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2026 Refund Update: Is the "One Big Beautiful Bill" Delivering for Central Florida Taxpayers?

We are a few weeks into the 2026 tax filing season here in Maitland, and the initial numbers from the IRS are telling an interesting story. Across the country—and right here in the greater Orlando area—taxpayers are seeing a bump in their refunds. The average refund has climbed to $2,476, up about $300 from last year. That is a solid 14.2% increase, though it is admittedly shy of the $1,000 boost some policymakers and headlines predicted.

However, it is early days. As we process more returns for our clients from Winter Park to Davenport, we expect these averages to shift. The driving force behind this upward trend is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a piece of legislation packed with provisions that we are currently navigating to minimize your liability.

The OBBBA Provisions Moving the Needle

This legislation introduced several specific deductions that are now active. Here is how they might impact your return this year:

  • Overtime Premium Pay Deduction: For our clients putting in long hours, the "half" of your "time-and-a-half" pay (under the FLSA) is now deductible. This is capped at $12,500 for single filers and $25,000 for married couples filing jointly.

  • Tips Tax Deduction: With the hospitality industry being massive in the Orlando area, this is significant. Workers in roughly 70 designated occupations can deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tips annually. Note that married taxpayers must file jointly to claim this.

Strategy Note: High earners should be aware of the phase-outs. Both deductions start to reduce at a Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) of $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers) and vanish completely at $275,000 and $550,000, respectively.

Accountants reviewing tax documents
  • Auto Loan Interest Deduction: Did you buy a new, U.S.-assembled vehicle after 2024? You may be able to deduct up to $10,000 of the interest. This applies whether you itemize or take the standard deduction, provided the loan is secured by the vehicle and not a personal loan from a relative. Income phase-outs apply here too, starting at $100,000 MAGI ($200,000 joint).

  • Standard Deduction & Senior Bonus: The standard deduction has jumped to $31,500 for married joint filers and $15,750 for singles. Furthermore, there is a new $6,000 "Senior Bonus" for those 65+, which is a welcome relief for many retirees in our community. This bonus begins phasing out at $75,000 MAGI ($150,000 joint).

  • Expanded Child Tax Credit: The credit is now $2,200 per child. This benefit remains available for joint filers with income up to $400,000 ($200,000 for single/head of household).

  • A Higher SALT Cap: This is a major change for homeowners in high-value areas like Lake Nona and Winter Park. The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction limit has increased from $10,000 to $40,000. However, for those with MAGI over $500,000, this cap begins to shrink back down.

Why Else Are Refunds Higher?

It isn't just the OBBBA. A few logistical factors are also putting more cash back in pockets:

  • Static Withholding Tables: Many of these tax cuts passed without the IRS updating payroll withholding tables in real-time. Essentially, you may have overpaid taxes from your paycheck throughout 2025, resulting in a larger refund now.

  • Inflation Adjustments: Brackets were adjusted for cost-of-living increases, which helps prevent "bracket creep" where inflation pushes you into a higher tax rate without real income growth.

  • Refundable Adoption Credit: Up to $5,000 of the Adoption Tax Credit is now refundable, meaning you can receive it even if you have zero tax liability.

Business team analyzing financial data

The IRS Challenge

While the refunds are flowing, the processing side is facing headwinds. The IRS workforce has shrunk by 25% since early 2025, and they are managing a backlog alongside these complex new laws. We are seeing a slight dip in processing speed—about 3.1% slower than usual.

If you haven't filed yet because you are worried about the complexity of the OBBBA, do not stress. Our Maitland office specializes in navigating these exact shifts. Whether you are running a small business in Altamonte Springs or managing family investments, we ensure every new credit and deduction is applied correctly to your 2025 return.

Let’s ensure you aren't leaving money on the table. Contact us today to schedule your tax appointment.

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