When Will I Get My Tax Refund? IRS Starts Accepting 2026 Returns Monday

Jan 27
2 min read

The IRS officially opened the 2026 tax filing season on Monday, January 26, with millions of Americans eager to know one thing: when will my refund arrive? This year brings significant changes, including the end of paper refund checks, new tax deductions under the "One Big Beautiful Bill," and potentially larger refunds averaging $4,200, up $1,000 from last year.

IRS Begins Accepting Returns

Tax season officially kicked off Monday with the IRS accepting electronically filed 2025 federal income tax returns. The deadline to file is Wednesday, April 15, 2026, though taxpayers can easily request an automatic six-month extension until October 15. The IRS expects to process approximately 164 million individual tax returns this year, with over 93% submitted electronically.

When to Expect Your Tax Refund

Taxpayers who file electronically typically receive refunds within 10-21 days, assuming no issues with their returns. Someone filing on January 26 could see their money as early as February 16 through direct deposit. Paper returns take significantly longer about four weeks just for the IRS to log them into the system before processing even begins.

Major Changes This Year: No More Paper Checks

For the first time, the IRS is phasing out paper refund checks following a presidential executive order titled "Modernizing Payments To and From America's Bank Account." The IRS strongly encourages all taxpayers to set up bank accounts to receive refunds via direct deposit. Those without bank accounts must call 800-829-1040 to request a paper check waiver, though the process may cause delays.

The EITC and Child Tax Credit Delay

Taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) face a mandatory delay. By law, the IRS must hold these returns longer to scan for fraud and misapplied credits. Those claiming these credits won't receive refunds until March 2 at the earliest, regardless of when they file.

Tracking Your Refund: Where's My Refund Tool

The IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool provides real-time updates on refund status. Information appears approximately 24 hours after e-filing or four weeks after submitting a paper return. You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount. The tool shows three stages: Return Received, Refund Approved, and Refund Sent. After approval, expect 3-5 days for direct deposit to hit your account.

Bigger Refunds Expected in 2026

Financial analysts at Piper Sandler project average refunds could reach $4,200 this year, up from $3,200 in 2025. The "One Big Beautiful Bill" introduced new deductions including no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on car loan interest, and enhanced deductions for seniors. Taxpayers will use the new Schedule 1-A form to claim these recently enacted benefits.

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