IRS tax refunds in 2026: Why payouts could be bigger — and why paper checks are fading
Analysts expect the average IRS refund to reach $4,167 this season, about $1,000 more than last year, due to new tax-law changes. The IRS is phasing out paper checks and urging taxpayers to use e-file and direct deposit. Refunds linked to EITC and ACTC claims are being held until mid-February, with most early filers set to receive them by March 2.