The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officially opened the 2026 tax filing season today, beginning the acceptance and processing of federal individual income tax returns for tax year 2025.
The IRS expects roughly 164 million individual returns to be filed ahead of the federal deadline on Wednesday, April 15. Taxpayers can access a variety of tools and filing options on IRS.gov to help prepare and submit their returns.
“As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the IRS and its employees are excited to serve taxpayers during the 2026 filing season,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. He also noted that 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of electronic filing, urging taxpayers to use e-file and direct deposit to speed up processing and refunds.
Electronic filing remains fastest option
Filing electronically with direct deposit continues to be the fastest way to receive refunds. The IRS provides several options for taxpayers:
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IRS Free File: brand-name tax software at no cost for eligible taxpayers.
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Free File Fillable Forms: for those comfortable preparing their own returns, regardless of income.
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs: free basic tax return preparation for qualified individuals.
While more than half of taxpayers use professional preparers, the IRS encourages careful selection and warns against fraudulent “ghost” preparers.
Most refunds within 21 days
Direct deposit is required for most refunds, following the phaseout of paper checks under Executive Order 14247. Taxpayers can track refunds via Where’s My Refund?, the IRS2Go app, or their IRS Individual Online Account. While most refunds are processed within 21 days, some returns may take longer due to additional review.
EITC and ACTC refunds by March 2
Refunds for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are expected to be available in accounts or on debit cards by March 2, 2026, for eligible taxpayers who opted for direct deposit and have no other issues. Some may receive refunds earlier depending on their bank. Where’s My Refund? will provide projected deposit dates for early filers by February 21, 2026.
For more resources, filing tools, and guidance on avoiding errors that can delay refunds, visit IRS.gov.
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