Putting your hard-earned money back where it belongs

Press release by Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach of Regall

As we reach the middle of tax filing season families across Western Minnesota are doing something they have not been able to do in a long time: looking at their tax returns with a sense of relief rather than dread. For too long, hardworking people were forced to bear the brunt of an out-of-touch, high-tax agenda. But this year is different because of the historic tax relief Republicans fought for, the 2026 filing season is delivering the largest refunds in American history, putting money back into the hands of the people who earned it.

Last year, as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I was proud to help deliver the Working Families Tax Cuts (WFTC). When we passed this historic legislation, our goal was simple: to reject the high-tax, high-spending status quo in Washington and deliver common-sense relief directly to the people. We didn’t just want to talk about affordability; we wanted to make it a reality. Since the IRS began processing returns on January 26th, those promises have turned into real results. This is officially the biggest tax refund season in American history, with taxpayers seeing an additional $91 billion in refunds compared to last year. For the average family in Western Minnesota, that translates to a refund nearly $1,000 larger than before.

The WFTC is rooted in common sense. It increased the standard deduction to $31,500 for married couples and boosted the Child Tax Credit to $2,200, meaning a family of four earning $73,000 now owes zero federal income tax. We also sent a clear message that hard work should be rewarded by removing tax on overtime pay and tips. If you are willing to pull an extra shift or work through the weekend to provide for your children, the government should not be standing at the door to take a cut of your sacrifice.

We also made sure to honor our commitment to our seniors, who were hit hard by the recent inflation crisis. The WFTC fulfills the promise of “No Tax on Social Security” by providing a additional $6,000 deduction for seniors, or $12,000 for married couples. Because of this change, nearly 90 percent of seniors will pay zero federal tax on their benefits this year. Our seniors have worked their whole lives for these benefits, and they deserve to keep more of that money.

For our agricultural community and small businesses, the WTFC expanded expensing deductions for machinery and equipment and made the 20% small business deduction permanent. These are vital tools that allow our farmers and business owners to invest in the equipment and workforce they need. We also secured permanent relief from the Death Tax, ensuring family farms stay in the family for generations to come without the IRS forcing a sale.

The Working Families Tax Cuts are about more than just numbers; they are about freedom and opportunity. They are about ensuring that the people decide how to spend their hard-earned money. It is an honor to continue fighting for the common-sense policies that will keep our families strong and our rural communities thriving. As you see the benefits of this relief in your own tax returns this spring, know that I will never stop fighting to keep the American Dream within reach for everyone across Western Minnesota.