Tax refund timeline: Here’s when your IRS money could hit your account
The IRS began accepting e-filed returns on Jan. 26, 2026, and is prioritizing electronic refunds this filing season. Most taxpayers who filed electronically and opted for direct deposit should expect money to land in their accounts within a matter of business days, but several common factors can push that timeline into March or later.
When refunds typically arrive
If you filed electronically and selected direct deposit, refunds may be received as soon as 10 business days after the IRS accepts your return. That window reflects typical processing for straightforward returns without additional credits or review flags. Historically, most refunds issued electronically are delivered in less than three weeks, though that is not a guaranteed deadline you should bank on for planning large purchases.
The IRS’s official acceptance date for e-filed returns is Jan. 26, 2026. For those filing closer to the tax deadline, acceptance and processing will naturally fall later; the federal filing deadline is April 15, 2026 (11: 59 p. m. ET). U. S. citizens living or traveling abroad on April 15, 2026, receive an automatic two-month extension to file, making the overseas deadline June 15, 2026 (11: 59 p. m. ET).
Why refunds may be delayed
There are several reasons a refund might not arrive on the expected timeline. Two of the most common causes for delay are claims for refundable credits and missing or rejected bank account information.
Returns that claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit (CTC) are subject to additional verification and frequently see delayed payments. Those refunds are often held until the IRS completes extra checks, which can push disbursement into March or later.
This filing season has a clear push toward direct deposit. Taxpayers who omit bank routing or account numbers when filing electronically are likely to face a temporary freeze on their refund until the information is supplied. If a direct deposit is attempted but is rejected by the receiving bank, the refund will be frozen rather than automatically reissued as a paper check. In those cases the IRS will mail a notice outlining next steps; if taxpayers do not respond within the stated timeframe, a paper check may be issued after the agency’s waiting period has elapsed.
How to track an IRS tax refund and what to do if it’s late
To check where your refund stands, use the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool. You will need your Social Security number, filing status and the exact refund amount shown on your return. The tool provides an updated status once your return is accepted and will indicate if additional processing is required.
If your return was accepted but you haven’t received a refund within the expected timeframe, first confirm the bank account details you provided. If you receive a notice from the IRS with a specific code or request—follow the instructions promptly. Failure to respond to an IRS notice within the time given can extend delays and may trigger the agency to issue a paper check after its internal escalation timeline.
For taxpayers who prefer extra help, contacting a qualified tax professional can clarify the particulars of a return and any credit verifications. The IRS also provides guidance for common delays and processing steps. Avoid relying on a refund to meet non-discretionary obligations until the money has actually posted to your account.
Bottom line: e-filing with accurate direct-deposit information remains the fastest path to an IRS refund. But credits like the EITC and CTC, missing banking details, or a rejected deposit can add weeks to the process—so check the refund tool, watch for mailed notices, and respond quickly if the IRS requests additional information.
