We are about a month into tax season, and some Americans are seeing some promising returns.
The average tax refund is nearly 11% higher so far this season, compared to about the same point in 2025, according to data from the IRS.
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So far this year, the average refund amount was $2,290, compared to $2,065 one year ago.
5 On Your Side asked a North Carolina tax preparer, Mele Perreg,o what’s behind the increase and what the average filer can expect.
Perrego explained that adults 65 years or older are eligible for a new senior deduction. Single individuals making under $75,000 and married couples filing jointly are eligible if they make under $150,000.
“So a couple can get $12,000 off their taxable income, and that makes quite a difference, that can easily translate into $1,200 or even over $2,000 in an increase in a refund,” Perrego said.
Who else is going to see a higher return?
“Those who earn tips and those who work overtime are the most likely candidates to get a larger refund,” Perrego said.
New car owners, if they purchased a new car in 2025 and the car was partially built and finished in the United States, they can take a deduction on the interest on their car loan.
You can track your federal tax refund here and your North Carolina tax refund here.