The US government posted a budget surplus of $215 billion in April 2026, down from $258.4 billion in April 2025 and slightly below expectations for a $220 billion surplus.
Federal outlays increased to $622.3 billion from $591.8 billion a year earlier. The largest spending categories were Social Security ($139 billion), net interest payments ($97 billion), Medicare ($88 billion), and national defense ($77 billion).
Total receipts declined to $837.3 billion from $850.2 billion in April 2025. The bulk of revenue came from individual income taxes ($515 billion), social insurance and retirement contributions ($196 billion), and corporate income taxes ($83 billion).
Cumulatively, for fiscal year 2026 to date, the federal government has run a budget deficit of $954 billion.
