Average tax refund up 14% early in filing season, IRS says
Feb 22nd 2026
Early IRS data through Feb 13 shows the average individual refund at $2,476, total refunds rising while filings fall, amid competing claims from officials and politicians.
- Average refund through Feb 13 was $2,476, 14.2% higher than about the same period in 2025.
- Total refunds were about $32 billion, up 8.3%, while total filings were down 2.6%.
- President Trump and Treasury officials have cited larger increases but their percentage claims used different comparison periods and were not fully explained.
- The IRS says average refunds usually rise in mid-February when the earned income tax credit and additional child tax credit start to be included.
- The IRS will publish updated filing data through Feb 20 on Feb 27, which could change early-season trends.