Is the OBBBA Boosting Your Bottom Line? The Truth About 2026 Refunds

We are a few weeks into the 2026 tax filing season, and here at Freedom Line Accounting & Tax, we are already seeing some interesting trends emerge. The headlines are buzzing with statistics released by the IRS showing that the average refund check has grown. So far, the average refund is sitting at $2,476—up about $300 (or 14.2%) from this time last year.

While that is a healthy increase, it is admittedly short of the $1,000 jump that many policymakers predicted. However, keep in mind that it is still early in the season. As we process more complex returns for our entrepreneurs and S-Corp owners, these numbers will likely shift. What matters right now is understanding why these numbers are moving and how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is impacting your specific tax situation.

Piggy bank representing increased tax refunds

New Deductions Working in Your Favor

The OBBBA introduced several provisions that are finally hitting tax returns this year. For our service-based business clients, understanding these changes is vital for both your personal returns and for answering your employees' questions.

  • Overtime Premium Pay Deduction: This is a big one for the workforce. The "half" of "time-and-a-half" pay mandated by the FLSA is now deductible, capped at $12,500 for singles and $25,000 for married couples filing jointly. If you have employees working long hours, they are going to notice this.

  • The Tips Tax Deduction: For our clients in the service and hospitality sectors, this is crucial. Workers in specifically designated occupations can now deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tips. Like the overtime deduction, this phases out for higher earners (starting at $150,000 MAGI for singles and $300,000 for joint filers).

  • Auto Loan Interest Deduction: Did you purchase a new, U.S.-assembled vehicle for personal use after 2024? You may be able to deduct up to $10,000 of the loan interest. This applies whether you itemize or take the standard deduction. This is a significant perk for business owners who might have purchased a vehicle that didn't quite qualify for full business use depreciation.

  • Expanded Standard Deduction & Senior Bonus: The standard deduction has jumped to $31,500 for married couples and $15,750 for singles. Plus, there is a new $6,000 "Senior Bonus" for those 65 and older.

  • Child Tax Credit Boost: The credit is now $2,200 per child. While it phases out for higher-income households, the full credit is available for married couples earning up to $400,000.

  • The SALT Cap Adjustment: This is the change many of our Texas clients have been waiting for. The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction limit has increased from $10,000 to $40,000. If you have high property taxes, this increased cap can significantly lower your taxable income.

Business owner comparing tax data

Why Else Are Refunds Rising?

Beyond the OBBBA, there are a few structural reasons why you might see a difference in your bottom line this year:

  • Withholding Mismatches: Because some tax cuts were passed mid-year, IRS withholding tables didn't update immediately. This means you (or your employees) might have had too much tax taken out of each paycheck, resulting in a larger lump sum refund now.

  • Inflation Adjustments: Tax brackets have been adjusted for cost-of-living increases. This helps prevent "bracket creep," ensuring that inflation didn't accidentally push you into a higher tax bracket without a real increase in purchasing power.

  • Refundable Adoption Credit: A portion of the Adoption Tax Credit (up to $5,000) is now refundable, meaning it can put cash in your pocket even if your tax liability is zero.

Navigating IRS Delays

We believe in transparency, so let's address the elephant in the room: the IRS is struggling. Since January 2025, the agency has lost a significant portion of its workforce. Combined with the complexity of the new OBBBA laws, this has created a processing backlog. We are seeing a slight decrease in processing speeds compared to previous years.

Stack of tax documents representing IRS backlog

If you haven't filed yet because you are worried about missing a new credit or navigating these delays, take a deep breath. That is exactly why we are here.

At Freedom Line Accounting & Tax, we have fully digested the OBBBA provisions. We are proactive, not reactive. We ensure that every eligible deduction—from the new SALT limits to auto loan interest—is correctly applied to your return. You deserve clarity and strategy, not confusion.

Ready to file with confidence? Contact us today to ensure your business and personal returns are optimized for the new tax landscape. Let us handle the complexity so you can focus on your freedom.

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