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Real Talk: How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is Impacting 2026 Refunds

We are in the thick of the 2026 filing season here in Austin, and the early numbers coming out of the IRS are painting an interesting picture. If you have been hearing chatter about bigger checks this year, the statistics back it up—to an extent.

The average refund has jumped to roughly $2,476, up from $2,169 at this time in 2025. That is a solid 14.2% increase (about $300), though it is admittedly short of the $1,000 windfall some policymakers were projecting. However, it is early days. As we process more returns for our construction and small business clients, we are seeing the direct impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) starting to take hold.

Close up of a computer screen showing financial data

The OBBBA Provisions Moving the Needle

For many of our clients—especially those in the trades or running service-based businesses—the new law has introduced specific deductions that are finally showing up on the bottom line. Here is the plain-English breakdown of what is driving these higher refunds.

Overtime and Tip Deductions

For the hardworking folks putting in long hours, the Overtime Premium Pay Deduction is a significant change. If you are earning "time-and-a-half" under federal FLSA rules, you can now deduct that premium pay up to $12,500 for single filers and $25,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Similarly, the Tips Tax Deduction allows workers in designated industries to deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tips annually (requires a joint return for married taxpayers). These provisions do have income caps—phasing out starting at $150,000 MAGI ($300,000 joint)—but for many families, this is meaningful relief.

Auto Loan Interest and SALT Cap Changes

We often discuss vehicle expenses with our construction clients, usually regarding commercial use. But the OBBBA added a deduction for personal auto loan interest on new, U.S.-assembled vehicles. You can deduct interest on loans up to $10,000, provided the loan originated after 2024 and is secured by the vehicle.

Perhaps the biggest sigh of relief for property owners in Central Texas is the Increased SALT Limit. The State and Local Tax deduction cap has moved from the restrictive $10,000 to a much more reasonable $40,000 ($20,000 for married filing separate). For higher earners (MAGI over $500,000), this benefit tapers back down, but for the middle market, it restores a deduction that has been sorely missed.

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Standard Deductions and Family Credits

The standard deduction has seen a healthy bump to $31,500 for married couples and $15,750 for singles. There is also a new "Senior Bonus" of $6,000 for taxpayers 65 and older, regardless of whether they itemize.

On the family side, the Child Tax Credit increased to $2,200 per child. While these credits phase out for high earners ($400,000 joint / $200,000 single), they remain a core component of tax planning for families.

Couple discussing finances and tax documents

Why Else Are Refunds Up?

It isn't just the new law. A few structural issues are inflating refund numbers:

  • Withholding Mismatches: Many tax cuts were passed mid-year, and IRS withholding tables didn't catch up in time. Basically, too much was taken out of paychecks last year, and now the government is settling the tab.
  • Inflation Adjustments: Tax brackets shifted to account for cost-of-living increases, which helps prevent "bracket creep" and keeps tax liability lower relative to income.
  • Refundable Adoption Credit: A portion of the Adoption Tax Credit (up to $5,000) is now refundable, putting cash back in pockets even if no tax was owed.

The IRS Reality: Expect Delays

As a former IRS employee, I can tell you that the agency is currently facing an uphill battle. They have lost a significant portion of their workforce since early 2025 and are wrestling with a backlog of returns. We are seeing a decrease in processing speeds (down about 3.1%).

This means that while refunds might be larger, patience is required. The machinery is moving slower than usual.

Navigate the Changes with Confidence

There is a lot of noise during tax season, and it is easy to worry that you might be missing out on a new OBBBA benefit. At ChesebroCPA, we make it our business to know these regulations inside and out. We focus on ensuring high-integrity, accurate returns that maximize every legal deduction available to you.

If you are a business owner or contractor in Austin looking for a no-nonsense approach to your taxes, let's talk. We are here to help you eliminate the stress and get the refund you deserve.

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