Taxes 13 February 2026 - 17 February 2026

Trump claims 20% bigger 2026 tax refunds — IRS flags the mistakes that can slow your money
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Trump claims 20% bigger 2026 tax refunds — IRS flags the mistakes that can slow your money

On Truth Social, President Donald Trump said tax refunds this year will be “substantially greater than ever before.” He cited estimates claiming “over 20% will be returned to the Taxpayer” in certain cases. Trump’s remarks came as the 2026 filing season approaches. https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/trump-touts-potential-20-tax-refunds-ahead-2026-filing-season With millions watching refund timelines, the latest IRS tally shows the average payout hitting $2,290. That’s a 10.9% jump from last year’s $2,065, but the agency has issued 8.1% fewer refunds so far. The IRS says these early numbers don’t count refunds held for certain credits under a mid-February rule, and adds that trends usually stabilize later on. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/filing-season-statistics-for-week-ending-feb-6-2026
February 19, 2026
H&R Block stock price today: HRB nudges higher as tax season hits crunch time — what’s next
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H&R Block stock price today: HRB nudges higher as tax season hits crunch time — what’s next

New York, February 17, 2026, 09:36 EST — Regular session H&R Block, Inc. picked up roughly 1.2% in early Tuesday trading, last changing hands at $31.41. Investors coming back from the holiday break found the stock moving sharply in the thick of tax season. Shares bounced between $31.38 and $32.07. Even so, the price is still far off the 52-week high, with the name having dropped to just above $28 earlier this period.
February 17, 2026
IRS reopens after Presidents Day — here’s how to check your refund and dodge long hold times
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IRS reopens after Presidents Day — here’s how to check your refund and dodge long hold times

The IRS switched its offices and phone lines back on Tuesday, following a Presidents Day closure that left taxpayers scrambling for assistance in the thick of filing season. An agency spokesperson confirmed everything was shut down Monday, Feb. 16, then back to standard hours on Feb. 17. https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/national-international/is-the-irs-open-on-presidents-day-details-on-2026-hours/3766830/ Why it matters now: Right after the holiday, questions on refunds, filing rules, and identity checks usually spike, often overwhelming the agency’s helplines. Throw in new tax provisions and a wave of early refund-seekers, and even minor hiccups can spiral into big delays.
February 17, 2026
Canada tax season 2026: CRA adds Saturday phone help, faster preparer access and a GenAI chatbot
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Canada tax season 2026: CRA adds Saturday phone help, faster preparer access and a GenAI chatbot

Ottawa, Ontario, Feb 13, 2026, 07:21 The Canada Revenue Agency plans to hire or rehire around 1,700 contact-centre staffers, aiming to answer calls from an average 70% of unique callers for the 2026 tax-filing season. With the extra hands, CRA’s call centre headcount should hit 4,500 or so. Saturday phone lines will open March 21 through May 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern, the agency said.
February 13, 2026