So far, 53 million Americans have gotten tax refunds this year, with an average of nearly $3,500 — up 11.1%, or $356, from a year ago. Thank the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which prevented a tax hike (the one Democrats wanted) by stopping expiration of the 2017 Trump tax cuts — and also protected tips, Social Security and overtime income from federal taxation. No-tax-on-tips landed 6 million Americans an average $7,100; 25 million taxpayers got refunds averaging $3,100 for their OT pay — great