The deadline to file taxes for most Americans passed at midnight last night, and the Trump administration is already calling the 2026 filing season a success.
Administration officials say millions of taxpayers took advantage of new tax breaks, including no taxes on tips and overtime, exemptions for certain car loans, deductions for seniors, and Trump Accounts. The Trump Accounts are intended to build savings for children born during Donald Trump’s second term and include a $1,000 contribution to a savings account for the child.
53 Million claimed new tax breaks
One day before the filing deadline, a Treasury official told reporters that more than 53 million taxpayers claimed at least one of those new deductions. Early estimates show that 6 million people claimed no tax on tips, 21 million claimed the overtime tax deduction, and more than 30 million older Americans claimed the temporary senior deduction of $6,000 per person.
The new tax breaks are part of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” passed by Congress on July 4th, 2025.
Refunds rose, but not as much as expected
Earlier this year, the White House claimed that average refunds were expected to rise by $1,000 or more. But IRS data shows the average refund this year was $3,462, an increase of 11% or about $350 from last year’s numbers. The Treasury adds that refunds rose 24% compared to the four-year average prior to Trump’s second term. Despite the new tax breaks, recent polling shows that about 70% of Americans still think their taxes are too high.
White House hopes tax cuts will bolster Republicans in Midterms
The White House has been promoting Trump’s tax cuts as a way to build support for the administration and fellow Republicans ahead of this year’s midterm elections. Democrats are pushing back. They say Americans are feeling pressure from inflation and the high cost of living as Trump focuses his attention on the Iran war.
The 2026 season comes as the IRS has experienced leadership turnover and cut its workforce by nearly 30% over the past year. The staffing cuts were made last year by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
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