This is what you should do to get a larger refund from the IRS in 2026: Expert tips
Americans may see bigger refunds this year, but filing too quickly or missing documents could delay payments or reduce your payout.
The average tax refund in 2026 is expected to grow significantly from last year, making it all the more important to cross all your Ts and dot all your Is when reviewing your numbers.
According to CNBC, Americans can expect a 15 to 20% increase in their refund compared to 2025, when the national average was a tidy $3,052. That is a nice little payout if you can get it.
The rush to get your refund
With that in mind, many taxpayers may be eager to receive their refund as quickly as possible, whether to help them get out of a financial hole or simply treat themselves to something they have their eye on.
However, filing your taxes too quickly can lead to unexpected problems, says Lawron Ballard, founder of Hill Town Advisors. “One mistake I see time and time again is people getting impatient and filing before all their documents have arrived. Everyone knows to expect a W-2 from work, but what about the 1099-INT from your savings account or the statement from your brokerage?” Ballard, a certified accountant, told Go Banking Rates.
The cost of incomplete or incorrect filings
An incomplete tax return will almost certainly lead to a processing delay, which could have serious financial consequences depending on your circumstances. For those relying on their refund just to get by, that is clearly bad news. It may force them to look for alternative ways to cover expenses, like taking out loans or using credit cards, which rarely comes cheap.
Additionally, incorrect filing could trigger a tax adjustment, which may lead to a nasty surprise. You might have been anticipating and budgeting for a refund of $3,300, perhaps even spending some of that money, mentally or even physically. However, an adjustment could see that figure reduced substantially once the IRS determines the “correct” amount.
Slow down and check your documents
Ballard recommends taking your time and double, triple, or even quadruple checking that you have all the right documents in place before filing your taxes. Waiting a few extra weeks to get the money you are due is worth it to ensure you don’t risk losing thousands of dollars you thought were heading your way.
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.