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 added incentives to work that boost the whole economy.
And enhanced Social Security deductions handed an average of $7,500 to 30 million seniors
Since “70% of Americans still believe that they are overtaxed,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told The Post, the rebates made this April 15 “a great day for the American people.”
That includes plenty of servers The Post spoke with this week, from Bethpage waitress Ingrid Mejia — who got about $3,000 more back than her usual $1,000 and will use it for her daughter’s bridal shower — to Bronx asbestos-removal worker Tommy Merritt, 68, who’s earmarking his increased refund to cover food and bills.
In all, OBBBA delivered $100 billion in tax relief — every dime of it over Democrats’ screams.
Still, some Dems get it: President Donald Trump inspired Gov. Kathy Hochul to push to end New York’s state tax on tip income (though she hasn’t delivered yet).
And in California, GOP Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez is a leading voice for that reform.
Plus: Hochul so far hasn’t embraced any tax break for overtime pay — guess Empire State workers need to elect a Republican governor to get that relief.
Certainly, this year’s Tax Day makes it unmistakable that only one party is committed to ensuring that Americans get to keep more of their own hard-earned money; the other one thinks your dollars belong in the politicians’ hands.
