Millions of Americans are poised to receive some of the largest federal tax refunds in recent history during the 2026 filing season, with average amounts potentially rising by $1,000 or more compared to prior years, thanks to retroactive tax cuts enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump.

The Internal Revenue Service officially opened the 2026 tax filing season on Jan. 26, allowing taxpayers to begin submitting their 2025 federal income tax returns. The agency expects to process around 164 million individual returns by the April 15 deadline, with most filers opting for electronic submission.

Experts and administration officials project this year’s refunds could mark the largest cycle ever, driven by provisions in the landmark legislation that extended and expanded elements of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, introduced new deductions for overtime pay, tips, certain car loan interest and an additional standard deduction boost for seniors, among other changes. The White House has highlighted the bill’s impact, noting that many workers saw continued higher withholding during 2025 despite the retroactive reductions, leading to larger overpayments that will now return as refunds.

The average refund issued in the 2025 filing season was approximately $3,167, according to IRS data, up slightly from $2,939 in the prior cycle. Analysts from firms like Piper Sandler, Morgan Stanley and the nonpartisan Tax Foundation estimate the 2026 average could climb to between $4,000 and $4,167 or higher for many filers, with some projections suggesting increases of 15% to 30% depending on individual circumstances. The Tax Foundation has calculated that the bill could deliver up to $129 billion in total individual tax relief for 2025, with a significant portion — potentially $60 billion to $100 billion — manifesting as higher refunds rather than reduced withholding throughout the year.

Middle-income households earning between $50,000 and $150,000, families claiming dependents, workers with tip or overtime income, and seniors qualifying for enhanced deductions stand to see the most noticeable boosts. The changes include expanded Child Tax Credit benefits, Adoption Credit adjustments and education-related provisions that could further increase refunds for qualifying families.

To receive refunds as quickly as possible, the IRS strongly recommends electronic filing with direct deposit. Most refunds for e-filed returns with direct deposit are issued within 21 days of acceptance, often faster — sometimes in as little as 10 business days for early filers. Paper returns typically take six weeks or longer, and the IRS has phased out paper refund checks under an executive order modernizing federal payments, meaning those without direct deposit information on file may face temporary holds until they provide banking details or request alternatives.

For early filers who submitted returns shortly after Jan. 26, refunds could have begun arriving as early as Feb. 6. Those accepted in early February might see funds by mid- to late February. The IRS provides estimated timelines based on acceptance dates: returns accepted by Feb. 2 could arrive by Feb. 13, while those from mid-February might land by late February or early March.

Special rules apply to certain credits under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act. Refunds claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) face a mandatory review period to prevent fraud. The IRS lifts this hold after Feb. 15 (or the next business day), with most qualifying refunds expected to be available by March 2 for direct deposit filers with no other issues. The “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov will show projected deposit dates for most early EITC/ACTC claimants by Feb. 21.

Taxpayers can track their refund status using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool, which updates within 24 hours of e-filing or about four weeks after mailing a paper return. It provides real-time information on processing stages, any holds and expected issuance dates. The agency advises checking with your financial institution if a refund appears processed but funds are not yet visible, as some banks may take additional time to post deposits.

Several factors can delay refunds beyond the standard timeline. Returns requiring manual review — such as those with identity verification issues, math errors, claimed credits needing substantiation or potential fraud flags — may take longer. Amended returns or those involving large refunds over certain thresholds could trigger additional scrutiny from the Joint Committee on Taxation.

New direct deposit rules introduced in 2026 aim to streamline processing but could cause temporary freezes for returns filed without valid bank information. The IRS will hold such refunds until taxpayers update their details via the agency’s online portal or request a paper check, which may take six weeks or more after a 30-day response window. To avoid this, experts urge filers to double-check routing and account numbers before submission.

The filing deadline remains April 15, 2026, for most taxpayers, though extensions to Oct. 15 are available for those needing more time — though any taxes owed must still be paid by April to avoid penalties. The IRS Free File program and other online tools remain accessible for eligible filers, with resources on IRS.gov detailing changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Administration officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, have described the upcoming refund wave as potentially historic, injecting significant funds into the economy during the spring. Economists note that while larger refunds provide a short-term boost for consumer spending, the retroactive nature means many Americans effectively loaned the government interest-free money through higher withholding in 2025.

As more returns are processed in the coming weeks, the IRS will release weekly filing season statistics showing actual refund amounts and volumes. Early indicators suggest strong participation, with electronic filing rates historically around 94%.

Tax professionals advise reviewing pay stubs, W-2s and other documents early to maximize credits and deductions. Those unsure about eligibility for new provisions can use interactive tools on IRS.gov or consult a tax preparer.

The combination of tax law changes and efficient processing promises a smoother — and more lucrative — experience for many this year, though patience remains key for those claiming complex credits or facing reviews.

The United States’ growing housing shortage, rising construction costs and a limited supply of skilled labor are pushing builders to look beyond traditional methods. Three-dimensional printing is quickly moving from concept to real-world use.

Once confined to small pilot projects, 3D-printed homes are now being built and sold in active U.S. neighborhoods. The technology replaces much of the framing process by using large-scale printers that extrude layers of concrete, allowing walls to take shape in a fraction of the time required with standard construction.

HOMEBUILDERS REPORTEDLY DEVELOPING ‘TRUMP HOMES’ PROGRAM TO IMPROVE AFFORDABILITY

3D-printed home in Austin, Texas. (Nick Wagner/Xinhua via Getty Images / Getty Images)

FOX Business’ Jeff Flock joined Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria” from a 3D-printed housing development in Austin, Texas, where the technology is already being put to work.

Supporters say the approach offers more than just speed. Jason Ballard, co-Founder and CEO of ICON, says the technology addresses multiple pain points facing the housing market, including affordability and durability.

“It is more energy efficient… stronger, resilient to natural disasters… it is like measurably better in every way that we care to measure buildings,” Ballard said.

JUST 17% OF VOTERS THINK NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO BUY A HOME AS AFFORDABILITY CONCERNS WEIGH: POLL

The appeal is already reaching buyers. Developments featuring 3D-printed homes have drawn interest from first-time homebuyers looking for solid construction and long-term efficiency. The concrete walls are designed to resist pests, weather and structural wear, while curved interiors allow builders greater flexibility in layout and design.

One early buyer, Vicky Pridgen, suggested the material itself helped shape her decision.

“It would take a lot to like break down these walls or have like ants funnel through the layers of concrete, so it seems sturdy to me,” Pridgen said.

As housing demand continues to outpace supply in many parts of the country, builders are focusing on methods that reduce building time without sacrificing quality. With labor shortages and construction costs remaining high, some builders are turning to alternative construction methods, including 3D printing.

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Manchester United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford on Saturday for a Premier League clash that pits a revitalized home side against a Spurs team mired in a prolonged slump, with interim manager Michael Carrick aiming to extend his perfect start in charge.
The match kicks off at 12:30 p.m. GMT (7:30 a.m. ET), refereed by Michael Oliver with Paul Tierney on VAR. Broadcast options include TNT Sports in the U.K. and various international feeds, with live streaming available on platforms carrying Premier League rights.

United enter the fixture in fourth place in the table with 41 points from 24 matches (11 wins, 8 draws, 5 losses), boasting a goal difference of +8 after scoring 44 and conceding 36. Their recent resurgence under Carrick — who took over following a managerial change — has seen three consecutive Premier League victories against high-profile opponents: Manchester City, Arsenal and most recently a 3-2 home win over Fulham on Feb. 1, where Benjamin Sesko’s stoppage-time strike sealed the deal.

That triumph extended United’s unbeaten run to seven matches across all competitions, lifting them firmly into the Champions League qualification spots, just five points behind third-placed Aston Villa. Carrick, a former United midfielder and coach, has instilled confidence and tactical discipline, with the team showing improved defensive solidity and clinical finishing. Key contributors include Bruno Fernandes, whose creativity and set-piece threat remain central, alongside emerging talents like Kobbie Mainoo in midfield and forwards such as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

The Red Devils have named an unchanged starting lineup for the match, signaling trust in the group that has delivered recent results. Defenders like Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw provide a robust backline, supported by Diogo Dalot and full-back options. Casemiro anchors the midfield, allowing Amad Diallo and Fernandes freedom to link with attackers.

At Old Trafford, United have been particularly strong this season, winning seven of 12 home league games (3 draws, 2 losses) while scoring 23 goals. Their home advantage — bolstered by a passionate crowd — has been a factor in the turnaround, with the team unbeaten in their last several matches at the Theatre of Dreams.

Tottenham, meanwhile, sit 14th with 29 points from 24 games (7 wins, 8 draws, 9 losses), a +2 goal difference from 35 scored and 33 conceded. Their form has been poor, especially at home where they have won just two of 12 league matches, but they show slightly better away resilience (5 wins, 4 draws, 3 losses on the road).

Spurs have endured a six-match winless run in the league heading into this fixture, though they salvaged a 2-2 draw against Manchester City last weekend, with Dominic Solanke scoring twice to rescue a point. Under manager Thomas Frank — who succeeded in a previous role — the team has struggled with consistency, injuries and defensive vulnerabilities.

Tottenham make three changes for the visit, with Micky van de Ven returning to the starting lineup to bolster the backline alongside Cristian Romero. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario starts, with midfielders like João Palhinha featuring. The squad has been hampered by injuries, leaving them short in key areas and contributing to their mid-table position.

Head-to-head, recent encounters favor Spurs: they are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with United across all competitions (5 wins, 3 draws), including a 2-2 draw in their most recent league clash and results from last season’s Europa League final. However, United’s current momentum contrasts sharply with Tottenham’s struggles, and many analysts see this as a winnable game for the hosts.

Preview analyses from outlets like Sports Illustrated, The Sun and Evening Standard highlight United’s confidence. Predictions lean toward a home win, with scores like 2-1 commonly suggested. Betting markets favor United, citing their form, home record and Spurs’ injury issues. Key battles include Fernandes vs. Palhinha in midfield, and United’s attackers exploiting Tottenham’s leaky defense.

For United, victory would solidify their top-four push and strengthen Carrick’s case for the permanent role. A loss or draw could halt momentum in a tightly contested race for European spots. Tottenham need points desperately to climb away from the lower mid-table and rebuild confidence.

The fixture is Matchweek 25 of the 2025-26 Premier League season. Both teams played last weekend — United winning at home, Spurs drawing — setting up contrasting moods at Old Trafford.

As kickoff approaches, focus remains on United’s revival and whether Tottenham can end their drought against their rivals. Fans anticipate an entertaining contest between two historic clubs with attacking talent on display.

Australia has once again fallen outside the world’s top 10 happiest nations in the latest World Happiness Report, maintaining its 11th-place position from the previous year amid ongoing discussions about social connections, economic pressures and generational wellbeing trends, according to data released in early 2026.

The annual World Happiness Report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in partnership with Gallup and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, ranks countries based on how people evaluate their own lives on a 0-10 Cantril Ladder scale. The 2026 edition, building on surveys from 2023-2025, continues to highlight Nordic dominance at the top while noting shifts in other regions.

Finland retained its crown as the happiest country for the ninth consecutive year, with a score of approximately 7.74 out of 10. Denmark followed closely in second, then Iceland, Sweden and the Netherlands rounding out the top five. Costa Rica and Norway held strong positions in the upper ranks, with Israel, Luxembourg and Mexico completing the top 10 in various analyses.

Australia scored around 6.97 to 7.06 in recent compilations, placing it solidly at 11th — just behind Mexico and ahead of New Zealand at 12th. This marks a continuation of a gradual slide: Australia was 10th in 2024 before dropping to 11th in 2025 and holding steady into 2026. The slight dip reflects broader patterns in English-speaking countries, where younger generations have reported declining life satisfaction in recent reports.

The rankings draw from Gallup World Poll data, averaging life evaluations over three years to smooth annual fluctuations. Six key variables explain much of the differences: GDP per capita, social support (having someone to count on in times of trouble), healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity and perceptions of corruption. Additional factors like positive and negative emotions, benevolence acts (donating, volunteering, helping strangers) and caring behaviors featured prominently in recent editions.

In the 2025 report — the most recent full edition widely referenced as of early 2026 — the focus was on “caring and sharing,” examining how acts of kindness and social bonds boost both givers’ and receivers’ happiness. Researchers found people often underestimate others’ willingness to help, leading to missed opportunities for connection. The 2026 edition is anticipated to delve into social media’s complex role in wellbeing, following a call for proposals in mid-2025 to address debates over its impact on youth happiness and global trends.

Experts attribute Nordic success to strong social safety nets, high trust in institutions, work-life balance and access to nature. Finland’s consistent lead stems from robust social support, low corruption perceptions and a culture emphasizing equality and community.
For Australia, the 11th ranking remains respectable among 140+ nations but signals challenges. High GDP per capita and life expectancy bolster its score, yet factors like social isolation among youth, housing affordability pressures and work-related stress may contribute to the slide. Reports note a gradual decline in Australian happiness scores since the early 2010s, mirroring trends in the United States (24th in 2025) and other Anglophone nations where younger people report lower satisfaction.

The report underscores generational divides. In many wealthy countries, including Australia, older adults tend to rate their lives higher than younger cohorts. English-speaking nations show sharper youth declines, potentially linked to social media, economic uncertainty and changing social norms. Benevolence measures — such as donating or helping strangers — rank Australia well (often in the top 20-30 globally), suggesting strong community spirit despite overall life evaluation dips.

Comparatively, Latin American entries like Costa Rica (6th) and Mexico (10th) highlight how strong family ties, cultural emphasis on relationships and optimism can elevate happiness despite lower GDP. These nations entered or re-entered the top 10 recently, displacing some traditional high-rankers.

The United States continued its downward trajectory to 24th in 2025, its lowest ever, attributed to polarization, inequality and youth mental health struggles. Canada (18th) and the United Kingdom (23rd) also lagged behind Nordic peers.
Australia’s position prompts reflection on policy priorities. Advocates call for investments in mental health services, affordable housing and community programs to strengthen social support. The country’s high volunteerism and helping-stranger rates offer strengths to build upon.

The World Happiness Report does not dictate policy but informs it. Governments increasingly use wellbeing metrics alongside GDP. Australia’s steady high ranking affirms quality of life advantages — universal healthcare, natural beauty, outdoor lifestyle — while the drop from top-10 status urges attention to emerging issues.

As the 2026 report’s full details emerge (expected around March 20, International Day of Happiness), focus may shift to social media’s dual role: connecting people yet contributing to comparison and isolation, especially among youth.

For Australians, the ranking serves as both reassurance and reminder: life down under remains enviable by global standards, yet sustaining happiness requires nurturing social bonds in a changing world.

The full dataset and interactive tools are available on worldhappiness.report, allowing comparisons across variables and years.