Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Internal Revenue Service data confirms that average tax refunds are up nearly 11%, reaching $2,290 per taxpayer through Feb. 6, 2026, compared to $2,065 during the same period last year.
"It's remarkable," said Esther Gulyas, "The Tax Lady" and President and CEO of E.G. Tax. "Some of these changes are so good. People are doing really well."
Some of the key changes this year:
- No tax on tips
- No tax on overtime
- No tax on social security
- A larger standard deduction
The 2026 tax season is projected to deliver the largest tax refunds in history, driven by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Gulyas offered an example of how people are benefiting.
"I had a couple in my office the other day. They are both servers. Tips, for each of them, were over $25,000. And they were able to take the whole $25,000 deduction. That's gigantic," she added.
Also this year if you have children under the age of 17, you're getting an extra $200 per-child.
If you're getting a refund, just be aware they won't be sending you a check. Refunds are all direct deposit.
"You may get a letter in 30 days asking for your direct deposit information. If you ignore that, they'll send you another letter in 90 days, holding up your refund, until you respond," Gulyas said.