Tax season has officially kicked off. A lot of filers are curious if they might snag a bigger refund this year after the White House revealed that Americans could potentially receive an extra $1,000 back.
The 2026 tax filing period started on January 26, and anyone who overpaid during the last tax year should be due a refund.
Additionally, others can still receive refunds if they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, or the Supplemental Child Tax Credit.
When can I expect my IRS refund?
The IRS indicates that those who file electronically can anticipate receiving their refunds within the usual 21 days.
If you filed a paper return or need to make amendments, it might take four weeks or longer for your refund to arrive in the mail.
While the IRS is phasing out paper refunds, they will still send checks to certain filers who lack alternative payment methods.
By March 2, the IRS expects most refunds related to the Earned Income Tax Credit and Supplemental Child Tax Credit to be directly deposited into bank accounts or onto debit cards.
Tax Advocate Erin Collins mentioned in her annual Congress report last month that some filers might experience delays due to staffing shortages at the IRS, a consequence of job cuts made during the Trump administration.
Nonetheless, the report suggests that most taxpayers should be able to file their taxes without significant delays and still receive a refund.
Who qualifies for a higher refund?
The White House announced that the average tax refund this year might increase by over $1,000, thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which extended tax cuts from 2017.
Last year’s average tax refund was reported at $3,167 by the IRS.
A key aspect of this bill is the rise in the standard deduction, which impacts a substantial number of U.S. taxpayers.
The standard deduction typically increases yearly, but in 2025, it rose twice—once at the beginning of the year and again following the enactment of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The bill raised the standard deduction for single filers from $15,000 to $15,750 and for married couples from $30,000 to $31,500.
Furthermore, there’s an added $6,000 standard deduction bonus for taxpayers aged 65 and older, which is a significant benefit for many retirees.
The White House, referencing an analysis by the Council of Economic Advisers, noted that an overwhelming 88% of seniors receiving Social Security won’t owe taxes on these benefits.
This legislation also permanently elevates the child tax credit from $2,000 to $2,200 per child. So, if you were already receiving a $2,000 deduction, you’re looking at an extra $200 this time around.
If your child tax credit exceeds your tax obligation, you can claim an additional child tax credit of up to $1,700 per child. Many low-income individuals may not have any tax liability.
Taxpayers are encouraged to visit the IRS website to check if their income qualifies for the Earned Income Tax Credit, which is designed for low- to moderate-income working families.
This year’s credit could be as much as $7,830, depending on filing status, income, and number of children.
Filers can also utilize the IRS online tool “Where’s My Refund?” to check the status of their refunds.
