White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that Americans should expect to receive an additional $1,000 in their tax refunds next year.
Why It Matters
An increase of that size would give many households extra disposable income early next year and would be one of the clearest, most direct effects tied to President Donald Trump’s signature tax legislation. Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law in July and has repeatedly argued that the economy—alongside immigration—is a central focus of his administration.
Affordability has remained a major political pressure point in recent months. Democrats have criticized the administration over cost-of-living concerns, while Republicans have backed the president’s approach.
What To Know
At the press briefing, Leavitt said “Americans can expect another boost in their bank accounts in the months ahead.” She added that 2026 tax refunds are “projected to be the largest ever thanks to President [Donald] Trump’s passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Leavitt cited analysis from the investment bank Piper Sandler, saying refunds “could be about one-third larger than usual, or roughly an extra $1,000 per filer.”
“It is only because of President Trump and Republican leadership that Americans will now pay no tax on tips, overtime, and Social Security,” Leavitt said. Her remarks come as Trump has also recently floated eliminating federal taxes paid by millions of Americans on gambling winnings.
On Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters that working Americans would receive “very large refunds” next year—about $1,000 to $2,000 per household—saying the increase would be driven by tax cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
What People Are Saying
The White House wrote in an X post on December 4: “Largest tax refund season in American history. Thanks to extended tax cuts and retroactive tax relief provided by the Working Family Tax Cuts.”
Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, said in an X post Thursday that Colorado’s income tax cuts are permanent, and argued that tariffs and other measures could raise costs. He pointed to the state’s child tax credit and urged a greater focus on lowering prices and reducing costs ahead of the holidays.
Representative Brendan Boyle, a Pennsylvania Democrat, said in a December 9 X post that Trump has made promises about lowering costs while tariffs could raise prices, calling the claims “empty promises.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a December 10 X post: “This is a LIFE-CHANGING boost for America’s children. And remember: Nearly EVERY Democrat voted to block this from happening.”
What Happens Next
Taxes are due April 15, 2026. Refunds are typically issued within weeks after filing, though timing can vary based on how and when a return is submitted.
