Tax Refunds Up, But Falling Short of Trump’s $1,000 Promise

US President Donald Trump displays the signed bill during a ceremony for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4, 2025.Photographer: Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Caitlin Reilly

March 20, 2026 at 8:43 PM UTC

Updated on

March 21, 2026 at 12:08 AM UTC

Americans’ tax refunds are averaging about $350 higher than this time last year but so far running well below the extra $1,000 President Donald Trump promised after passage of his signature economic legislation.

Refunds averaged $3,623 through March 13, 11% higher than the same point last year, according to data the IRS released Friday. Nearly half of anticipated returns already have been filed.