It's Tax Day. Here's how big the average tax refund is in 2026.
Americans are receiving larger tax refunds this year due to the 2025 "big, beautiful bill," which enacted new tax deductions.
Tax Refund
Surging U.S. gas prices could erase bigger tax refunds, analysis finds
Stanford economists estimate that the typical U.S. household will spend an additional $740 on gas this year because of the jump in global oil prices.
Should you rely on AI to do your taxes? Experts warn of risks.
About 1 in 4 Americans are using AI chatbots to prepare their tax returns, but experts warn the tools can produce outdated or inaccurate guidance.
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Tips to use your 2026 tax refund
Here are some tips on how to use your 2026 tax refund as the IRS begins paying Americans. CBS News' Jill Schlesinger reports. (Sponsored by AT&T Business)
Tax refund delays as IRS phases out paper checks
As the IRS pushes to phase out the use of paper checks, more than 800,000 tax filers are now facing delays in getting their refunds. CBS News national reporter Kati Weis has the details.
How Americans plan to use their bigger tax refunds this year
Early tax refund data shows the typical check is so far 14% higher than a year ago. Here's what Americans are planning to do with the money.
Here's how much the new "no tax on tips" deduction could save you
Workers who claim the new deduction will see an average tax cut of around $1,400, although some could realize larger savings.
A new tax break on auto loan interest may help 4 million car owners
New deduction allows taxpayers to deduct up to $10,000 on interest they paid to buy a new American-made vehicle in 2025.
The "K-shaped" economy will affect your 2026 tax refund
Tax refunds will be bigger this year because of the big, beautiful bill" act, with higher-income households set to reap the biggest checks.
How to get a bigger refund this tax season
Tax season is underway as the IRS is now accepting and processing returns for 2025. This year there are several new credits and deductions available. CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger explains. (Sponsored by Edward Jones)
Tax season is here — don't fall for these common scams
The FTC is warning taxpayers to keep an eye out for phishing and smishing scams aimed at stealing tax refunds and personal data.
Are you a homeowner? See which tax deductions you might qualify for.
It will mostly be business as usual for homeowners this tax season. However, new changes introduced under the "big, beautiful bill" may affect how they file.
How to request a tax extension from the IRS
Filing a tax extension is easy. But it's important to know what you're getting into, including what to do if you owe money to the IRS.
Common tax filing mistakes that can cost you
April 15 is the deadline to file your taxes, unless you live in one of the states the IRS is allowing people to request an extension due to natural disasters. CPA and Bankrate reporter Kemberley Washington shares some last-minute tax tips.
Tax deductions you shouldn't overlook
Here are some tax deductions that are often overlooked. Medora Lee, a personal finance reporter with USA Today, joins CBS News with more details as the 2025 tax filing season comes to an end.
Tax refunds in 2025 are about $1,000 less than in 2024. Here's why.
IRS data shows that the average refund check so far is about $2,200, or $1,000 less than a year earlier. Here's what experts say.
What to know about 2025 taxes
The Internal Revenue Service is urging Americans to prepare for the 2025 tax filing season, beginning next week. Last year, roughly two-thirds of taxpayers got a refund and the average amount refunded was $3,100. CBS News contributor J.D. Durkin breaks it down.
Here's how to track the status of your 2024 tax refund
Millions of Americans filed their taxes during the last two weeks of this year's tax season. Here's how to find out when you'll get your refund.
IRS commissioner on taxes ahead of deadline
If you haven't filed your taxes yet, the deadline is quickly approaching with returns and extension requests due by Monday. IRS commissioner Danny Werfel joined CBS News to discuss tax season.
Tax Day is less than 1 week away
Americans still have a few days to file their 2023 taxes. The IRS says more than 90 million tax returns have been received as of March 29. Medora Lee, a personal finance reporter for USA Today, joins CBS News with tips on making the deadline.
Maximizing your tax refund
As the tax season progresses, the IRS reports having received over 71.5 million tax returns, already issuing more than 49 million refunds to Americans. With the average refund amounting to $3,109, CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger offers advice on how Americans can make the most of their tax refund.
See how much the IRS is sending for the average 2024 tax refund
Tax refunds so far are higher than last year, according to recent IRS data. Many Americans have big plans for the money.
Your tax refund could be bigger this year. Here's why.
Taxpayers saw their tax refunds shrink last year due to the expiration of pandemic benefits. But some people may get a boost in 2024.
Tax filing season will start Jan. 29
The IRS says the official start of tax filing season will kick off on Jan. 29 this year, with taxpayers allowed to file until April 15 in most cases. CBS MoneyWatch associate managing editor Aimee Picchi has more on this year's tax schedule.
CPA's tips for maximizing your tax refund
The end of the year means it's time to start looking ahead to tax season. Dan Geltrude, certified public accountant, joins CBS News to share steps you can take now to set yourself up for an easier time come April.
Rep. Massie is latest GOP incumbent to lose primary after Trump backs challenger
President Trump endorsed former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District.
Live
Trump says he was "an hour away" from striking Iran
Trump says he scrapped a planned attack on Iran at the request of Gulf allies as "serious negotiations" on a peace deal are underway.
Teen attackers in mosque shooting were wallowing in hate, investigators say
"These subjects did not discriminate in who they hated," said Mark Remily, special agent in charge of the FBI's San Diego Field Office.
Senate advances resolution to limit Trump's Iran war powers for first time
Four Republicans voted with nearly all Democrats to advance the Iran war powers measure, with GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy joining the Republican defectors for the first time.
DOJ's settlement with Trump bans IRS from taking action over his old tax returns
The Internal Revenue Service is permanently barred from pursuing claims against President Trump or his company based on prior tax returns, part of a controversial settlement deal between the Justice Department and Mr. Trump.
U.S. intel assessment says military identified at least 10 mines in Strait of Hormuz
CBS News was unable to determine what type of mines were in involved in this latest assessment.
Trump's $1.7+ billion fund sparks rush to capitalize: "All J6ers will apply"
One Republican lawyer close to the administration told CBS News that they expect the fund to face court challenges even though "a lot of people in MAGA world are already counting their money."
Mangione supporters should not have been given press passes, mayor says
Luigi Mangione supporters have loudly made their feelings known outside every court appearance, but several are now in court with official press passes.
What to know about today's primaries in Georgia, Kentucky and more
Polls have closed for primaries in several states on Tuesday, including the most expensive House primary in history.
U.S.
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Teen attackers in mosque shooting were wallowing in hate, investigators say
"These subjects did not discriminate in who they hated," said Mark Remily, special agent in charge of the FBI's San Diego Field Office.
Imam of San Diego mosque says his community has seen a rise in Islamophobia
The imam of a San Diego mosque that was targeted in Monday's shooting told CBS News that his community has seen a rise in "Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment" in recent years.
U.S. intel assessment says military identified at least 10 mines in Strait of Hormuz
CBS News was unable to determine what type of mines were in involved in this latest assessment.
Voters want more competitive congressional districts, CBS News poll finds
But most GOP voters want candidates who'd back most or everything Trump wants.
Mangione supporters should not have been given press passes, mayor says
Luigi Mangione supporters have loudly made their feelings known outside every court appearance, but several are now in court with official press passes.
MoneyWatch
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Is the teen summer job a thing of the past?
A summer job was once a seasonal tradition for millions of American teenagers. No more — here's why fewer young people are expected to clock in when school ends.
Polymarket to let users make prediction market bets on private companies
Polymarket users can now trade on private companies' valuations, IPOs and secondary market activity.
The 10 most affordable U.S. cities to buy a home
Buyers can still find lower-cost homes in some midsize cities, especially across the Rust Belt and Sun Belt, a new analysis finds.
AI sparks backlash from new graduates. How deep does the disapproval go?
Many Americans are signaling disapproval of the technology amid fears that it will eclipse already competitive entry-level jobs.
Mango founder Isak Andic's son arrested in his death
Police in Spain arrested the son of Isak Andic, the billionaire founder of the Spanish fashion brand Mango, for allegedly having played a role in his December 2024 death.
Politics
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Rep. Massie is latest GOP incumbent to lose primary after Trump backs challenger
President Trump endorsed former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District.
Live updating Pennsylvania 2026 primary election results
Pennsylvania voters went to the polls on Tuesday, casting their votes for Republican and Democratic candidates in congressional, gubernatorial and local races.
U.S. intel assessment says military identified at least 10 mines in Strait of Hormuz
CBS News was unable to determine what type of mines were in involved in this latest assessment.
Voters want more competitive congressional districts, CBS News poll finds
But most GOP voters want candidates who'd back most or everything Trump wants.
Senate advances resolution to limit Trump's Iran war powers for first time
Four Republicans voted with nearly all Democrats to advance the Iran war powers measure, with GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy joining the Republican defectors for the first time.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Where things stand with the Ebola outbreak
The State Department on Tuesday strongly urged Americans to avoid travel to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan because of the Ebola outbreak there. More than 130 people have already died. Mark Strassmann has more.
Eroding ACA enrollment portends higher insurance rates
An uptick in people skipping Obamacare premium payments in many states suggests the Affordable Care Act's rising costs are hitting home for 2026 enrollees.
Latest on American who contracted Ebola
A missionary doctor who was serving in Congo will receive treatment in Germany after testing positive for Ebola. Skyler Henry has the latest.
American doctor working in Congo tests positive for Ebola
An American medical missionary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was evacuated after testing positive for Ebola.
Ebola strain in latest outbreak has no vaccine or treatment
The virus behind the latest Ebola outbreak is the Bundibugyo virus, which is less common and there is no vaccine or treatment.
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Senate advances resolution to limit Trump's Iran war powers for first time
Four Republicans voted with nearly all Democrats to advance the Iran war powers measure, with GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy joining the Republican defectors for the first time.
First on CBS
Federal prosecutors open new criminal probe into Maduro, sources say
There is concern among some in the Justice Department that the pending charges against him are weak, sources said.
Who's who in Cuba's leadership? Here are the names to know.
President Trump has been openly mulling a takeover of Cuba similar to the operation that toppled Venezuela's Nicolás Madoro. What it would mean for the regime's leaders remains to be seen. Here are some of the figures to watch.
Iran stages mass weddings for couples ready for "self-sacrifice" in war
Iranian state media showed wedding ceremonies in Tehran for dozens of couples said to have volunteered for "self-sacrifice" in the war with the U.S.
Man gets death sentence for killing teen TikTok star in Pakistan
Sana Yousaf's murder in June drew nationwide condemnation and reignited debate over women's safety.
Entertainment
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Soon-to-be mom Beanie Feldstein reveals sex of her baby
Actor Beanie Feldstein told "CBS Mornings" she and wife Bonnie-Chance Roberts are expecting a baby girl.
Beanie Feldstein on takeaways from kids' book
Actor Beanie Feldstein talks about the theme of her debut children's book, which focuses on the power of friendship. She also discusses becoming a parent soon and starring in a new film with Robert De Niro.
2-time "Survivor" contestant on 50th season
Rob Cesternino, a 2-time "Survivor" castaway, talks about the upcoming "Survivor 50" finale, who he think will make the final three and who is his favorite to win the game.
Hayden Panettiere opens up in new memoir
Golden Globe-nominated actor Hayden Panettiere shares her story and opens up about life in the spotlight as a young actor, postpartum depression and her healing journey.
5/17: Sunday Morning "By Design"
Jane Pauley hosts our annual look at design. Featured: Tiny homes in your backyard; Louis Vuitton; Adobe house construction; Finland's Marimekko; domino art; Philadelphia food favorites; chandeliers; Longwood Gardens; rare maps; and director Jon Favreau of "The Mandalorian and Grogu."
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Technology
Privacy concerns grow over AI, phone numbers
Privacy concerns about artificial intelligence are growing after people discovered that chatbots are sharing their real phone numbers. Eileen Guo, investigative tech reporter for MIT Technology Review, joins to discuss.
Musk loses lawsuit against OpenAI
A California jury on Monday unanimously dismissed Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and its top executives. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the case.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Musk says he'll appeal OpenAI lawsuit dismissal
A California jury on Monday unanimously dismissed Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent reports.
Jury unanimously dismisses Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI
California jury dismissed all charges, finding that Musk missed the three-year statute of limitations to file suit.
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Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Crime
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Crime
Islamic Center shooting victims hailed as heroes
New details are coming out about the victims in Monday's shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Lana Zak reports.
Mosque shooting victims hailed as heroes
Police and federal authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to Monday's deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, as well as what exactly happened during the attack. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the details.
Teen attackers in mosque shooting were wallowing in hate, investigators say
"These subjects did not discriminate in who they hated," said Mark Remily, special agent in charge of the FBI's San Diego Field Office.
San Diego imam describes victims of shooting
Imam Taha Hassan of the Islamic Center of San Diego tells CBS News about the beloved security guard and members of his mosque who died "sacrificed their lives for the entire community" during Monday's shooting.
FBI: Islamic Center shooters radicalized online
Investigators gave an update Tuesday on Monday's deadly shooting at a mosque in San Diego. CBS News' Lana Zak and Anna Schecter have the latest.
Space
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SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
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U.S. Army survivors of Iranian strike speak out
Soldiers who survived a deadly Iranian drone strike in Kuwait tell CBS News the U.S. Army ignored a request for more medical support weeks before the attack. Jonah Kaplan reports.
New info: Woman fatally falls into NYC manhole
Monday night in Midtown Manhattan, a woman parked her car and fatally fell into an open manhole. Lilia Luciano has the story.
Where things stand with the Ebola outbreak
The State Department on Tuesday strongly urged Americans to avoid travel to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan because of the Ebola outbreak there. More than 130 people have already died. Mark Strassmann has more.
5/19: The Takeout with Major Garrett
Major primary elections held in multiple states; Acting AG Todd Blanche faces scrutiny at Senate hearing.
Blanche questioned on "anti-weaponization" fund
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche took questions Tuesday on President Trump's new $1.8 billion fund designed for people who the Justice Department says "suffered weaponization and lawfare" under the Biden administration. Nikole Killion has more.