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

As we navigate the opening weeks of the 2026 tax filing season, the numbers coming out of the IRS are telling a positive story for many taxpayers. Early statistics indicate that the average refund has climbed to $2,476, up from $2,169 at this time last year. While this 14.2% increase is welcome news, it is admittedly lower than the aggressive $1,000 boost some policymakers had forecasted.

However, we are still in the early innings. As more complex returns—particularly those for business owners and dual-income families—are processed, these averages may shift. At Get Balanced CPA, we are closely monitoring how the provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) are translating into real-world dollars for our clients here in Cumming and beyond.

The OBBBA Provisions Driving Refunds Higher

The OBBBA introduced specific changes designed to lower taxable income through enhanced deductions and credits. Here is what is moving the needle this year:

Targeted Income Deductions

For workforce participants, two specific deductions are making an impact, though income limits apply:

  • Overtime Premium Pay: Employees can now deduct the premium portion of their overtime pay (the "half" in time-and-a-half). This is capped at $12,500 for single filers and $25,000 for married couples filing jointly.
  • Qualified Tips Deduction: For those in designated service occupations, up to $25,000 of qualified tips are deductible.

Note: These benefits begin to phase out at $150,000 in Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for individuals and $300,000 for couples, disappearing completely at $275,000 and $550,000 respectively.

Auto Loan Interest Relief

In a move that benefits many of our clients who rely on vehicles for their daily commute or side work, interest on auto loans is now deductible up to $10,000. To qualify, the vehicle must be U.S.-assembled, purchased new for personal use, and the loan must have originated after 2024. This deduction phases out between $100,000 and $150,000 MAGI ($200,000 to $250,000 for joint filers).

Female entrepreneur analyzing financial documents

Family and Senior Benefits

The standard deduction has seen a significant bump to $31,500 for married couples and $15,750 for singles. Additionally, a new "Senior Bonus" offers an extra $6,000 deduction for taxpayers over 65, provided they meet income requirements.

For growing families, the Child Tax Credit has increased to $2,200 per child. This credit remains fully available to joint filers with income up to $400,000.

The SALT Cap Adjustment

Perhaps the most discussed change for our homeowners and high-income professionals is the adjustment to the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. The limit has been raised from $10,000 to $40,000. For our clients with significant property tax bills or state income tax liabilities, this expanded cap effectively reduces federal tax exposure. However, be aware that this cap begins to phase back down for taxpayers with a MAGI exceeding $500,000.

Behind the Scenes: Inflation and Withholding

Beyond the OBBBA, two structural factors are influencing refund checks:

  • Withholding Lags: Many of these tax cuts were enacted without immediate updates to IRS withholding tables. Consequently, many employees had more tax withheld from their paychecks than necessary throughout 2025, resulting in a larger refund now.
  • Inflation Indexing: Tax brackets and standard deductions were adjusted for cost-of-living increases, which helps prevent "bracket creep" and keeps effective tax rates lower for many households.
Person stressed looking at tax documents

Navigating IRS Challenges

While the refund numbers are promising, the operational side of the IRS faces headwinds. The agency has reported a reduction in its workforce and is managing a backlog of returns. Early data shows a slight dip in processing speeds compared to previous years.

What does this mean for you? Precision is paramount. With a strained IRS, accurate filing is the best defense against delays.

We Are Here to Help

If you have not filed your 2025 return yet because you are unsure how these new rules apply to you, do not worry. Sam Faulkner and the team at Get Balanced CPA are fully up-to-speed on every nuance of the OBBBA. Our goal is to ensure you claim every credit and deduction you are entitled to, from the expanded SALT cap to the new auto loan benefits.

We specialize in bringing clarity to complex financial situations for business owners and professionals. Let us handle the details so you can focus on what you do best.

Ready to optimize your 2025 return? Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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