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Average Tax Refund Rises 11%, Still Falls Short of Promises

4/15/2026

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The average tax refund rose 11% to $3,462 this year, but did not meet U.S. President Donald Trump's promised $1,000 increase.
Republicans anticipated that larger refunds would help them in the upcoming midterm elections.
Tariffs have raised prices, costing households over $1,000 on average and reducing refund gains.
Economists say the overall burden from tariffs outweighs tax-cut gains, and the Supreme Court's tariffs ruling has not eased strain.

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Story summary

The average tax refund rose 11% to $3,462 this year, but did not meet U.S. President Donald Trump's promised $1,000 increase.
Republicans anticipated that larger refunds would help them in the upcoming midterm elections.
Tariffs have raised prices, costing households over $1,000 on average and reducing refund gains.
Economists say the overall burden from tariffs outweighs tax-cut gains, and the Supreme Court's tariffs ruling has not eased strain.