Average Tax Refund 2026 Up 22%, Treasury Says

Early filers review paperwork as the average tax refund 2026 runs higher than last year.

Key Points

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The average tax refund is currently about 22% higher than at the same point last year, Treasury Secretary and acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent said Friday.

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The 2026 filing season began Jan. 26, but the IRS has not yet issued full official data.

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Analysts caution that early-season refund figures can shift as more returns are processed.

The average tax refund is up roughly 22% compared with early figures from last year, according to comments made Friday by Treasury Secretary and acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent during an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” according to reporting from CNBC.

Tax season officially opened on Jan. 26, and the Internal Revenue Service is still in the early stages of processing returns. The agency has not yet released comprehensive filing statistics for 2026. Making it unclear how many days of submissions are reflected in the current average.

The IRS notes that most refunds are typically issued within 21 days of an electronically filed return. Though timing can vary depending on credits claimed and verification requirements, according to the IRS official refund timing guidance.

Policy experts say taxpayers should view early refund data carefully. Initial filings often include taxpayers expecting refunds. Which can temporarily push averages higher before more complete data becomes available later in the season.