTIONS ON CAR LOANS, AND MUCH MORE. Don’t spend all of this money in one place!”
Tax filing season opened on Monday, meaning Americans are now able to file their 2025 taxes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), up until the deadline on April 15.
Are Tax Refunds Bigger This Year?
The IRS regularly publishes statistics on how the current tax filing season compares with the previous one.
Statistics from the service show that the average tax refund this year is $2,290, as of February 6. Compared with the same time in 2025, when the average refund was $2,065, this is 10.9 percent higher. As filing season is still open, there are still plenty more returns to be processed—with more than 22 million received so far.
However, complete statistics from 2026 show that refund amounts were overall higher last year, with the average amount being $3,167 in 2025.
“It’s important to note this week’s refund numbers do not include millions of EITC [Earned Income Tax Credit] and ACTC [Additional Child Tax Credit] refunds to these taxpayers,” the IRS said, explaining the statistics for 2026. “This means the refund numbers expected to be released February 27, for refunds processed through February 20, are expected to be higher. The IRS emphasizes it continues to see a strong filing season with refunds continuing to reach taxpayers as planned.
“Moreover, large percentage changes in filing season numbers are usually seen at the beginning of each tax season. Historically, these numbers even out in future weeks as more tax returns come in. This table compares totals from early February 2026 with early February 2025. Because many taxpayers were still waiting for important tax documents at the end of January, the IRS expects the tax return filing numbers generally will catch up in the following weeks.”
What Are the Big Tax Changes This Year?
Among the key changes are new tax deductions for people who earn tips, work overtime, and for older Americans. Certain service workers making under $150,000 a year can now deduct up to $25,000 in eligible tip income. Employees who earn overtime may also deduct pay from up to 250 hours of overtime, depending on their income level.
In addition, taxpayers aged 65 and over can claim a new $6,000 bonus deduction. The full amount is available to single filers with modified adjusted gross income below $75,000 and married couples below $150,000.
The Child Tax Credit has also been expanded. Beginning in 2025, the credit rises to $2,200 per qualifying child and will increase each year to keep pace with inflation. The change takes effect immediately and does not expire.
Under the updated rules, claimants must have a work-eligible Social Security number to qualify. The credit remains partially refundable, meaning eligible families can still receive a portion of the benefit even if they owe little or no federal income tax.
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