2026 Guideline Amendments: Higher Fraud Loss Thresholds and Simpler Multiple-Count Rules

New federal sentencing guideline changes are set to take effect November 1, 2026, unless Congress acts to stop them. The U.S. Sentencing Commission sent them to Congress on April 30, 2026. Two changes matter for a lot of families.

Fraud and theft loss amounts are adjusted for inflation. The loss table in §2B1.1 decides how many levels get added based on dollars lost. Its dollar amounts had not been updated for inflation since 2015. Under the amendment, for example:

• The first increase starts above $9,000 instead of $6,500.
• The 14-level increase starts above $750,000 instead of $550,000.

Similar updates apply to other money tables, including tax, robbery, and fine tables. A smaller loss figure can mean a lower guideline range.

Multiple-count rules are simplified. The old grouping rules in Chapter Three, Part D took up five guidelines. The Commission found they were confusing and sometimes misapplied. The amendment replaces them with one guideline, §3D1.1. The Commission says the change should have "minimal impact" on outcomes.

What this means for your family

If your loved one is sentenced on or after November 1, 2026, the judge generally uses the manual in effect that day. Timing can matter in a fraud case. Ask the lawyer how the new loss table compares to the old one for your loved one's numbers.

These changes are not automatically retroactive. People already sentenced do not get a new range just because the table changed.

Your next step

If a fraud or theft sentencing is set for late 2026, have the numbers checked under both versions. Book a consultation to talk about your case.