Bigger Tax Refunds Are Here: So Why Do Most People Still Think Their Taxes Are Too High?
As of Tax Day 2026, most Americans say they’re paying too much in taxes, as concerns grow that wealthy individuals and corporations aren’t paying their fair share.
As Americans rush to meet the tax deadline this year, frustration about paying too much remains high, and in some ways, seems to be intensifying.
A March Fox News poll found that about 7 in 10 registered voters say their taxes are “too high,” up from roughly 6 in 10 last year. At the same time, a Pew Research Center survey found that about 60% of U.S. taxpayers are bothered "a lot" by the belief that wealthy people and corporations don’t pay their fair share.
Those numbers come as Tax Day 2026 wraps up and follow a sweeping tax overhaul last year when the 2025 tax law, pushed by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans, was enacted.
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Trump tax law 2025 changes and costs
Signed on July 4, 2025, the massive tax legislation known by some as the "big beautiful bill" extended Trump's prior 2017 tax cuts and added targeted breaks aimed at workers and retirees.
Among the most talked-about provisions:
- A deduction for tip income, capped at $25,000
- A deduction for overtime pay, capped at $12,500
- A new $6,000 “senior bonus” deduction
- A modest increase in the child tax credit to about $2,200
- A higher cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions
But those tax cuts came with significant offsets — and long-term costs.
For example, the new law includes roughly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over the next decade and about $187 billion in SNAP (food assistance) reductions through 2034, according to policy estimates.
Analysts project the package will add significantly to the national debt over time, as lower tax revenues outweigh spending cuts.
Tax refund status vs. political promises
One way many Americans experience tax policy is through their IRS tax refunds, and here, the gap between messaging and reality is notable this year.
As Kiplinger reported, Republican lawmakers predicted and touted that the 2025 tax law could boost refunds by as much as $1,000. In reality, early data show that while average refunds are up by about (11%) that only amounts to an increase of roughly $300 to $350 from last year for many taxpayers.
And worth noting: most households are not treating that money as extra spending power.
Surveys show a majority of Americans say they plan to use their refunds to cover essentials like rent, groceries, utilities, and debt payments, rather than discretionary spending or savings.
Inflation rate right now
Another reason tax relief is being overshadowed: prices are rising again.
Recent inflation data shows monthly price increases accelerating again in early 2026 to 3.3% from 2.4%, with energy costs playing a leading role.
Gas prices have jumped sharply amid the Iran War conflict and resulting instability in the Middle East.
According to AAA, national gas averages are now roughly in the mid-$4 range per gallon. That's compared to significantly lower levels before the recent escalation in oil markets.
At the same time, even though the U.S. Supreme Court recently struck down many of Trump's tariffs, some economists note that tariffs imposed or expanded under the Trump administration have added upward pressure to imported goods — from electronics to clothing.
Which new tax breaks people actually like
Not all parts of the 2025 law are viewed equally. Some of the most popular provisions seem to be the most direct:
- Tax breaks on tip income
- Tax breaks on overtime pay
The $6,000 senior deduction has also seemed to draw support among retirees, though its impact varies depending on income level.
By contrast, more complex provisions — like the deduction for car loan interest — have reportedly not been claimed as much thus far on 2025 returns.
Another issue: Corporations not paying their 'fair share'
Beyond individual tax bills, data show that tax fairness remains a concern.
That perception is reinforced by corporate tax data. A 2026 report from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) found that at least 88 large, profitable U.S. corporations paid zero federal income tax in 2025. That's despite earning more than $105 billion in combined profits.
- The list includes major firms across sectors, like Tesla, 3M, Honeywell, Yum! Brands, and PayPal, along with several large airlines and consumer companies.
- The ITEP report highlights how widespread the use of deductions, credits, and loss offsets has become in reducing corporate tax liability.
Supporters of lower corporate tax rates say they incentivize investment and economic growth.
Critics argue the benefits are uneven, noting that large corporations often leverage complex tax structures, loopholes, and offshore strategies to minimize their tax burden — often paying effective tax rates well below those faced by individuals.
Tax Day 2026: Bottom line
Tax Day frustration isn’t just about how much people pay the IRS if they owe — it’s about whether tax relief is tangible and whether the system feels fair.
The 2025 tax law has arguably delivered:
- Modestly higher refunds so far
- Some popular deductions for tips, overtime, and older adults
- Expanded tax benefits for businesses and investors
But it also comes with:
- Large projected cuts to Medicaid and SNAP
- Rising deficits and debt pressure
- Inflation driven by energy markets and tariffs
- Persistent concerns about corporate tax avoidance
So, recent tax cuts may have moved some of the numbers for some, but they don't seem to have shifted public sentiment in a positive direction.
As long as tax relief feels uneven for many and the cost of living remains high, most Americans will continue to feel unfairly overtaxed.
Related
- Tax Refund Schedule 2026: When Your Money Will Arrive
- What's in the 2025 Trump Tax Bill?
- Why Your IRS Tax Refund Could Be Frozen or Delayed This Year
- How to Pay the IRS if You Owe
