Taxes for the 2026 filing season (covering 2025 income) aren't "sent out" by the IRS in the way refunds or forms are—taxpayers file their own returns, but key forms like W-2s and 1099s get sent to you by employers and payers, while refunds are issued after you file.

Key 2026 Tax Dates

The IRS kicks off the 2026 filing season on January 26, 2026 , when they start accepting e-filed returns for 2025 taxes. Employers must send out W-2s and most 1099s by January 31, 2026 , so expect those in your mailbox or online portal right around late January.

  • January 26–30, 2026 : E-filing opens for federal returns (Form 1040).
  • January 31, 2026 : W-2s and 1099s due from employers—crucial for filing accurately.
  • April 15, 2026 : Standard deadline to file and pay 2025 taxes (extensions push to October 15).

Refund Timeline

If you're due a refund, direct deposits typically start rolling out as early as late February 2026 for simple e-filed returns, but those claiming Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC) wait until mid-to- late March due to mandatory verification holds.

Here's a handy estimated refund schedule based on when your return is accepted:

Return Accepted| Direct Deposit By| Paper Check By
---|---|---
Jan 26–Feb 1| Feb 27, 2026| Mar 6, 2026
Mar 2| Mar 13, 2026| Mar 20, 2026
Mar 9| Mar 20, 2026| Mar 27, 2026
Late March–Apr| Up to 3 weeks later| Slightly longer 5

Peak filing (late March–April) can add delays, so file early for speedier cash. Track yours via the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool once processed.

New for 2026

Provisions from the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)" are live, potentially boosting refunds (some predict averages over $4,000) with tweaks to credits and deductions—check IRS.gov for your situation.

Bottom line : Gather your W-2s by early February, file soon after January 26, and refunds could hit accounts by late February. Always verify on IRS.gov as dates can shift slightly.

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