Taxpayers in the United States have entered the 2026 tax filing season, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) now accepting federal income tax returns for the 2025 tax year. As filing begins, attention has turned quickly to when refunds are likely to be issued, particularly for households that rely on repayments to help manage everyday costs.
The IRS has confirmed that returns can be submitted from 26 January, with most individuals required to file by 15 April. Officials say refund timelines will vary depending on how a return is submitted and whether additional checks are needed.
For millions of filers, understanding expected refund dates has become a key concern, as changes to tax rules and ongoing pressure on the agency's processing systems shape expectations for the weeks ahead.
When The 2026 Tax Season Opened
The IRS formally opened the 2026 filing season on 26 January, marking the earliest date taxpayers could submit returns for the previous tax year. Most individuals must file by 15 April to avoid penalties, although extensions remain available for those who need more time. Any tax owed must still be paid by the original deadline.
Some taxpayers using the IRS Free File programme were able to submit returns earlier in January. The scheme is available to eligible filers and is intended to speed up processing by reducing reliance on paper submissions.
The Internal Revenue Service announced Monday, January 26, 2026, as the opening of the nation’s 2026 filing season. pic.twitter.com/UxVPkpuA4Z
— Treasury Department (@USTreasury) January 27, 2026
President Trump is committed to the taxpayers of this country and improving upon the successful tax filing season in 2025.
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) January 27, 2026
Thanks to the President’s signature Tax Cuts and Job Act from 2017, substantial parts of the tax code have already been updated to the benefit of taxpayers,… https://t.co/4bypyICvZ8
Tax refunds in 2026 are projected to be the largest everhttps://t.co/tSH0gjo2Da pic.twitter.com/wj3xbDDFPh
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) November 26, 2025
When Refunds Are Expected
Refund timing depends largely on filing method and payment choice. The IRS has said most refunds submitted electronically and paid by direct deposit are processed within 21 days of acceptance.
Returns filed by post typically take longer, with refunds often issued six weeks or more after receipt. Paper returns require additional manual processing, which can extend waiting times during periods of high demand.
Refunds linked to certain tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit, are subject to mandatory review periods. As a result, those refunds are usually not released until early March, regardless of when a return is filed.
If you filed your taxes using an online provider like H&R Block and opted to receive your refund on a debit card, the IRS might be loading your stimulus payment on there so it shows up as a random acct #. Here's another explanation from the IRS: pic.twitter.com/vwXj5qYpE6
— Tanza Loudenback (@notsoTan_za) January 4, 2021
Saw someone celebrating a $13k tax refund for 2025.
— The Money Cruncher, CPA (@money_cruncher) January 24, 2026
Just a reminder:
Tax refund = money you overpaid to the IRS and got a 0% APR on it throughout the year
It’s not free money… pic.twitter.com/mrBI1FcYSf
How Taxpayers Can Track Refunds
The IRS provides online tools that allow taxpayers to monitor the progress of their refund. The 'Where's My Refund?' service is available via the IRS website and mobile app and updates once a return has been accepted.
To access the service, taxpayers need their Social Security number or taxpayer identification number, filing status and the exact refund amount shown on their return. Officials advise using only official IRS platforms and warn against responding to unsolicited messages claiming to provide refund updates.
Factors That Can Delay Refunds
Refunds may be delayed if a return contains errors, incomplete information or mismatched personal details. Returns filed closer to the April deadline can also take longer to process because of higher submission volumes.
Additional delays may occur if the IRS requests further information by post. The agency has reiterated that it does not contact taxpayers by email, text message or social media to request personal or banking details.
If you filed your taxes using an online provider like H&R Block and opted to receive your refund on a debit card, the IRS might be loading your stimulus payment on there so it shows up as a random acct #. Here's another explanation from the IRS: pic.twitter.com/vwXj5qYpE6
— Tanza Loudenback (@notsoTan_za) January 4, 2021
Why Refunds May Differ This Year
The IRS has said some taxpayers may see changes in refund amounts following updates to federal tax law. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced adjustments to deductions and credits, although the impact will vary depending on individual circumstances.
As the filing season gathers pace, the IRS continues to encourage early and accurate submissions. For most taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit, refunds are expected to begin arriving from mid to late February, while others may face longer waits as returns move through the system.
