Why Americans Are Getting Bigger Tax Refunds

Why Americans Are Getting Bigger Tax Refunds

Big refund seasons feel like a windfall, but they are really a window into how tax design, payroll mechanics, and policy timing shape household cash flow—sometimes telling us more about withholding and legislation than about the underlying strength of the economy. The Short Version The IRS disbursed roughly $296 billion in refunds through mid‑April 2026, a 17% jump from the prior year, with both the number of refunds and average size higher. Re…

‘The pessimists are wrong’: Fox News tax expert says big refunds signal a strong economy, but is he missing something?

‘The pessimists are wrong’: Fox News tax expert says big refunds signal a strong economy, but is he missing something? Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Many Americans are feeling bearish about the economy, with May's Economic…