When will I get my 2026 tax refund?

Most e-filed returns with direct deposit are processed within 21 days of IRS acceptance. If you filed a paper return, expect 6-8 weeks. Returns claiming EITC or ACTC cannot be issued before February 15 by law. You can check your exact status using the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov/refunds.

Why is my refund delayed?

Common reasons for refund delays include: errors on your return (math mistakes, wrong SSN), identity verification requirements, claiming EITC or ACTC credits (held until mid-February), filing a paper return (takes 6-8 weeks), your return was selected for review, you owe back taxes or child support, or bank issues with direct deposit. The IRS will send you a letter if they need more information.

What does 'Your return is still being processed' mean?

This IRS message means your return is in the processing queue but hasn't been approved yet. This is normal, especially during peak season (February-April). It could mean your return needs additional review, you claimed certain credits, or the IRS has a high volume of returns. If this message persists beyond 21 days (e-file) or 6 weeks (paper), you can call the IRS at 800-829-1040.

Why was my refund lower than expected?

Your refund may be lower than expected because: the IRS corrected errors in your return, you owe back taxes or a debt (the IRS can offset your refund), you owe state taxes, child support, or student loans, you claimed credits that were reduced, or your withholding was incorrect. Check your IRS notice for the specific reason.

How do I check my refund status?

Use the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov/refunds (updated once daily). You'll need: your Social Security Number, your filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. E-filers can check 24 hours after acceptance. Paper filers can check after 4 weeks. The IRS2Go mobile app offers the same information.

When does the IRS start accepting returns in 2025?

The IRS began accepting 2024 tax year returns on January 27, 2025. This is the earliest date you can e-file or have your paper return postmarked for the 2025 filing season. Filing as early as possible generally means getting your refund sooner.

What is the EITC/ACTC refund hold rule?

The PATH Act requires the IRS to hold refunds for returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until at least February 15. The IRS uses this time to verify eligibility. Most EITC/ACTC refunds are released by late February to early March 2025. This applies even if you filed in January.

Can I get my refund faster?

Yes! The fastest way to get your refund: 1) E-file your return instead of mailing a paper return, 2) Choose direct deposit instead of a paper check, 3) File early in the season, 4) Make sure your return has no errors, 5) Ensure your bank account information is correct. E-file + direct deposit typically yields refunds within 21 days.

How long does a paper return refund take?

Paper returns take significantly longer than e-filed returns. The IRS must manually enter and process paper returns, which typically takes 6-8 weeks. During peak filing season, this can extend to 8-10 weeks. Paper returns requesting paper checks take even longer. The IRS strongly recommends e-filing for faster processing.

How long does a state tax refund take?

State refund timelines vary widely. Fast states like Colorado and Massachusetts process e-filed refunds in 1-2 weeks. Most states take 2-4 weeks for e-file. Slower states like California, New York, and South Carolina can take 3-6 weeks or longer. Paper state returns typically take 6-10 weeks. Check your state's revenue department website for current processing times.

2025 Tax Season · Accepting Returns Since Jan 27

When Will My Tax Refund Arrive?

2025 IRS & State Tax Refund Schedule

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EITC/ACTC Refund Hold Notice (PATH Act)

The IRS cannot issue Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) refunds before February 15 by law. If you claimed these credits, your refund will be held until at least February 15, 2025.

Expected release for most EITC/ACTC filers: February 27, 2025 or later

IRS Refund Schedule 2025

Based on IRS processing guidelines · Last updated: January 15, 2025

E-file: ~21 days Paper: 6–8 weeks

E-file + Direct Deposit

~21 days

E-file + Check

~6 weeks

Paper + Direct Deposit

~4 weeks

Paper + Check

6–8 weeks

Enter your filing date to highlight your row:

Filing Date Range	E-file + Direct Deposit	E-file + Paper Check	Paper + Direct Deposit
Jan 27 – Feb 1	Feb 11, 2026	Feb 18, 2026	Feb 24, 2026
Feb 2 – Feb 8	Feb 18, 2026	Feb 25, 2026	Mar 3, 2026
Feb 9 – Feb 15	Feb 25, 2026	Mar 4, 2026	Mar 10, 2026
Feb 16 – Feb 22	Mar 4, 2026	Mar 11, 2026	Mar 17, 2026
Feb 23 – Mar 1	Mar 11, 2026	Mar 18, 2026	Mar 24, 2026
Mar 2 – Mar 8	Mar 18, 2026	Mar 25, 2026	Mar 31, 2026
Mar 9 – Mar 15	Mar 25, 2026	Apr 1, 2026	Apr 7, 2026
Mar 16 – Mar 22	Apr 1, 2026	Apr 8, 2026	Apr 14, 2026
Mar 23 – Mar 29	Apr 8, 2026	Apr 15, 2026	Apr 21, 2026
Mar 30 – Apr 5	Apr 15, 2026	Apr 22, 2026	Apr 28, 2026
Apr 6 – Apr 15	Apr 22, 2026	Apr 29, 2026	May 5, 2026
Apr 16 – Apr 30	May 6, 2026	May 13, 2026	May 19, 2026
May 1 – May 31	May 22, 2026	May 29, 2026	Jun 4, 2026
Jun 1 – Jun 30	Jun 22, 2026	Jun 29, 2026	Jul 7, 2026
Jul 1 – Jul 31	Jul 22, 2026	Jul 29, 2026	Aug 4, 2026
Aug 1 – Aug 31	Aug 22, 2026	Aug 29, 2026	Sep 4, 2026
Sep 1 – Sep 30	Sep 22, 2026	Sep 29, 2026	Oct 6, 2026
Oct 1 – Oct 15	Oct 22, 2026	Oct 29, 2026	Nov 4, 2026

Check IRS Refund Status

Opens IRS Where's My Refund — official IRS tool (updated daily)

Refund Journey

Return Filed

You submitted your tax return to the IRS

Return Accepted

IRS acknowledged receipt (within 24–48 hrs)

Return Processed

IRS reviewed and approved your return

Refund Sent

IRS issued your refund via direct deposit or check

Refund Received

Funds deposited or check delivered

State Tax Refunds

View all states →

California

21 days

Texas

No tax

New York

21 days

Florida

No tax

Illinois

21 days

Pennsylvania

28 days

Colorado

7 days

Massachusetts

14 days

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key IRS Tax Refund Facts for 2025

IRS began accepting 2024 returns on January 27, 2025
Filing deadline: April 15, 2025 (extension: Oct 15)
E-file + direct deposit: within 21 days
Paper returns: 6–8 weeks

EITC/ACTC holds until February 15 (PATH Act)
Amended returns: 8–16 weeks
WMR updates once daily (overnight)
Call IRS at 800-829-1040 if delayed past 21 days

Check Your Refund at IRS.gov