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Story summary
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) processed 41.3 million tax returns in the first four weeks of 2026, a 2.4% decrease from 2025.
- Refunds totaled over $109 billion, up 6.9%, with the average refund at $3,804, up 10.2% from 2025.
- The IRS cautions possible refund delays due to new tax-law complexities and a reduced workforce.
- Most early filers claiming certain credits will have refunds available by March 2.
