When Will You Get Your Tax Refund in 2026?

Here's what you need to know about filing your 2025 taxes and receiving your refund.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Tax season has begun, and if you're expecting a refund, there are a few key things to know. The IRS says most refunds are issued within 21 days, but you'll need to file your 2025 tax return by April 15 to get your money back. There are also changes to tax benefits and deductions to be aware of this year.

Why it matters

Getting a tax refund can provide a helpful financial boost, but the process of filing taxes and tracking your refund status can be confusing. This information helps taxpayers understand the timeline and requirements for receiving their 2026 refund.

The details

To get a tax refund, you must file a 2025 tax return by the April 15 deadline, or by October 15 if you file an extension. The IRS says most refunds are issued within 21 days, and taxpayers will likely need to provide bank account information for direct deposit rather than receiving a paper check. There are also changes to tax benefits and deductions this year, including a $6,000 senior bonus, deductions for car loans and tips/overtime, and an increase in the child tax credit.

  • Tax season began on January 26, 2026.
  • The deadline to file 2025 tax returns is April 15, 2026.
  • The deadline to file an extension is October 15, 2026.

The players

IRS

The Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. government agency responsible for administering and enforcing federal tax laws.

Christine Romans

NBC News Senior Business Correspondent, who provided commentary on TODAY about filing taxes and receiving refunds.

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What they’re saying

“I like to file as soon as possible because you want to get that refund. And if there's a problem, you want to find out right away.”

— Christine Romans, NBC News Senior Business Correspondent (TODAY)

What’s next

The IRS will begin the process of issuing refunds within 21 days of taxpayers filing their 2025 returns.

The takeaway

Taxpayers should file their 2025 returns as soon as possible to receive their refunds quickly, and be aware of changes to tax benefits and deductions that may impact the amount they receive back.