How to Track Your IRS Tax Refund in 2026

Understand the tax filing deadlines, refund timelines, and free filing options for the 2026 tax season.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 8:49am

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The 2026 tax season is underway, with the IRS accepting federal tax returns in late January and the filing deadline set for April 15. Taxpayers can expect larger refunds this year due to recent tax law changes, but there are also some new requirements to be aware of, like the IRS no longer issuing paper check refunds. This story provides an overview of key dates, filing options, and steps to check the status of your 2026 tax refund.

Why it matters

Receiving a tax refund can provide a significant financial boost for many Americans, so understanding the process and timelines is important. This story helps readers navigate the 2026 tax season, including free filing options and tips to avoid delays in receiving their refund.

The details

The IRS expects to receive around 164 million individual tax returns for the 2025 tax year ahead of the April 15 deadline. Taxpayers can file for a six-month extension, but may face penalties if they owe taxes. The average tax refund in 2025 was $2,939, and refunds are expected to be larger this year due to recent tax law changes. Electronic filers who choose direct deposit can receive their refund in as little as 3 weeks, while paper filers may wait 6-8 weeks. The IRS offers free filing options for those who earned $89,000 or less in 2025, and there are also free tax preparation services available for those who qualify.

  • The IRS started accepting federal tax returns in late January 2026.
  • Federal and New York state income tax returns are due on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
  • Taxpayers can file for a 6-month extension on their federal and state tax returns by April 15, with the new deadline being Tuesday, October 15, 2026.

The players

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

The 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 of the United States whose tax and spending package passed in July 2025 and impacted the 2026 tax season.

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What they’re saying

“To file for an extension on your state income tax, fill out the appropriate form - Form IT-201 for New York residents' personal tax returns. Completing the form will give filers another six months to complete their return.”

— New York Department of Taxation and Finance

What’s next

The IRS will decide in the coming weeks whether to allow paper check refunds for the 2026 tax season, after previously announcing they would no longer issue them.

The takeaway

The 2026 tax season brings some new requirements and timelines for taxpayers to be aware of, from the elimination of paper check refunds to larger refunds due to recent tax law changes. By understanding the process and taking advantage of free filing options, taxpayers can ensure they receive their refund as quickly as possible.