Average Tax Refund Rises to $2,290, Up 11% From Last Year

IRS Data as of Feb. 6 Shows Fewer Returns Filed, Fewer Refunds Issued

As the 2026 tax filing season gets underway, the average tax refund paid to Americans has increased significantly compared to last year, according to new data released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). However, both the number of returns filed and refunds issued have declined.

As of Feb. 6, the IRS reported that the average refund amount stands at $2,290, representing a 10.9% increase from $2,065 at the same point during last year’s filing season.

Despite the higher average refund, the total number of refunds issued has fallen. Approximately 7.4 million refunds had been distributed as of Feb. 6, down 8.1% from roughly 8.1 million refunds issued at the same time in 2025.

Still, the total dollar amount refunded has risen modestly — from about $16.7 billion to nearly $17 billion, a 1.9% increase — contributing to the higher average refund amount.

Direct deposit refunds also saw a similar uptick. The average direct deposit refund reached $2,388, up 10.3% from $2,165 a year ago.

Meanwhile, tax filing activity has slowed. The IRS reported receiving approximately 22.4 million returns as of Feb. 6, a 5.2% decrease from 23.6 million returns filed during the same period last year.

The IRS encourages taxpayers to use its online tool, “Where’s My Refund?”, to track the status of their refund. Electronically filed returns are generally processed within 21 days, while mailed paper returns may take six weeks or longer. Refunds requiring corrections or additional review could face further delays.

Tax professionals note that while refund amounts are trending higher, the slower filing pace suggests many taxpayers may be waiting longer to submit their returns this season.