In a year of record-breaking tax returns, a new study finds that Texas is seeing the second-largest average returns in the nation. 

Upgradedpoints.com found that the national average is nearly $3,600, but Texas residents are seeing nearly a thousand more than that this year. They used numbers from the IRS in conducting the study. 

Texas-sized tax returns

By the numbers:

In Texas, the average refund was $4,344, slightly below the average in Florida, which leads the nation at $4,433. The state had the second-largest overall filing volume: 13.6 million returns filed and over 9.7 million (71.3%) receiving a refund, the study found.

The Texas county with the highest average return was Shackelford County, located west of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, at $7,375. Most wage brackets saw returns closer to average, with those earning $50-$100K per year averaging $4,249. However, their average appears to have been imbalanced by the $200K+ earners, who saw an average refund of $105,163.

What is the penalty for filing taxes late? 

Dig deeper:

The failure to file penalty applies if you didn’t file your tax return by the due date (including extensions). 

By the numbers:

The penalty is 5% of your unpaid taxes for each month that a return is late, up to 25% of the total unpaid, for individuals and most business tax returns, according to the IRS.

You’ll know if you owe a penalty because you’ll receive a notice letter from the IRS. 

2026 tax brackets

Your tax filing could also look different next year if your tax bracket is adjusted. Keep that in mind if you plan to switch jobs, or earn or lose some income.

Because of inflation adjustments, income thresholds for the two lowest brackets rose by about 4%, while higher brackets increased by roughly 2.3% compared with 2025 levels.

READ MORE: 2026 tax brackets vs. 2025: Here’s what’s changed, other things to know

2026 tax deduction

For tax year 2026, the standard deduction increased to $32,200 for married couples filing jointly. For single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately, the standard deduction rose to $16,100 for tax year 2026, and for heads of households, the standard deduction will be $24,150.

2027 tax filing season

Consult a tax professional now if you have any questions or concerns about your tax-filing situation come January 2027. 

For the past three days, a court in Austin has heard testimony, which at times was emotional, about the actions of camp staff and their lack of preparedness the night historic flood waters rose and washed away several cabins, killing 25 campers and two counselors.

A Texas mom of three who pleaded her innocence when her hubby was arrested for allegedly running a prostitution ring frequented by local cops is now accused of coaching women to sell their bodies out of the couple’s home.

Ashley Ketcherside was arrested on Wednesday on racketeering charges after her alleged involvement in her husband’s purported prostitution enterprise was originally overlooked when he was arrested on April 8, Fox 4 reported.

But a wide-ranging investigation revealed she has two prior prostitution convictions herself and allegedly offered her X-rated services for $1,000 an hour, according to police.

Ashley and Michael Ketcherside allegedly hosted members of the Godley Police Department and their spouses at their home, where they ran the ring for at least a decade. During the gatherings, Ashley could be found preparing another woman for prostitution, according to court documents obtained by the outlet.

But when Michael was apprehended, Ashley told Fox 4 she was blindsided by the investigation and maintained her family’s innocence.

“[Michael] is a great husband, an amazing father to my three kids, and I believe in the justice system,” she said.

She flatly denied all accusations, including rumors that ex-Godley cop Solomon Omotoya paid her for sex, but added that she thinks “two consenting adults should be allowed to do whatever it is that they want to do.”

She also rejected suggestions that she may be a prostitute herself, despite her two previous convictions.

When Omotoya was nabbed alongside Michael, he led investigators to former Godley Police Chief Matthew Cantrell, who revealed that Ashley charged $1,000 an hour for sex with her, according to court documents.

Those same rates were repeated in messages on Ashley’s seized burner phone, the publication reported.

Omotoya and Cantrell are also facing charges in connection with the sex ring.

Outside of the ring, the group is also being probed for corruption.

The Ketchersides and Cantrell allegedly amassed information on their “adversaries,” including members of the Godley City Council, the Godley ISD school board, and other Godley police officers, according to a news release from the District Attorney’s Office for Johnson & Somervell Counties.

In 2023, Ashley was ousted from a Godley ISD committee that dictated the district’s sex education curriculum when they were made aware of her prior prostitution convictions.

Ashley also had active advertisements on escort websites while she was volunteering with other city organizations, the outlet reported.

Ashley was charged with racketeering and is being held on a $200,000 bond.

Michael was charged with continuous promotion, solicitation of prostitution and racketeering. He is being held on a $450,000 bond.

Cantrell was charged with promotion of prostitution and is out on bond.

Omotoya was charged with soliciting prostitution.