Frequently Asked Tax Questions
Explore RefundTalk’s most visited IRS help sections — designed to make tax season easier to understand.
2026 Tax Filing Season: Key Dates, Deadlines & Refund Updates
The 2026 tax season is here! Get the latest details on when filing opens, how long refunds take, and what to expect from the IRS this year. Whether you file early or wait until the April deadline, understanding the timeline can help you plan ahead and get your refund faster.
When can I file my 2025 tax return?
The IRS is expected to officially begin accepting 2025 tax returns in mid-to-late January 2026 (exact date to be announced). Most tax software providers will let you prepare and “file” your return as early as January 2, 2026, securely holding it until the IRS opens e-filing for the season.
When are 2025 taxes due?
The deadline to file your 2025 federal tax return and pay any balance due is Tuesday, April 15, 2026. Need more time? You can file for an extension until October 15, 2026, but remember — your taxes are still due in April to avoid penalties or interest.
How long does it take for the IRS to process a return?
Most electronically filed (e-filed) returns are processed within about 21 days after IRS acceptance. Paper-filed returns or those with errors, missing forms, or identity verification issues may take longer — sometimes up to 6 months or more. For the fastest results, always e-file and choose direct deposit.
How long does it take to receive my tax refund?
Most refunds arrive within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return. However, the exact timing can vary based on the accuracy of your return, the payment method you select, and whether your return is flagged for additional review. To avoid delays, file early, verify your information, and monitor Where’s My Refund? for updates.
Some tax returns may take longer to process, especially if they:
- Are filed on paper
- Contain math or credit errors
- Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
- Require identity verification or fraud review
- Include Form 8379 – Injured Spouse Allocation (may take up to 14 weeks)
Are there any expected refund delays in 2026?
Yes. Under the PATH Act, the IRS must hold refunds for returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until at least February 15, 2026. Even after that date, it can take a few days for refunds to reach bank accounts via direct deposit.
Additionally, ongoing IRS fraud prevention efforts and new identity verification tools may delay certain refunds while tax returns undergo security checks. These extra steps help protect taxpayers and reduce fraud during peak season.
Quick Tips for a Faster Refund
- E-file your return instead of mailing it
- Choose direct deposit for faster delivery
- Double-check your Social Security numbers and bank info
- Wait until you’ve received all W-2s, 1099s, and IRS letters before filing
- Avoid claiming credits you don’t fully qualify for
2026 Tax Filing Season Important Dates & Deadlines
Track the 2026 tax season from start to finish. This RefundTalk calendar helps you see when the IRS begins accepting returns, when refunds are expected to release, and what important deadlines to remember this year.
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| January 2, 2026 | Early Filing Opens in Software | Tax software begins accepting and securely storing returns before IRS opening day. |
| Mid–Late January 2026 (TBA) | IRS Officially Opens E-Filing | The IRS starts accepting and processing 2025 tax returns electronically. |
| Late January 2026 | First Refunds Begin Processing | Early filers may see “accepted” status and refund approval within the first IRS cycle. |
| February 7–14, 2026 | PATH Act Hold Period | Refunds claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are held until mid-February by law. |
| February 15, 2026 | PATH Act Release Date | The IRS can begin releasing held refunds for EITC/ACTC claims. Direct deposits may start arriving within 1 week. |
| February 21–28, 2026 | First PATH Act Refunds Arrive | Taxpayers who filed early with EITC or ACTC should begin receiving direct deposits during this week. |
| March–April 2026 | Peak Refund Season | Most refunds are issued during this period. “Where’s My Refund?” updates daily overnight. |
| April 15, 2026 | Federal Tax Deadline | Deadline to file your 2025 tax return and pay any taxes owed. Extensions must also be filed by this date. |
| May–June 2026 | Late Filers & Adjustments | Paper returns, corrections, and injured spouse claims (Form 8379) continue to process during this time. |
| October 15, 2026 | Extended Filing Deadline | Final day to file 2025 returns if you received an extension. Refunds may still take up to 6–8 weeks after filing. |
Typical IRS Refund Timeline (E-file + Direct Deposit)
- Day 1–2: Return accepted by IRS
- Days 3–7: Initial IRS review and error check
- Days 8–14: Refund approved (Code 846 appears on transcripts)
- Days 15–21: Refund issued and direct deposit received
- 21+ Days: If delayed, return may need additional review (identity, income verification, or credits)
Tips for Staying on Track During the 2026 Filing Season
- Use the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool for updates — it refreshes once per day overnight.
- Check your IRS Transcript for transaction codes (846 = refund issued).
- Verify direct deposit information before filing to prevent rejected payments.
- If you claimed EITC or ACTC, expect your refund in late February or early March.
- Paper filers should allow extra time — processing may take up to 6 months.
IRS E-File Opening Dates (2013–2026)
The IRS typically opens tax season for e-filing in mid to late January. Below are the official IRS opening days from 2013 through the 2026 tax season, showing when returns first began processing each year.
| Tax Year | Filing Year | IRS Opening Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2013 | January 30, 2013 | Wednesday |
| 2013 | 2014 | January 31, 2014 | Friday |
| 2014 | 2015 | January 20, 2015 | Tuesday |
| 2015 | 2016 | January 19, 2016 | Tuesday |
| 2016 | 2017 | January 23, 2017 | Monday |
| 2017 | 2018 | January 29, 2018 | Monday |
| 2018 | 2019 | January 28, 2019 | Monday |
| 2019 | 2020 | January 27, 2020 | Monday |
| 2020 | 2021 | February 12, 2021 | Friday |
| 2021 | 2022 | January 24, 2022 | Monday |
| 2022 | 2023 | January 23, 2023 | Monday |
| 2023 | 2024 | January 29, 2024 | Monday |
| 2024 | 2025 | January 27, 2025 | Monday |
| 2025 | 2026 | January 20, 2026 (Projected) | Tuesday |
*Dates from 2013–2024 reflect official IRS announcements. 2025–2026 dates are projections based on prior year trends.
Future IRS Tax Day Deadlines (2026–2035)
Federal tax returns are generally due on April 15 each year. If April 15 falls on a weekend or legal holiday, Tax Day moves to the next business day. Here’s a look ahead at the next 10 filing seasons.
| Tax Year | Filing Year | Tax Day | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2026 | April 15, 2026 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | 2027 | April 15, 2027 | Thursday |
| 2027 | 2028 | April 17, 2028 | Monday (Emancipation Day) |
| 2028 | 2029 | April 16, 2029 | Monday |
| 2029 | 2030 | April 15, 2030 | Monday |
| 2030 | 2031 | April 15, 2031 | Tuesday |
| 2031 | 2032 | April 15, 2032 | Thursday |
| 2032 | 2033 | April 15, 2033 | Friday |
| 2033 | 2034 | April 17, 2034 | Monday (Weekend Adjustment) |
| 2034 | 2035 | April 16, 2035 | Monday (Observed) |
*Dates may shift slightly if April 15 falls on a weekend or Washington D.C.’s Emancipation Day holiday.
Average IRS Refund Release Trends (2013–2025)
Over the past decade, IRS refund timing has evolved with new systems, security checks, and the PATH Act law that affects early filers. This chart shows when the majority of refunds were released each year, from the first IRS acceptance day through the peak refund weeks.
| Tax Year | Filing Year | IRS Opening Date | Average Refund Issued (First Wave) | Notes / Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2013 | Jan 30, 2013 | Feb 14–21, 2013 | IRS delayed opening due to system changes after fiscal cliff; refunds resumed mid-February. |
| 2013 | 2014 | Jan 31, 2014 | Feb 14–20, 2014 | Normal cycle; most refunds within 14–21 days after acceptance. |
| 2014 | 2015 | Jan 20, 2015 | Feb 4–11, 2015 | Earlier start; average refund time 10–16 days for e-file with direct deposit. |
| 2015 | 2016 | Jan 19, 2016 | Feb 3–10, 2016 | Strong refund flow year; 9 out of 10 refunds issued in under 21 days. |
| 2016 | 2017 | Jan 23, 2017 | Feb 23–Mar 1, 2017 | PATH Act enforced for first time; EITC/ACTC refunds delayed until mid-February. |
| 2017 | 2018 | Jan 29, 2018 | Feb 22–Mar 2, 2018 | PATH Act delays continued; most refunds after Feb 22 for credit filers. |
| 2018 | 2019 | Jan 28, 2019 | Feb 21–28, 2019 | Normal season; government shutdown briefly affected refund schedule. |
| 2019 | 2020 | Jan 27, 2020 | Feb 14–21, 2020 | Efficient start; pre-COVID season with strong 21-day average. |
| 2020 | 2021 | Feb 12, 2021 | Mar 5–12, 2021 | COVID delays and staffing issues extended processing times. |
| 2021 | 2022 | Jan 24, 2022 | Feb 18–25, 2022 | Refunds normalized; IRS still catching up from pandemic backlog. |
| 2022 | 2023 | Jan 23, 2023 | Feb 17–24, 2023 | Strong digital cycle; 90% of refunds issued within 21 days. |
| 2023 | 2024 | Jan 29, 2024 | Feb 23–Mar 1, 2024 | PATH Act delays extended; most EITC/ACTC refunds released by Feb 27. |
| 2024 | 2025 | Jan 27, 2025 (Est.) | Feb 21–28, 2025 (Est.) | Expected to follow standard pattern; most refunds within 21 days for e-filed returns. |
Trend Summary (2013–2025)
- 2013–2015: IRS modernization shortened refund times to 10–16 days for e-filed returns.
- 2016–2017: PATH Act introduced mandatory refund holds until mid-February for EITC and ACTC claims.
- 2018–2020: Normal refund flow returned; most refunds issued within 2–3 weeks.
- 2021–2022: COVID-related delays caused processing times up to 8–10 weeks for some filers.
- 2023–2025: IRS return to normal operations; improved direct deposit timing and transcript visibility.
*Data compiled from IRS announcements, RefundTalk reports, and industry averages. Refund timelines apply to accepted electronic returns using direct deposit.
