North Carolina Tax Refunds to Start Week of March 9

NCDOR says 2025 returns are now being processed, encourages e-filing for faster refunds

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The North Carolina Department of Revenue has announced that individual income tax refunds for the 2025 tax year will begin going out the week of March 9. Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically, as e-filing is faster, more convenient, and more secure than paper returns. The department also offers an online 'Where's My Refund' tool to check the status of refunds.

Why it matters

Tax refunds are an important source of income for many North Carolina households, and the timely processing of returns is crucial. The NCDOR's efforts to promote e-filing and provide transparency around the refund process can help ensure taxpayers receive their money as quickly as possible.

The details

The North Carolina Department of Revenue has started processing 2025 individual income tax returns and plans to begin issuing refunds by mail and direct deposit starting the week of March 9. The department encourages taxpayers to file electronically, as e-filing is faster, more convenient, and more secure than submitting paper returns. Free and low-cost online filing options are available to qualified taxpayers. The NCDOR also offers a 'Where's My Refund' application that allows taxpayers to check the status of their individual refunds online.

  • The NCDOR has started processing 2025 individual income tax returns.
  • Refunds are expected to be sent by mail and direct deposit starting the week of March 9, 2026.

The players

North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR)

The state agency responsible for administering and collecting taxes in North Carolina.

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The takeaway

The timely processing of tax refunds is crucial for many North Carolina households, and the NCDOR's efforts to promote e-filing and provide transparency around the refund process can help ensure taxpayers receive their money as quickly as possible.