We keep you up to date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.
We are now several weeks into the 2026 filing season, and the initial data from the IRS is confirming what many of us at THE TAX CUTTERY® anticipated: refunds are trending upward. The average refund has climbed to $2,476, a solid 14.2% increase over the same period in 2025. While that is an extra $300 in taxpayers' pockets, it is worth noting that this figure hasn't quite hit the $1,000 boost that some policymakers and headlines predicted.
However, it is early. As we work through more complex returns here in Central Florida and for our clients nationwide, these averages are likely to shift. The driving force behind these changes is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). This legislation introduced specific provisions that are finally hitting tax returns this year. Understanding these changes is critical to ensuring you don't leave money on the table.

The new legislation created several targeted deductions and credits designed to lower taxable income. Here is a breakdown of the specific opportunities we are looking for on your 2025 return:
The Overtime Premium Pay Deduction: Just as it sounds, this provision offers tax relief on the "half" of your "time-and-a-half" pay under the FLSA. Unmarried filers can deduct up to $12,500, while married couples filing jointly are capped at $25,000. It is a significant benefit for hourly workers pushing hard hours.
Tax-Free Tips: If you work in one of the nearly 70 designated service occupations, you may be able to deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tips. Note that married taxpayers generally must file jointly to claim this.
Planning Note: Be aware of the income ceilings. Both the overtime and tips deductions begin to phase out at a Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) of $150,000 for singles and $300,000 for joint filers. They disappear completely at $275,000 and $550,000, respectively.
Auto Loan Interest Deduction: In a move to support domestic manufacturing, interest on auto loans for new, U.S.-assembled vehicles purchased after 2024 is now deductible up to $10,000. The loan must be secured by the vehicle (no personal loans from family). This phase-out starts earlier: $100,000 MAGI for singles and $200,000 for couples.
Beyond specific line items, the OBBBA adjusted the foundational numbers of the tax code:
Enhanced Standard Deduction & Senior Bonus: The standard deduction has jumped to $31,500 for married joint filers and $15,750 for singles. Furthermore, taxpayers aged 65+ receive a "Senior Bonus" of an additional $6,000, regardless of whether they itemize or take the standard deduction. This bonus phases out starting at $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (joint).
Expanded Child Tax Credit: The credit is now $2,200 per child. This benefit is available in full for joint filers earning up to $400,000 and heads of household up to $200,000.
SALT Cap Relief: For clients residing in states with higher property or income taxes, the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap has quadrupled from $10,000 to $40,000 ($20,000 for married filing separate). For high earners (MAGI over $500,000), this cap begins to phase back down.
It isn't just new laws boosting the numbers. Administrative factors are also at play:
Withholding Gaps: Because many tax cuts passed mid-year, the IRS did not update withholding tables immediately. This effectively forced many employees to over-save, resulting in larger refunds now.
Inflation Adjustments: Brackets were widened to account for cost-of-living increases, helping prevent "bracket creep."
Refundable Adoption Credit: Up to $5,000 of the Adoption Tax Credit is now refundable, meaning it can be paid out even if you have zero tax liability.
While the refunds look promising, the processing side presents hurdles. The IRS workforce has contracted by roughly 25% since January 2025, and they are managing a substantial backlog. We are already seeing a decrease in processing speeds compared to prior years.
If you are hesitant to file because the new rules seem overwhelming, do not delay. At THE TAX CUTTERY®, we specialize in navigating these complex shifts. We are fully versed in every OBBBA provision to ensure your return isn't just done, but done strategically to maximize your wealth. If you are ready to ensure every eligible credit is applied to your situation, reach out to us today.
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Securities offered through PFS Investments Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Investment advisory services may be offered through PFS Investments Inc. or, where applicable, through a separately registered investment adviser. Paul D. Diaz is an IRS Enrolled Agent & IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent and provides ITIN/W-7, tax preparation, tax resolution, and tax advisory services through THE TAX CUTTERY®, an independent firm. Tax services are not offered through PFS Investments Inc. or its affiliates and are solely the responsibility of THE TAX CUTTERY®. This message is not intended as an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation would be unauthorized. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Paul D. Diaz, EA, MBA, has unlimited representation rights before the Internal Revenue Service.