Tracking Three IRS Datapoints to Watch During the 2026 Tax Filing Season
The total amount refunded as of the sixth week of reporting is running ahead of the past filing season by nearly $23 billion at $202.6 billion compared to $179.5 billion, while the average refund is up 10.9 percent at $3,571.
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Commentary
See All CommentaryIn 2026, Both Parties Are Dodging the Truth on Taxes
As the policy debate for the next presidential election begins to take shape, both sides need to be honest about their plans for addressing the actual challenges our country faces.
This Tax Season, Ask Where Your Money Is Going
By 2036, more than one out of every four dollars raised in total government revenue will go to pay interest on the debt.
Congress Has 150 Days To Prove It Still Holds the Power of the Purse. Will It?
Unlike the IEEPA tariffs, which were stopped by the Supreme Court, the new Sec. 122 tariffs require congressional authorization after 150 days.
Should We Tax Artificial Intelligence?
AI is everywhere, and now it’s in the tax policy debate.
Side-by-Side Implementation Is a Good Start, but It’s Just the Beginning
The side-by-side agreement is an important step in trans-Atlantic economic relations, however, there is more work to be done—on both sides of the Atlantic. If there’s a downside to the side-by-side agreement, it’s the risk of locking in mediocre tax policy choices for the long run.
Online Sports Betting Could Be Lucrative for Alaska if New Legislation Gets the Taxes Right
Alaskan lawmakers are actively debating this session whether they should open their digital borders to the online sports betting market. If legalization is a step Alaska decides to take, the right tax mix could result in notable fiscal advantages for the state.
Trump Tariffs Blocked by the Supreme Court (What’s Next?)
Taxing Alternative Nicotine in New York Is a Health Policy Buzzkill
Lessons From European Geoeconomics & The Future Of International Tax Policy
Simplicity Is Still Missing from Michigan’s Tax Debate
Testimony: Assessment Limits and Property Taxes in Nebraska
Yes, You’re Getting a Bigger Tax Refund. But That’s Not the Whole Story.