Average tax refund expected to be even higher in 2026, according to IRS data
Tax season is here, and new data from the Internal Revenue Service shows the average tax bill will be even higher this year.
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The IRS processed more than 130 million federal income tax returns as of mid-April, according to the latest tax return data available from the Department of Revenue. But what if you filed your tax return a few weeks ago and haven’t received your tax refund yet?
Several issues can cause the IRS to delay your refund. Here are some of the main causes.
Why haven’t I received my tax refund yet?
If your 2025 tax return contains errors or you claim additional tax credits, the IRS may take some time to review it.
The IRS has outlined five main reasons why your tax refund may be delayed:
- Common mistakes (such as forgetting to sign a tax return or making calculation errors)
- Claiming Earned Income Credit
- Claiming additional child tax credit
- Submit an amended return
- Seeking Relief for an Injured Spouse
How to track your 2025 income tax refund
You can track the status of your 2025 federal income tax refund using the IRS Refund Status Tool.
IRS tools also allow you to track the status of your 2023 and 2024 income tax refunds.
You must enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact amount of your refund as shown on your income tax return.
Kiplinger at Fiscal Resources has created a breakdown of the IRS tax refund schedule.
| Refund delivery time | Shipping method for declaration and refund |
|---|---|
| 3 weeks | E-file and direct deposit |
| 4 weeks | Check electronically |
| 4-8 weeks | Return by mail and direct deposit |
| 4-9 weeks | Return and mail check |
Average tax refund in 2026 will be over $3,200
IRS data shows that the average refund for 2026 is nearly $300 higher than the average refund at this time last year, giving filers even more reason to look for a check.
The average tax refund as of April 18 was $3,275, 11.1% higher than the $2,942 average from this time last year, according to the IRS.
Overall, the Department of Revenue refunded $296.067 billion to taxpayers, a 17% increase over the $253.116 billion refunded by this time last year.
Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist who reports on trends, news and service-related topics across the Mid-Atlantic region for the USA TODAY Network.
