The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has officially launched the 2026 tax filing season, processing federal income tax returns for the 2025 tax year. With significant updates to the tax code and a continued push toward digital payments, millions of taxpayers are eager to know when their refunds will hit their bank accounts. Following official guidelines and the latest agency announcements, here is the breakdown of the 2026 refund timeline.
Key Dates for the 2026 Tax Filing Season
The IRS began accepting and processing individual tax returns on Monday, January 26, 2026. This marks the official start of a season expected to handle over 164 million returns.
- January 26, 2026: IRS begins accepting 2025 tax returns.
- February 21, 2026: Expected date for “Where’s My Refund?” updates for early EITC and ACTC filers.
- March 2, 2026: Most EITC/ACTC refunds are expected to be available via direct deposit.
- April 15, 2026: Deadline to file 2025 tax returns or request an extension.
- October 15, 2026: Final deadline for those who filed for an extension.
IRS Refund Timeline and Direct Deposit Expectations
For the 2026 season, the IRS continues to emphasize that the fastest way to receive a refund is through electronic filing paired with direct deposit. According to official IRS statements, more than 9 out of 10 refunds are issued in less than 21 days from the date the return is accepted.
Taxpayers who choose paper returns or request paper checks should expect significant delays. Under recent executive orders focused on modernizing federal payments, the IRS is actively phasing out paper refund checks. Those who do not provide bank routing and account numbers may face a processing window of six weeks or longer.
When Will EITC and ACTC Refunds Arrive?
By law, the IRS cannot issue refunds for returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. This delay allows the agency additional time to prevent fraudulent claims.
For those who file early and claim these credits, the IRS expects most direct deposits to be available in bank accounts by March 2, 2026. Taxpayers can begin checking the status of these specific refunds on IRS.gov starting February 21.
New Tax Laws Impacting 2026 Refund Amounts
The 2026 filing season is the first to reflect changes from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBBA) enacted in 2025. These provisions are retroactive to the 2025 tax year and may result in larger refunds for many households. Notable changes include:
- Tax-Free Overtime and Tips: New deductions for qualified overtime compensation and tipped income.
- Enhanced Senior Deductions: An increased standard deduction for taxpayers aged 65 and older.
- Car Loan Interest: A new deduction for interest paid on loans for new vehicles purchased in 2025.
- Standard Deduction Adjustments: Inflation-based increases to the standard deduction, which may lower overall taxable income.
Financial analysts project that the average refund could increase by approximately $1,000 this year due to these legislative shifts.
Tracking Your Refund Status
The most accurate way to monitor a payment is through the official Where’s My Refund? tool or the IRS2Go mobile app. Status information is generally available within 24 hours after the IRS receives an e-filed return. The system provides three main stages: Return Received, Refund Approved, and Refund Sent.
To use these tools, taxpayers must have their Social Security number or ITIN, their filing status, and the exact whole-dollar amount of the refund shown on their 2025 tax return.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a tax refund by direct deposit in 2026?
Most taxpayers who e-file and use direct deposit receive their funds in less than 21 days after the IRS accepts their return.
When is the earliest I can get my EITC or ACTC refund in 2026?
The IRS expects most EITC and ACTC refunds to be deposited by March 2, 2026, for those who filed early and chose direct deposit.
What is the final deadline to file a 2025 tax return?
The federal deadline to file your 2025 income tax return or request an extension is Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
A former Wall Street analyst turned independent advisor, Mike specializes in retirement planning, 401(k) strategies, Social Security optimization, and late-career financial moves for everyday Americans.