IRS Announces Tax Refund Release Dates: Here’s What to Expect

The tax filing season is in full swing, with the IRS projecting that 164 million individuals will submit their tax returns by April 15. The previous year saw an average refund of $3,167, and analysts anticipate this amount could rise by around $1,000 due to recent tax law changes. Over 165 million individual income tax returns were processed last year, 94% of which were filed electronically.

IRS Staffing Challenges

Concerns about potential delays in this tax filing season stem from a significant loss of IRS employees since the beginning of the Trump administration. The National Taxpayer Advocate has warned that challenges may persist into the 2026 filing season. The IRS started the year with approximately 102,000 staff members but ended with around 74,000 after various firings and layoffs.

Tax Refund Release Dates

For those filing electronically, refunds typically arrive within 21 days. Opting for direct deposit may expedite this process even further. In contrast, paper returns may take four weeks or more. Amendments or corrections to a return could extend the waiting time.

Check Your Refund Status

Taxpayers can monitor the status of their refunds using the IRS tool, “Where’s My Refund?” This tool is available 24 hours after e-filing and typically updates within four weeks for paper submissions. For early Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) filers, projected deposit dates will be available by February 21.

• To check your refund status, you will need:
• Your Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).

Additional ways to check your refund status include the IRS2Go app and your IRS Individual Online Account.

Understanding Tax Refunds

A tax refund occurs when you overpay throughout the year, either through withholding or credits. It’s essential to file a tax return to claim your refund, and you have three years to do so.

Eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit

The EITC is available to individuals with less than $11,950 in investment income and certain income levels from employment. For single filers without children, the income limit is $19,104. For married couples filing jointly with three or more children, the maximum income threshold is $68,675.

Child Tax Credit Qualifications

The Child Tax Credit provides up to $2,200 for each qualifying child. To qualify, children must meet specific criteria, including:

• Possess a valid Social Security number.
• Be under the age of 17 at the end of 2025.
• Have lived with the taxpayer more than half the year.
• Be a dependent on the taxpayer’s return.

The full Child Tax Credit applies if your income does not exceed $200,000 ($400,000 for joint filers). The Additional Child Tax Credit, offering $1,700 per qualifying child, is available if income is minimal or zero.

Timing for Tax Credits

The IRS anticipates that most refunds related to the EITC, Child Tax Credit, and ACTC will be accessible via direct deposit by March 2. Some individuals may see their refunds sooner, depending on their financial institution.

Changes for This Tax Season

This year requires most taxpayers to provide their routing and account numbers for direct deposit, as the IRS initiates the phase-out of paper checks, following an executive order from September 30.

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