Biggest Tax Refund Season Starts January 26, Thanks to Working Families Tax Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) released the following statement after the IRS announced the 2026 filing season will open on January 26, when Americans are projected to receive $91 billion in additional tax refunds as a part of an expected record $370 billion refund season:

"Workers will see how the Working Families Tax Cuts put more money in their pockets when they get their tax refund this spring. Families can expect an average of $1,000 more in their refund compared to last year. For a family with two kids making $73,000, they will have zero tax liability. Bigger tax refunds mean more money to cover groceries, doctors' bills, school supplies, and summer activities - all the essentials that became unaffordable under Joe Biden. Republicans in Congress are focused on making life as affordable for working families as fast as possible. That's why we made the tax relief in the Working Families Tax Cuts - no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on Social Security, a bigger standard deduction and Child Tax Credit, and permanent lower tax rates - retroactive to 2025 income.

"The difference is crystal clear. Republicans delivered the largest tax relief and tax refunds in history. Democrats voted for the largest tax hike in history."

Key Facts:

• Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, over the next few months Americans are estimated to receive $91 billion in additional tax refunds, part of an expected record $370 billion refund season, a 26% increase over last year.
• Americans could receive a nearly $4,000 tax refund - the equivalent of over five months of groceries, providing real relief to hardworking families.
• A family of four with two kids earning $73,000 and claiming the standard deduction and Child Tax Credit will owe zero in income tax liability.

How the Working Families Tax Cuts Boosts Refunds
The Working Families Tax Cuts provided tax relief that will contribute to the largest tax refund season in U.S. history:

• Increases by $1,500 per family and makes permanent the doubled standard deduction.
• Makes permanent the lower tax rates from the 2017 Trump tax cuts.
• No tax on tips.
• No tax on overtime.
• No tax on Social Security.
• Boosts the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 and indexes it to inflation.
• Expands access to child care and makes permanent the paid leave tax credit.
• Expands 529 savings accounts to help families choose education that best fits their needs.
• Provides a $1,000 savings account to support the future of every newborn child.