01/15/2026
The "One Big Beautiful Bill" is fully in effect for the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026), and initial numbers project large refunds for many taxpayers.
Major highlights:
Standard deductions rise: All filing statuses have higher standard deductions that will help increase refunds.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Income and other rule changes have been made for EITC. More families could be eligible as well as seeing bigger tax refunds this year
Extra deduction for seniors: Individuals 65+ can claim an additional $6,000 to lower taxable income and will help increase refunds.
Expanded tips and overtime deductions: Employees in service and hospitality industries can claim new above-the-line deductions for qualified tips and overtime.
Why it matters: More taxpayers will see higher refunds, but also have new forms and reporting needs.