When Will You Get Your Tax Refund? How To Check Your Refund Status

Key details on tax return deadlines, refund timelines, and free filing options

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The IRS has started accepting federal tax returns for the 2025 tax year, with the deadline to file being April 15, 2026. Taxpayers can file for a six-month extension, but may face penalties if they owe taxes. Tax refunds are expected to be larger this year due to recent tax law changes, with the average refund in 2025 being $2,939. Taxpayers can file for free if they earned $89,000 or less in 2025, and there are various free tax preparation services available. The IRS aims to issue most refunds via direct deposit within 21 days, but certain issues can cause delays.

Why it matters

Tax refunds provide a significant financial boost for millions of Americans each year, so understanding the timeline and process for receiving your refund is important. Additionally, the availability of free filing options and tax preparation assistance helps ensure all taxpayers can easily and affordably file their returns.

The details

The IRS expects to receive around 164 million individual tax returns for the 2025 tax year. Taxpayers have until April 15, 2026 to file their federal income tax returns, and can file for a six-month extension if needed. However, if taxes are owed, the extension payment must still be made by the April 15 deadline. Key changes for the 2025 tax year include larger refunds due to recent tax law changes. The IRS aims to issue most refunds via direct deposit within 21 days, but certain issues like claiming certain credits or having existing government debts can cause delays.

  • The IRS started accepting federal tax returns in late January 2026.
  • Federal income tax returns are due on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
  • New York state income taxes are also due on April 15, 2026.
  • Taxpayers can file for a six-month extension on their federal income tax return by filling out Form 4868 by April 15, 2026.
  • Taxpayers can file for a six-month extension on their New York state income tax return by filling out the appropriate form by April 15, 2026.

The players

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

The U.S. federal agency responsible for administering and enforcing federal tax laws.

New York Department of Taxation and Finance

The state agency responsible for administering and enforcing New York state tax laws.

President Donald Trump

The former president whose tax and spending package passed in July 2025 may impact 2025 tax returns.

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What’s next

The IRS will continue to process tax returns and issue refunds in the coming weeks and months. Taxpayers can check the status of their refund using the 'Where's My Refund?' tool on the IRS website or mobile app.

The takeaway

With the tax filing deadline approaching, it's important for taxpayers to be aware of key deadlines, refund timelines, and free filing options to ensure they can easily and affordably file their returns and receive their refunds in a timely manner.