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LEARNING CENTER

2026 Tax Refund Update: Is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Delivering?

We are officially deep in the trenches of the 2026 tax filing season here at Cherokee CPA. As we process returns, the early data coming out of the IRS confirms what many of us in the industry hoped for: refunds are trending upward. The average refund check has climbed to $2,476—a solid 14.2% jump over 2025’s average of $2,169.

While an extra $300 in your pocket is certainly welcome, it isn't quite the $1,000 windfall some policymakers predicted. However, it is still early days. As we work through more complex returns, we expect these numbers to shift. The driving force behind this bump is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a piece of legislation packed with the kind of planning opportunities I love utilizing for our clients.

Tax refund calculation paperwork

New Deductions Driving the Numbers

The OBBBA introduced specific credits and loopholes designed to put money back in the hands of working families and retirees. Here is what is moving the needle on 2026 refunds:

  • Overtime Premium Pay Deduction: Generally, the "half" of your time-and-a-half pay is now deductible. This is capped at $12,500 for single filers and $25,000 for married couples filing jointly.

  • Tips Tax Deduction: Service industry workers in roughly 70 designated occupations can deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tips annually. Note that married taxpayers must file jointly to claim this.

    • Planning Note: Both provisions phase out for higher earners, starting at a Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) of $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers).

  • Auto Loan Interest Deduction: If you bought a new, U.S.-assembled vehicle for personal use after 2024, you may be able to deduct up to $10,000 in loan interest. This applies whether you itemize or take the standard deduction, though income phase-outs begin at $100,000 MAGI ($200,000 joint).

  • Senior Bonus & Standard Deduction: The standard deduction has jumped to $31,500 for couples and $15,750 for singles. Even better for my fellow grandparents: there is an additional $6,000 "Senior Bonus" for those 65 and older, subject to income limits starting at $75,000 ($150,000 joint).

  • Expanded Child Tax Credit: The credit is now $2,200 per child. We are seeing this make a real difference for families, provided they fall under the income thresholds ($400,000 for joint filers).

  • SALT Cap Relief: The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction limit has quadrupled to $40,000 ($20,000 for married filing separately), alleviating some pressure for homeowners, though caps apply for MAGI over $500,000.

Washington DC Capitol Building

Other Factors Boosting Refunds

Beyond the new law, a few other mechanics are influencing your bottom line this year:

  • Withholding Gaps: Because many tax cuts passed mid-year, IRS withholding tables didn't catch up immediately. This means many of you inadvertently overpaid throughout the year, resulting in a larger refund now.

  • Adoption Credit: A portion of the Adoption Tax Credit (up to $5,000) is now refundable, meaning it can result in cash back even if you have zero tax liability.

Navigating IRS Challenges

We need to be realistic about the processing side. The IRS has reported losing a quarter of its workforce since last January, and they are managing a backlog alongside these new OBBBA provisions. Consequently, the processing rate for returns is slightly down.

However, do not let headlines about IRS delays keep you from filing. At Cherokee CPA, we have spent months studying the OBBBA to ensure we capture every single credit you are eligible for. We handle the complexity so you can focus on what matters—whether that's running your business or spending time with your grandkids. If you are ready to see how these changes affect your specific situation, reach out to us today.

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