You generally start getting tax refunds a few weeks after the IRS starts accepting returns, but the exact timing depends on when and how you file, plus what credits you claim.

Key 2026 dates (U.S., federal)

  • The IRS is opening the 2026 filing season on Monday, January 26, 2026, for 2025 tax returns.
  • That is the first day your eā€‘filed return can actually be received and processed, even if you prepare it earlier.
  • The regular Tax Day deadline for 2025 federal returns is April 15, 2026.

When refunds actually start hitting

  • Many early filers who eā€‘file and choose direct deposit get refunds in roughly 2ā€“3 weeks after January 26, so early to midā€‘February is when refunds typically start showing up for simple returns.
  • Returns that claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC) can be held a bit longer for verification, often pushing refunds into late February or March even if you file in late January.
  • Paperā€‘filed returns or those with issues (identity checks, mismatched income, complex situations) can take significantly longer.

How to get your refund faster

  • Eā€‘file instead of mailing paper forms. This lets the IRS start processing your return as soon as the season opens.
  • Choose direct deposit rather than a paper check; this is usually the quickest way to receive your money.
  • File as early as you can after you have all Wā€‘2s and 1099s, which employers generally must send by early February.

If youā€™re outside the U.S.

  • Other countries have different ā€œtax seasonā€ windows; for example, in the Netherlands, online filing for 2025 income tax typically opens March 1, 2026, with standard deadlines around May 1.
  • Refund timing in those systems also depends on when you file and whether your return is straightforward or needs extra checks.

Quick forum-style answer

ā€œWhen do we start getting tax returns?ā€ In 2026, the IRS starts taking 2025 returns on January 26. If you eā€‘file early and use direct deposit, simple refunds often land in your bank account in about 2ā€“3 weeks, so many people will start seeing money in early to midā€‘February.

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