2026 tax season begins, IRS encourages e-filing for quicker refunds

FLORIDA, (WINK)—The Internal Revenue Service opened the 2026 tax filing season, accepting federal individual income tax returns for the 2025 tax year. 

The IRS anticipates about 164 million returns before the April 15 deadline.

Filing electronically remains the quickest way to receive a refund, with IRS Free File offering free tax preparation software to eligible taxpayers. Free File Fillable Forms are also available for self-preparation.

More than half of taxpayers use professionals for filing. The IRS advises reviewing tips to avoid unethical "ghost" preparers.

The IRS issues most refunds within 21 days, but some may take longer due to additional reviews. Most refunds for the Earned Income Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit will be available by March 2 for direct deposit users.

Taxpayers can track their refund status using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool, the IRS2Go app, or their IRS Individual Online Account.

For more resources and assistance with filing, click here.