The IRS will start issuing 2026 tax refunds soon after it opens the filing season on Monday, January 26, 2026, with most early e‑filers getting their money within about 10–21 days, often in mid‑ to late February if everything is clean and sent by direct deposit.

How soon will the IRS start issuing refunds?

Once the IRS opens for the year, refund timing mainly depends on when and how you file.

  • The 2026 filing season opens January 26, 2026, which is the first day the IRS will begin processing 2025 federal returns.
  • Most taxpayers who e‑file and choose direct deposit receive refunds within about 10–21 days after the IRS accepts the return.
  • Many early filers who submit right around opening day can see refunds show up in their bank accounts in mid‑ to late February 2026.

A simple example: if your e‑filed return is accepted on January 26, some refund calendars estimate you could see your direct‑deposit refund as early as around February 6–13, assuming no errors or special credits that slow things down.

Key timelines by filing method

Short version: e‑file plus direct deposit is usually fastest.

  • E‑file + direct deposit: typically up to 3 weeks from IRS acceptance, with many refunds arriving closer to 2 weeks.
  • E‑file + paper check (where still allowed): often about 3 weeks or more; some sources say 3–4 weeks.
  • Paper‑filed return + direct deposit: often 4–6 weeks.
  • Paper‑filed return + check: can stretch to 6–8 weeks.

For 2026, several advisors note that the IRS is phasing out paper refund checks, which pushes more people toward direct deposit and may streamline payments overall.

Special rules that can delay your refund

Some filers will not see refunds as quickly, even if they file early.

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC): by law (PATH Act), refunds with these credits cannot be issued before mid‑February.
  • In 2026, many estimates show the first wave of EITC/ACTC direct‑deposit refunds landing around early March (for example, around March 6 for clean, early‑filed returns).
  • Errors, identity‑verification issues, or extra review of certain credits can add days or even weeks.
  • Amended returns can take much longer—often several weeks just to show in the system and up to around 16 weeks to fully process.

Think of it like a traffic pattern: simple, early, e‑filed returns with direct deposit are on the express lane; returns with extra credits or problems are routed through slower inspection lanes.

Latest news, trends, and forum‑style chatter

Recent updates hint at both speed and some potential bottlenecks.

  • The IRS confirmed January 26, 2026, as opening day and highlighted new law changes from a major tax bill, which may slightly complicate some returns.
  • Some tax pros point out possible delays this year tied to staffing cuts and system changes, warning that not every filer will hit the 21‑day window.
  • Refund calendars circulating on money blogs and forums still broadly align: most straightforward e‑filed refunds arrive within three weeks, with early‑season direct‑deposit payouts clustering in February and March.

A common theme in online discussions: people who file within the first week of opening and choose direct deposit tend to post “refund received” messages about two weeks after their “return accepted” status, while those claiming EITC/ACTC often do not see movement until late February or early March.

Practical steps if you’re waiting

If you’re wondering “how soon will the IRS start issuing refunds” for your specific situation, here’s how to stay on top of it.

  1. File electronically as soon as you have all your documents and choose direct deposit for the fastest route.
  1. After the IRS accepts your return, give it at least a few days, then use the official “Where’s My Refund?” tracker to see status updates.
  1. If you claimed EITC or ACTC, mentally plan for no money before mid‑February and likely not before early March, even if you filed on opening day.
  1. If it has been more than 21 days since e‑file acceptance (and you are not an EITC/ACTC case), check your status tool again and consider whether there may be an error or identity‑verification letter coming.

TL;DR: The IRS starts processing 2025 returns on January 26, 2026, and for most standard e‑filers using direct deposit, refunds follow about 10–21 days later, putting the first wave of 2026 refunds in mid‑ to late February, while refunds with EITC/ACTC usually do not arrive until early March.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.