Now Accepting New Clients — Extension-Only for 2025

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

2026 Refund Update: How the OBBBA and New Tax Laws Are Impacting Your Wallet

We are a few weeks into the 2026 tax filing season, and the initial data from the IRS paints an interesting picture. Taxpayers across the nation have been watching closely to see if the highly anticipated "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) would deliver on its promises. The early numbers are in: the average refund has climbed to $2,476, up roughly $300 (or 14.2%) compared to this time in 2025.

While this is a solid increase, it trails the $1,000 boost that many policymakers and analysts forecasted. However, it is vital to remember that we are arguably in the "pre-season" of filings. As more complex returns are processed later in the spring, we expect these averages to shift. The current upward trend suggests that the new OBBBA provisions are indeed moving the needle in the taxpayer's favor.

The OBBBA Provisions Driving Refunds Higher

The OBBBA introduced a suite of targeted deductions and credits designed to lower taxable income. Here is how these specific changes are playing out on tax returns right now:

Income and Employment Deductions

  • Overtime Premium Pay: If you put in extra hours, the tax code now rewards you. You can deduct the "premium" portion of your pay (the extra half in "time-and-a-half"). This deduction is capped at $12,500 for single filers and $25,000 for married couples filing jointly.
  • Tax-Free Tips: Service industry professionals in designated occupations can now deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tips annually. Note that high earners face phase-outs for both overtime and tips deductions starting at $150,000 MAGI ($300,000 for joint filers).
Traffic symbolizing auto loan deductions

Lifestyle and Family Incentives

  • Auto Loan Interest Deduction: In a push for domestic manufacturing, interest on auto loans (up to $10,000) for new, U.S.-assembled vehicles purchased after 2024 is now deductible. This applies whether you itemize or take the standard deduction, though income phase-outs begin at $100,000 ($200,000 for joint filers).
  • Expanded Child Tax Credit: The credit has bumped up to $2,200 per child. While helpful, keep in mind that this benefit diminishes for higher-income households (above $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for joint).
  • Adoption Credit: A portion of the Adoption Tax Credit (up to $5,000) is now refundable, meaning it can put cash back in your pocket even if your tax liability is zero.

Major Deduction Expansions

  • Standard Deduction Increase: The standard deduction has jumped to $31,500 for married couples and $15,750 for singles. Seniors (65+) get an additional $6,000 "Senior Bonus," provided their income remains below specific thresholds.
  • SALT Cap Relief: For residents in high-tax states, the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction limit has quadrupled from $10,000 to $40,000 (though it scales back down for those with MAGI over $500,000).

The "Hidden" Refund Booster: Withholding Lags

Beyond the new law, there is a logistical reason refunds are higher. Many of these tax cuts were enacted mid-year, and the IRS did not immediately update withholding tables to match. Consequently, many employees had more tax withheld from their paychecks than necessary throughout 2025. Now that you are filing, that overpayment is coming back to you as a lump sum.

Navigating IRS Challenges

While the refunds are promising, the administrative side of this tax season is proving difficult. The IRS has reported a workforce reduction of roughly 25% since January 2025. Combined with a lingering backlog of returns and the complexity of implementing the OBBBA, processing times are slower. We are seeing a dip in processed returns of about 3.1% compared to typical years.

If you are hesitant to file because the changes seem overwhelming, or you are worried about IRS delays, let us handle the heavy lifting. Our team is fully up-to-speed on every nuance of the OBBBA. We are here to ensure you claim every dollar of the Overtime, Tips, SALT, and Auto deductions you are entitled to. Contact our office today to get your 2025 return moving.

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 .
Walker Total Financial Let's Chat
Please feel free to use the Contact form or our Ai powered chat assistant.
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully