Where’s My Refund? What you need to know about the start of tax season 2026
Key dates, wait times, and how to track your refund status in a season marked by cuts and changes within the IRS
The 2026 tax season is already underway. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began accepting federal returns on January 26, kicking off a period marked not only by deadlines and refunds, but also by unusual circumstances within the agency itself. And, of course, millions of taxpayers are wondering right now where their refund is.
The IRS expects to receive about 164 million individual returns this year, the vast majority filed electronically. Although e-filing is still the fastest way to get a refund, the season is starting with some warning signs: the agency is facing a reduction of nearly 25% in its workforce over the past year and a change in leadership just days before the filing period opened, raising doubts about the its ability to process returns as quickly as in previous years.
Even so, the IRS maintains its official estimate: taxpayers who file their returns electronically, without errors and with direct deposit, should receive their refund within 21 days. For those who file paper returns, the wait time may be extended to six weeks or more, especially considering that this is a year with fewer staff available for manual reviews.
When is the deadline for filing?
The deadline for filing federal tax returns is April 15, 2026. Those who are unable to meet that deadline can request an extension, which gives them more time to file their paperwork, but not to pay any taxes owed. In such cases, the IRS reminds taxpayers that at least a significant portion of the estimated amount must be paid by the deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
Where’s my refund?
To track the status of your refund, the IRS recommends using its official “Where’s My Refund?” tool, available on its website and updated once a day, usually in the early morning. The system allows you to check whether your return has been received, whether your refund has been approved, or whether it has already been sent. This information usually appears about 24 hours after filing an electronic return, or up to four weeks later for returns sent by mail.
The method of delivery of the refund also influences the speed. Direct deposit is still the fastest option and can be split between multiple bank accounts, prepaid debit cards, or even retirement savings accounts. Paper checks, on the other hand, can take several weeks to arrive.
Although most refunds are issued within the expected timeframe, the IRS warns that some cases may require additional review. Errors in Social Security numbers, discrepancies between reported income and the data already held by the agency, or claims for credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit often trigger longer verification processes. Amended returns and those affected by possible identity theft may also face delays.
Similarly, this year, the IRS is relying more on automated systems and artificial intelligence-assisted analysis tools to compensate for staff shortages. Agency officials say these technologies will help maintain processing times, although they acknowledge that manual reviews will still be unavoidable for certain files.
The general recommendation is to file your return as early as possible, do so electronically, carefully review the information, and opt for direct deposit.
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