Bigger IRS tax refunds for US households: why is the average IRS tax refund $2,290 in 2026, up 10.9%, as latest IRS data shows $16.9 billion already paid out?

The average IRS tax refund is $2,290 in 2026. That is up 10.9% year over year. The Internal Revenue Service has already paid out $16.9 billion this tax season. Direct deposit refunds average $2,388. Over 22.4 million tax returns have been filed. IRS.gov traffic is up 35%. Bigger tax refunds are putting more money into US households early. New 2025 tax law changes are driving higher payments.