Tax Day arrives with new breaks, higher average refunds

Wednesday, April 15, 2026
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Wednesday is Tax Day, marking the deadline for millions of Americans to file their returns, as new tax rules this season delivered larger refunds for many filers.

"It has been very busy," said Jack Chaudhary, founder of Tax Guru.

Several of the new provisions benefited workers who earn tips or overtime pay.

"Healthcare professionals do an extreme amount of overtime. And surprisingly, this year (while they usually) always owe every year, we are seeing refunds for those clients," he said.

According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, more than 53 million filers have claimed at least one new tax cut this filing season. The average refund has topped $3,400, an 11% increase from the previous filing season, though below what the White House projected earlier in the year.



"I take care of my mom, and she's my dependent on my taxes. I was able to receive a credit for her, which was a nice credit. I (also) got a nice little refund back from the state, so it was more than I anticipated it'd be," Sanders said, noting it exceeded last year's amount.

Sanders filed in February and has already received her refund.

"Bills and a little pleasure, you know, things that I wanted, but it was mostly for bills," said Sanders.

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Wayne Pegues said he owes money this year but believes it's for the greater good.



"Like most Americans, it's not like you want to pay two or $3,000 all at one time. But I do know it's good for the nation. All of us need it. I'm pleased with how our infrastructure is going as far as the roads and highways and stuff like that, so that's a blessing to everybody," Pegues said.

Tax professionals are also pointing filers to other changes they say should not be overlooked.

"Another big change I would not leave on the table is the Trump accounts. Anybody who had babies last year, they were able to open a Trump account with the (One Big Beautiful Bill) passing, and they're looking forward for the thousand dollars from the Treasury. So that's a big addition," she said.

For taxpayers who requested an extension, accountants stress that penalties still apply if payments are delayed.

"That extension only gives us six months to file. It does not extend our time to payment. The moment April 15th passes, you are paying 5% penalty. Every 5% penalty on the amount you will owe and 7% interest," Jack Chaudhary said.

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