A new study found that Texas recorded the second-highest average tax refunds in the United States this year, based on data from the Internal Revenue Service.
Financial website Upgraded Points reported that the national average refund reached nearly $3,600, while Texas averaged $4,344. Florida ranked first with an average refund of $4,433.
The study showed that Texas had the second-largest number of tax filings, with about 13.6 million returns submitted. Of those, more than 9.7 million, or 71.3%, resulted in refunds.
Shackelford County recorded the highest average refund in the state at $7,375. Most income groups received refunds near the state average, with individuals earning between $50,000 and $100,000 averaging $4,249.
The study noted that higher-income earners influenced overall averages. Taxpayers earning more than $200,000 reported an average refund of $105,163.
The IRS said penalties apply to taxpayers who fail to file returns on time. The agency imposes a penalty of 5% of unpaid taxes for each month a return is late, up to a maximum of 25%.
For tax year 2026, the standard deduction increased to $32,200 for married couples filing jointly, $16,100 for single filers and married individuals filing separately, and $24,150 for heads of households.