when do federal tax returns come

Most federal tax refunds arrive within a few weeks after you file, as long as your return is accurate and you choose direct deposit.

Key timelines for 2026 (2025 tax year)

• The main deadline to file your 2025 federal tax return is April 15, 2026.

• If you request an extension, you generally have until October 15, 2026 to file (but any tax you owe is still due by April 15).

When do refunds “come”?

The IRS does not guarantee exact dates, but here’s the usual pattern for e‑filed returns:

• Many direct‑deposit refunds arrive in about 2–3 weeks after the IRS accepts your return, if there are no issues (identity checks, errors, extra reviews).

• Paper‑filed returns often take longer, commonly 4 weeks or more.

• If you claim certain credits (like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit), refunds can be delayed into late February because of extra fraud‑prevention checks.

In other words, if you e‑file early in the season with direct deposit and no problems, you can often see your federal tax refund by February or early March; if you file closer to April 15, expect your money a few weeks after your return is accepted.

Simple example

• File electronically with direct deposit on February 1.
• IRS accepts your return within a few days.
• If there are no flags or extra reviews, your refund might show up in your bank account around mid‑ to late‑February.

Always double‑check the current year’s official IRS guidance and use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool to track your specific refund once you file.

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