2026 Tax Season Update: How the OBBBA is Impacting Your Refund

We are now a few weeks into the 2026 tax filing season, and the early numbers from the IRS are painting an optimistic picture for many households here in Tucker and across the nation. Everyone has been waiting to see the real-world impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), and the initial statistics show a favorable trend.

So far, the average refund has climbed to $2,476—up from $2,169 at this time last year. While that 14.2% increase is welcome news, it is admittedly lower than the $1,000 jump some policymakers had predicted. However, it is important to remember that we are still in the early innings. As more complex returns are processed later in the season, these averages often shift.

Tax preparation setup with coffee and calculator

New Provisions Driving Higher Refunds

The primary engine behind this year's refund growth is the OBBBA, which introduced several targeted deductions and credits designed to keep more money in your pocket. Here is how these changes are playing out on tax returns:

  • The Overtime Premium Pay Deduction: For workers putting in long hours, this is a significant win. You can now generally deduct the "half" of your "time-and-a-half" pay. This deduction is capped at $12,500 for singles and $25,000 for married couples filing jointly.

  • Tax-Free Tips: Service industry professionals in nearly 70 designated occupations can now deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tips annually. Note that married couples must file jointly to utilize this.(Phase-out alert: Both the overtime and tips deductions begin to reduce once Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) hits $150,000 for singles or $300,000 for couples, phasing out completely at $275,000 and $550,000 respectively.)

  • Auto Loan Interest Relief: If you bought a new, U.S.-assembled vehicle for personal use after 2024, you might be able to deduct the interest (up to $10,000). This applies whether you itemize or take the standard deduction. Income limits apply, with phase-outs starting at $100,000 MAGI ($200,000 for couples).

  • A Larger Standard Deduction: The standard deduction has seen a healthy jump to $31,500 for married joint filers and $15,750 for singles. Plus, there is a new "Senior Bonus" of $6,000 for taxpayers 65 and older, provided income thresholds are met.

  • Expanded Child Tax Credit: Families are seeing a boost here as well, with the credit increasing to $2,200 per child, subject to income limitations ($200,000 single / $400,000 joint).

  • SALT Cap Increase: For homeowners in Georgia feeling the pinch of property taxes, the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap has been raised from $10,000 to $40,000 ($20,000 for married filing separately), though this scales back for earners over $500,000.

Gavel and law books representing tax legislation

The "Hidden" Refund Boosters

Beyond the new law, a few structural issues are accidentally padding refunds. Because many tax cuts were enacted retroactively or mid-year, the IRS did not update withholding tables in time. Consequently, many employers withheld more tax from paychecks than necessary, essentially forcing a savings account scenario that is now paying out. Additionally, inflation adjustments to tax brackets have helped mitigate "bracket creep," ensuring cost-of-living raises do not unfairly push you into a higher tax rate.

What to Expect from the IRS This Season

While the refunds are looking good, the administrative side requires some patience. The IRS is currently operating with a workforce reduced by 25% compared to last January, and they are tackling a backlog of returns. We have already observed a slight dip in processing speeds (down about 3.1%).

If you have not filed yet because you are worried about navigating the OBBBA complexity, don't worry. At Robertson Financial Group, we have spent months analyzing every line of the new legislation. We know exactly how to apply these new overtime rules, vehicle deductions, and expanded credits to your specific situation.

We are optimistic about the opportunities this tax season brings for our clients. Contact us today to ensure you are capturing every dollar you are entitled to under the new law.

Share this article...

Sign up for our newsletter.

Each month, we will send you a roundup of our latest blog content covering the tax and business tips & insights you need to know.

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 .

We care about the protection of your data.