Tax refunds in June 2026 are averaging $3,268, up 8% from the same period last year, according to the latest IRS data cited by Kiplinger and other outlets tracking the 2026 filing season.
The increase reflects the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), signed into law in July 2025, which made permanent several tax cuts and introduced new deductions and credits that have boosted refund amounts across the filing season.
The Bipartisan Policy Center identified two main groups of OBBB provisions driving the higher refunds. One group includes broad-impact, smaller savings affecting most taxpayers, while another targets specific filers with larger benefits. Key changes include an increased standard deduction, which rose to $32,200 for married couples filing jointly in 2026, and an increase in the maximum child tax credit from $2,000 to $2,200 per qualifying child.
The 2025 filing season showed a similar pattern. According to IRS data, the average refund for tax year 2024 (filed in 2025) was $3,167, representing an increase from prior years as tax law changes took effect. The progression from $3,167 in 2025 to $3,268 in 2026 continues this upward trend, though the 8% increase in June 2026 is more modest than early-season projections had suggested.
The Tax Foundation noted that private-sector analysis suggested the OBBB would result in up to $100 billion in higher refunds overall in 2026, with average refunds increasing between $300 to $1,000 compared to a typical year. While the actual increases have been more measured, the law’s permanent extension of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) provisions and new deductions have still delivered meaningful gains for many filers.
Taxpayers receiving refunds can prioritize emergency funds and debt payoff as they plan how to use the money, according to financial advisors tracking consumer behavior in 2026.
Sources
- Kiplinger — Average 2026 federal tax refund around $3,268, an 8% increase over the same period in prior year
- MARCA — IRS refund data showing June 2026 average at approximately $3,268, nearly 8% higher than prior year
- IRS (.gov) — Filing season statistics showing 2025 average refund of $3,167 for tax year 2024
- The Motley Fool — Confirmation that full-season 2024 average refund was $3,167
- Bipartisan Policy Center — Analysis of OBBB provisions driving higher refunds in 2026
- Tax Foundation — Estimate of $100 billion in higher refunds in 2026, with average increases of $300–$1,000
