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By Andrew Stanton and Gabe Whisnant
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, citing new IRS and Treasury Department data, said the average federal tax refund this filing season is more than $3,700, higher than during the same period last year.
She said nearly 63.5 million tax returns have been processed so far, representing about 45 percent of the total expected by the April 15 deadline.
Leavitt attributed the increase to recently enacted tax cuts backed by President Donald Trump, saying millions of Americans are beginning to see their effects. She said more than 27.5 million filers have claimed at least one of the president’s new tax provisions, including exemptions for tips, overtime pay, car loan interest and enhanced deductions for seniors.
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The press secretary added that millions of new tax‑advantaged accounts for children have been opened, citing early filing data.
IRS Tax Refund Updates
Citing Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department data, Leavitt said:
- The average federal tax refund this year is more than $3,700, slightly higher than last year.
- Nearly 63.5 million tax returns have been processed so far.
- That total represents about 45 percent of the expected filings by the April 15 deadline.
- More than 27.5 million filers have claimed at least one of Trump’s new tax cuts.
- Over 3.5 million returns claimed no tax on tips.
- More than 15.5 million returns claimed no tax on overtime pay.
- Over 9.2 million returns claimed an enhanced deduction for seniors.
- About 690,000 returns claimed no tax on car loan interest.
- Nearly 3.5 million “Trump accounts” have been opened for children.
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What Is the Average Tax Refund This Year?
Leavitt said the average tax refund in 2026 was about $3,800. For comparison, the average refund in 2025 was $3,167, according to the IRS.
When Will My Tax Refund Go Out?
The IRS says the typical time it takes to receive a refund depends on how an individual filed their taxes. Those who filed online may receive their refunds three weeks from the date they filed, but those who filed via mail may receive their refunds six or more weeks after they received their return.
Filers can monitor their tax refund status through the agency's Refund Status Tracker, which requires a Social Security number, tax year, filing status and the refund amount.
Some individuals may wait longer to receive their tax refunds, depending on the credits they receive.
Those who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are subject to additional timing rules. By law, the IRS cannot issue refunds to taxpayers who claim these credits before mid-February. The restriction applies to the entire refund amount, not just the portion linked to the credit.
Anyone who claimed those tax credits could receive their refund by March 2 if they file online, choose direct deposit, and have no issues with their return.
Other reasons for delays include a common mistake, filing an amended return or requesting injured spouse relief.
When Was the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Passed?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed and signed into law by Trump in July 2025, mostly along party lines. The bill included sweeping fiscal changes affecting taxes, including no taxes on tips, no taxes on overtime, a boosted standard deduction, a boost to the child tax credit, and other new tax credits. It also included changes to Medicaid and SNAP, such as work restrictions that fueled opposition from Democrats.
What Are Trump Accounts?
Also included in the bill are "Trump accounts," a new type of bank account for new babies. The accounts are aimed at helping American children build financial assets from an early age by providing a $1,000 government contribution into retirement savings for eligible children.
The accounts can only be used to invest in low-cost, diversified U.S. stock index funds, and operate in a similar way to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), with withdrawals restricted until the child turns 18.
Update 3/10/26 4:39 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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