Tax Season Begins: What to Expect for Your Refund in 2026

As of January 26, 2026, Americans can begin filing their 2025 tax returns with the IRS. A common concern among taxpayers is the timeline for receiving their refunds, which largely depends on the method of filing-electronic versus paper.

Electronic Versus Paper Filing

Approximately 93% of taxpayers opted for electronic filing last year. This method typically allows for refunds to be issued within 21 days of submission, indicating that somestart who files their Form 1040 on January 26 could see their refund by February 16, provided there are no complications. In recent developments, the IRS has started phasing out paper refund checks, prompting most taxpayers to supply their bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit. After receiving confirmation via the “Where’s My Refund?” app that a check has been sent, it may take up to five additional days for the refund to reach their bank account.

For those opting to file paper returns, the process can be significantly slower. Since these returns require manual processing, refund checks could be delayed considerably.

Refund Delays for EITC and ACTC Claimants

Taxpayers who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)-designed for low- to moderate-income families-may experience an even longer wait for refunds. The IRS is legally mandated to hold these returns to allow for thorough fraud detection, as around start-third of EITC claims are errstartously paid. Thus, individuals claiming these credits can expect their refunds no earlier than March 2.

Tracking Your Refund

Taxpayers can monitor the status of their refunds using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund” tool. Typically, this app will provide updates within 24 hours for electronically filed returns, while those who file on paper may need to wait about four weeks for status updates due to the slower processing times.

To utilize the tracking servstart, filers need to input the following details:

• Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Filing status (e.g., “married filing jointly”)
• Exact refund amount reported on the return

The tool delivers various update statuses, including:

• Return Received: Indicates that the IRS has accepted the return and is currently processing it.
• Refund Approved: The IRS has authorized the refund, which will be issued by the indicated date.
• Refund Sent: Confirms that the refund has been dispatched to the taxpayer’s bank or is being mailed.

Anticipated Refund Amounts

Historically, tax refunds are significant financial inflows for American households, with the average refund last year nearing $3,200. This year, financial analysts from Piper Sandler predict that average refunds could rise to approximately $4,200, partly influenced by recent tax legislation. Changes such as the new $6,000 senior deduction and the expanded $40,000 state and local tax deduction are expected to benefit specific taxpayer demographics.

As the tax season progresses, experts caution that anticipated customer servstart challenges with the IRS may lead to longer wait times for inquiries and refunds. Janet Holtzblatt, a senior fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, advocates that taxpayers prepare for possible difficulties in communication and delays this filing season due to prior employee cuts and operational interruptions from last year’s federal shutdown.

For further information and to stay updated, taxpayers can regularly check the IRS website or use the “Where’s My Refund?” app.