Blog

We keep you up-to-date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

2026 Tax Refunds on the Rise: Understanding the Impact of the OBBBA

We are a few weeks into the 2026 tax filing season here in Manchester, and the initial data coming out of the IRS is telling an interesting story. Across the country, we are seeing a noticeable uptick in the average refund amount. Currently, the average sits at $2,476—up about $300 (or 14.2%) compared to this time in 2025.

While this hasn't quite hit the $1,000 increase some policymakers predicted, it is a positive trend. It suggests that the new provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) are starting to put real money back into taxpayers' pockets. However, it is important to remember that it is still early in the season. These averages will likely shift as more complex returns are processed.

Woman looking at money tree representing tax refund growth

What is Driving the Bigger Refunds?

At CPA Consulting Services, our goal is always to bring clarity to tax law changes so you can make confident decisions. The OBBBA introduced several significant deductions and credits that are directly impacting 2026 returns. Here is a breakdown of the key changes helping our clients this year:

  • The SALT Cap Adjustment: For our clients here in Connecticut, this is a major conversation starter. The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction limit has jumped from $10,000 to $40,000 ($20,000 for married filing separately). If your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is over $500,000, this cap begins to phase back down, but for many homeowners in the Northeast, this provides welcome relief.

  • Overtime Premium Pay Deduction: The Act now allows for a deduction on the "half" of your time-and-a-half pay. This is capped at $12,500 for single filers and $25,000 for married couples filing jointly, with phase-outs starting at $150,000 and $300,000 MAGI respectively.

  • Tips Tax Deduction: Service industry workers in designated occupations can now deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tips annually. Like the overtime deduction, this phases out for higher earners starting at $150,000 (single) or $300,000 (joint).

  • Auto Loan Interest Deduction: If you bought a new, U.S.-assembled vehicle for personal use after 2024, you might be able to deduct up to $10,000 of the loan interest. This applies whether you itemize or take the standard deduction, provided your income falls below the phase-out thresholds ($100k single / $200k joint).

  • Enhanced Standard & Senior Deductions: The standard deduction has increased to $31,500 for married joint filers and $15,750 for singles. Furthermore, there is a new "Senior Bonus" of $6,000 for taxpayers aged 65+, which helps many of our retirement-age clients reduce their taxable baseline.

  • Expanded Child Tax Credit: The credit has bumped up to $2,200 per child. This benefit is available in full for married couples earning up to $400,000.

Professional desktop with tax documents and calculator

Other Factors Influencing Refunds

Beyond the new law, a few logistical issues are inflating refund numbers. Specifically, unchanged withholding tables meant that many employers continued withholding tax based on older, higher rates even after tax cuts were enacted. This essentially forced a savings plan on taxpayers, resulting in larger refunds now.

Additionally, inflation adjustments to tax brackets are helping to prevent "bracket creep," ensuring cost-of-living raises don't inadvertently push you into a higher tax rate.

Navigating IRS Delays

We believe in straight talk, so we want to be transparent about the processing environment. The IRS has lost roughly a quarter of its workforce since early 2025 and is managing a backlog. We are seeing a slight decrease in processing speeds (down about 3.1%).

If you are worried about filing because of the new rules or potential delays, do not let that stop you. Whether you are a defense professional with complex withholding or a local business owner, we are fully up-to-speed on the OBBBA provisions. Gene Turley and our team utilize advanced tools to ensure every new credit—from the Senior Bonus to the Auto Loan deduction—is accurately applied to your return.

Let’s navigate these changes together. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .
CPA Consulting Services LLC We love to chat!
Please feel free to use the buttons below to contact us or use our Ai powered chat assistant.
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully