IRS Tax Refund 2026: Where's My Refund and Why Is It Taking So Long?

Filed your taxes on February 1st and it's now February 19th. You've checked IRS.gov seventeen times today. The status bar still says "Return Received" and hasn't budged since last Thursday.

You're wondering: Did they lose my return? Did I make a mistake? Should I call them? Is this normal?

Deep breath. You're probably fine. Actually, scratch that - you're almost definitely fine.

Look, I get it. That refund money isn't some bonus the government's handing out. It's YOUR money that you overpaid throughout the year. And after seeing politicians debate for weeks about spending billions, somehow YOUR $3,500 refund is taking forever to process.

Welcome to tax season 2026, where the IRS is processing about 164 million returns, half the country is waiting on refunds, and everyone's asking the same question: "Where's my money?"

This guide will tell you exactly when you'll get your refund, how to track it, why it might be delayed, and what to actually do if something's wrong. No corporate speak. Just straight talk from someone who's been through this every year and has helped dozens of friends figure out their refund situations.

Let's get into it.

When Will You Actually Get Your Tax Refund? (The Real Timeline)

Here's what the IRS officially says, and then I'll tell you what actually happens.

The Official Timeline

According to the IRS's 2026 filing season announcement, here's what to expect:

E-file + Direct Deposit:

• Most common: 21 days from when your return is accepted
• Fastest cases: 10 business days (basically two weeks)
• With EITC/ACTC: Around March 2, 2026 at the earliest (more on this nightmare later)

Paper Filing + Paper Check:

• Standard: 6 to 8 weeks
• If they need to review it: Could be 3-4 months
• If it gets lost in the mail: Who knows?

What Actually Happens in 2026

The average refund this year is up significantly. As of early February 2026, the IRS reports the average refund is $2,290, but that's expected to jump to around $3,800 once all returns are processed. Some analysts at Principal Asset Management are projecting average refunds near $3,800 per filer this year.

That's almost $700 more than last year. Good news, right?

Well, yes and no. Bigger refunds mean you overpaid more in taxes throughout the year. It's not a windfall - it's YOUR money finally coming back to you. But I'm not here to lecture you on tax withholding strategy. You're here because you want to know WHEN you're getting it.

Real-world timeline from my experience and current 2026 data:

If you filed January 27-31 (opening week):

• E-file + direct deposit + no credits: Refund hitting banks around February 14-21
• E-file + direct deposit + EITC: Earliest is March 2 (thanks, PATH Act)

If you filed February 1-14:

• E-file + direct deposit: Refunds showing up mid to late February for most people
• E-file + EITC: Still waiting until March 2 or later

If you filed February 15-28:

• You're looking at early to mid-March for most refunds
• EITC filers: Mid-March at earliest

Filed on paper because you don't trust computers? See you in April. Maybe May. Possibly June if they have questions.

The 2026 Wildcard: Direct Deposit or Nothing

Here's something new this year that's catching people off guard. According to the IRS Taxpayer Advocate, the government is aggressively phasing out paper refund checks.

If you didn't provide direct deposit info on your return, the IRS might freeze your refund temporarily and send you a letter asking for your bank account details. You have about 30 days to respond. If you don't, they'll eventually send a paper check after roughly six weeks.

Translation: Not providing direct deposit info could add 1-2 months to your refund timeline in 2026. Use direct deposit. Just do it.

How to Check Your Refund Status (The Right Way)

Alright, you want to know where your money is. Here's how to actually check without losing your mind.

The "Where's My Refund?" Tool

The IRS has one tool that actually works pretty well: Where's My Refund? on IRS.gov.

What you need:

• Your Social Security Number (or ITIN)
• Your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.)
• Your exact refund amount (down to the dollar - no cents)

When to check:

• E-filed return: Wait 24 hours after the IRS accepts it
• Paper return: Wait 4 weeks (seriously, they have to manually enter everything)

How often to check: The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. Checking it 47 times a day won't make your refund arrive faster. I know this from experience.

Trust me - once every 24 hours is enough. I know you won't listen to this advice (I never did either), but I'm telling you anyway.

The Three Status Bars (What They Actually Mean)

When you use Where's My Refund, you'll see one of three status messages:

1. "Return Received"

What it says: "We got your return and we're processing it."

What it means: Your return is in the system. They're checking your math, verifying your info, cross-referencing with W-2s and 1099s, making sure you're not claiming 47 dependents.

How long this takes: Usually 1-3 weeks for e-file. Could be 4-8 weeks for paper returns.

Should you worry? Not yet. This is normal. Most returns sit here for at least a week.

2. "Refund Approved"

What it says: "We approved your refund and we're preparing to send it."

What it means: They've verified everything. You passed the test. The money is coming. You'll see a specific date for when it'll hit your account.

How long until you get the money: Usually 1-5 days after you see this status.

Should you worry? Nope. Start planning what bills you're paying.

3. "Refund Sent"

What it says: "We sent your refund to your bank or mailed you a check."

What it means:

• Direct deposit: The IRS sent it to your bank. Should appear in 1-5 days.
• Paper check: They mailed it. Good luck. Check your mailbox for the next 2-4 weeks.

Should you worry? Only if it's been 10+ days and nothing's shown up.

The IRS2Go Mobile App

Same tool, smaller screen. Download it if you want push notifications about your refund status. Otherwise, just use the website.

Apple App Store or Google Play. Search "IRS2Go." Free. Not great, not terrible.

Calling the IRS (Last Resort Only)

Phone number: 1-800-829-1040 Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 AM - 7 PM your local time

According to the IRS contact information, you can call this number for refund questions.

Should you call?

Only if:

• It's been more than 21 days since you e-filed
• It's been more than 6 weeks since you mailed a paper return
• Where's My Refund says to call them
• Your refund status hasn't updated in 4+ weeks

What will happen when you call:

You'll wait. And wait. And wait. According to people who've called this year, average hold times during tax season are 45-90 minutes. Sometimes longer.

Pro tip: Call Wednesday through Friday between 10 AM - 3 PM for slightly shorter wait times. Mornings on Monday are a disaster.

When you finally get through, have your tax return in front of you. They'll ask for your SSN, filing status, and exact refund amount to verify your identity.

Why Is Your Refund Delayed? (The 7 Most Common Reasons)

If it's been more than 21 days and you're still waiting, here's probably why.

1. You Claimed EITC or ACTC (The PATH Act Strikes Again)

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are great - they can put thousands of dollars back in your pocket if you qualify. Families with kids and lower-to-middle income can benefit big time.

The problem? The PATH Act.

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act requires the IRS to hold your entire refund until mid-February if you claim EITC or ACTC. Not just the credit portion - your ENTIRE refund.

2026 Timeline: According to the IRS's official guidance, if you filed early and claimed EITC/ACTC, expect your refund around March 2, 2026 at the earliest.

Why? The IRS says it's to prevent fraud. They need extra time to verify your income matches your W-2s and that your dependents are real people.

Can you do anything about it? Nope. It's federal law. You're waiting until March no matter what.

Where's My Refund will show: Your status bar probably won't update until after February 21st. Don't panic - this is normal for EITC/ACTC filers.

My friend Sarah filed January 28th with EITC. Her status didn't move until February 20th. She called the IRS three times (wasted 4 hours on hold total) only to be told "PATH Act, ma'am. You're waiting until March." She got her refund March 3rd.

2. Errors on Your Tax Return

This is the big one. If you made a mistake, your refund is getting delayed while a human reviews it.

Common errors that trigger delays:

Wrong or mismatched Social Security Numbers: You wrote your SSN wrong. Or your kid's SSN. Or your spouse's. The IRS computers cross-check every SSN against Social Security Administration records. Mismatch = manual review.

Math errors: You can't add. It's okay - the IRS will fix simple math errors automatically. But it takes extra time.

Income doesn't match W-2s or 1099s: This is huge in 2026. Your employer sent the IRS a W-2 saying you made $65,000. You put $64,000 on your return (maybe you misread it?). The computers flag it. A person has to review it.

Missing forms: You got a 1099-INT for $8 of bank interest and didn't report it because "it's just $8." The IRS got a copy of that 1099. They're comparing. Mismatch = delay.

Dependent claimed by two people: You claimed your kid. Your ex also claimed your kid. The IRS is now figuring out who actually gets to claim them. This can take months.

How long does this delay your refund?

If it's a simple math error the IRS can fix: Maybe 1-2 extra weeks.

If they need to send you a letter asking for clarification: Add 4-8 weeks.

If they need you to send documentation: Add 2-3 months (or more if you don't respond quickly).

What to do:

• Wait for a letter from the IRS explaining the issue
• Respond FAST when you get it
• Send them exactly what they ask for
• Keep copies of everything

3. Identity Verification (The 5071C Letter Nightmare)

This one's getting worse in 2026. According to recent reports on identity verification delays, the IRS has lowered the threshold for flagging potential identity theft.

What happens: You get a letter (usually Letter 5071C or CP5071C) saying the IRS needs to verify your identity before processing your return.

Why it happens:

• You filed from a different state than last year
• Your income changed significantly
• Someone may have already filed a fraudulent return using your SSN
• The IRS computers flagged something as suspicious (could be anything)

What you have to do:

You have two options:

1. Online verification: Go to the IRS Identity Verification Service website and upload your driver's license and take a selfie
2. Call the number in the letter: Wait on hold for 1-3 hours to verify over the phone

How long this delays your refund:

From the letter date, you have 30 days to respond. Once you successfully verify, the IRS says it takes up to 9 weeks to process your return and issue the refund.

Translation: If you get one of these letters in late February, you're probably not seeing your refund until May.

The 2026 twist: More seniors are being asked to verify their identity this year because the IRS is using facial recognition technology for online verification. A lot of older taxpayers aren't comfortable with that (understandably), so they're calling instead, which is causing massive phone queue backlogs.

4. You Filed a Paper Return

I'm just going to say it: Why did you file on paper in 2026?

Paper returns take 6-8 weeks minimum to process. Someone at the IRS has to physically open your envelope, manually type all your info into their system, and review it.

According to the IRS 2026 filing season data, mailed returns can take six weeks or more during peak season.

If there's any issue with your paper return - smudged numbers, unclear handwriting, missing signature - it goes to the back of a different, slower queue.

What to do next year: E-file. Seriously. It's free for most people (IRS Free File if you make under $79,000). It's faster. It's more accurate because the software checks for errors.

5. Amended Returns Take Forever

Did you file your return, then realize you made a mistake and filed an amended return (Form 1040-X)?

Amended returns take up to 16 weeks to process. Sometimes 20 weeks. The IRS says 16, but I've seen people wait 5 months.

There's a separate tool to track amended returns: Where's My Amended Return?

Patience is your only option here.

6. Your Refund is Being Offset (They Took Your Money for Old Debts)

Here's a fun surprise some people get: Your refund is smaller than expected (or gone entirely) because the government took it to pay off other debts you owe.

What can be taken from your refund:

According to the Treasury Offset Program, your refund can be seized to pay:

• Past-due federal taxes
• State income taxes you owe
• Defaulted federal student loans (this is BACK as of May 2025 - they paused it during COVID but restarted)
• Unpaid child support
• Unemployment compensation debts (if your state overpaid you)

How you'll find out:

You'll get a letter called a "Notice of Offset" explaining how much was taken and where it went.

If your refund was $3,200 and you only got $800, the other $2,400 went to one of these debts.

Can you fight it?

Depends. If the offset is wrong (you don't actually owe the debt, or you already paid it), you can dispute it. Contact the agency listed in the offset notice, NOT the IRS. The IRS just processes the offset - they don't make the decision.

For student loan offsets: Call the Default Resolution Group at 1-800-621-3115

For child support offsets: Contact your state's child support enforcement agency

For other offsets: Call the Treasury Offset Program at 1-800-304-3107

7. Manual Review / Random Audit Selection

Sometimes the IRS just... picks your return for manual review. No specific reason. It could be random. It could be because you claimed a lot of deductions. It could be because you're self-employed and they want to verify your business expenses.

You'll know if this happens because:

• Your refund status won't update for weeks
• Eventually you'll get a letter asking for documentation
• The letter will list specific items they want to review

How long it takes: 4-12 weeks typically, sometimes longer.

What to do: Send them exactly what they ask for. Organized. With a cover letter referencing the notice number. Keep copies of everything.

Don't ignore IRS letters. That makes everything worse.

Direct Deposit vs Paper Check: What You Need to Know

This is simple. Direct deposit is faster. Always choose direct deposit.

Direct Deposit Timeline:

• Refund can hit your account in as little as 10 business days after e-filing
• Standard is 21 days
• Money goes directly to your bank account
• No risk of lost checks
• No trips to the bank to deposit a check

Paper Check Timeline:

• Takes 6-8 weeks from when your return is processed
• Has to go through the U.S. mail system (delays happen)
• Can get lost, stolen, or delivered to the wrong address
• You have to go deposit it (or mobile deposit if your bank allows)

The 2026 direct deposit push:

As mentioned earlier, the IRS is basically forcing everyone to use direct deposit this year. If you don't provide bank account info, they'll freeze your refund temporarily and send you a letter asking for it.

According to reports on the 2026 direct deposit changes, the government wants to eliminate paper checks entirely within a few years.

How to ensure your direct deposit works:

1. Double-check your routing and account numbers - One wrong digit and your refund bounces back to the IRS, adding 4-6 weeks to get a paper check
2. Make sure the account is in YOUR name - The name on your tax return must match the name on the bank account (or at least one name if it's a joint account)
3. Use a checking or savings account - Not a prepaid card, not someone else's account
4. Verify the account is open - If you closed that account since last year, update it

What if your bank account is closed?

The deposit will bounce back to the IRS. They'll mail you a paper check to the address on your tax return. This adds about 4-6 weeks to your refund timeline.

Can you split your refund between multiple accounts?

Yes! IRS Form 8888 lets you split your refund into up to three different accounts. Useful if you want to put some in savings, some in checking, some toward an IRA.

What to Do If Your Refund Amount Is Wrong

You expected $3,200. You got $1,800. What happened?

First, check for offsets.

Did the government take some of your refund to pay old debts? You'll get a "Notice of Offset" letter explaining this.

Second, look for IRS corrections.

The IRS might have fixed errors on your return. They'll send you a letter (usually a CP12 notice) explaining what they changed and why your refund amount is different.

Common IRS adjustments:

• They corrected your math
• They adjusted your standard deduction (you claimed the wrong amount)
• They removed a credit you weren't eligible for
• They verified your income was different than what you reported

What to do:

1. Wait for the letter - Don't panic immediately. The IRS will explain the change in writing.
2. Review their explanation - Sometimes they're right (you made a mistake). Sometimes they're wrong (they misunderstood something).
3. If they're wrong: You can dispute it by calling them or filing an amended return with an explanation.
4. If they're right: Accept it and move on. At least you got something.

What if you got MORE than expected?

Don't spend it immediately. The IRS might have made a mistake. If they later realize they overpaid you, they'll send you a letter demanding repayment.

Wait at least 6-8 weeks. If no letter comes saying "our bad, send it back," then it's yours.

The 2026 Tax Filing Deadline (Don't Miss This)

Your 2025 tax return is due by April 15, 2026 (it's a Tuesday).

That's the deadline to file AND pay any taxes you owe.

If you can't file by April 15:

File for an extension using Form 4868. This gives you until October 15, 2026 to file your return.

IMPORTANT: An extension to FILE is not an extension to PAY. If you owe taxes, you still have to pay (or estimate and pay) by April 15th to avoid penalties.

Penalties for filing late:

If you owe taxes and don't file or extend:

• 5% per month of unpaid taxes (up to 25% total)
• Plus 0.5% per month failure-to-pay penalty
• Plus interest (currently around 8% annually)

If you're getting a refund and file late:

• No penalty! But you're just delaying getting your own money back. Why would you do that?

How to file for an extension:

Free File an extension through IRS.gov, or just use any tax software - they all have extension options.

What's the Average Refund This Year? (Spoiler: It's Going Up)

Early data is showing bigger refunds in 2026 compared to recent years.

According to CNBC's analysis of IRS data, the average tax refund is up 10.9% compared to last year, sitting at around $2,290 as of early February.

But here's the thing: that's EARLY data. It doesn't include the millions of EITC and ACTC refunds that won't go out until March. Those tend to be larger refunds.

Full-year projections: The average refund is expected to rise to around $3,800 per filer once all returns are processed.

Why are refunds bigger this year?

A few reasons:

1. Tax bracket adjustments - The IRS adjusted brackets for inflation, which means some people moved into lower brackets
2. Withholding didn't keep up - Employers' withholding tables didn't fully adjust, so people overpaid throughout the year
3. New tax law provisions - The "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" created some new credits and deductions

Is a big refund good?

Financially? Not really. It means you gave the government an interest-free loan all year. That $3,800 refund means you overpaid by $316/month that you could've been using for bills, savings, or investments.

But psychologically? A lot of people like getting a big refund. It feels like a bonus. It's forced savings.

I'm not here to judge. You do you.

Want a smaller refund next year (and more money in each paycheck)?

File a new W-4 with your employer. Adjust your withholding allowances so less tax is withheld each paycheck. Just don't go too far or you'll owe money next April.

Pro Tips to Get Your Refund Faster

Here's what actually works:

1. File Early

The earlier you file, the earlier you get your money. Simple.

The IRS opened the 2026 filing season on January 27th. People who filed opening week (and didn't claim EITC/ACTC) are already getting refunds.

Bonus: Filing early reduces your risk of identity theft. If someone steals your info and tries to file a fraudulent return using your SSN, they can't if you already filed.

2. E-File with Direct Deposit

I've said this three times already. I'll say it again.

E-file + direct deposit = fastest refund.

Paper filing is slower. Paper checks are slower. Don't do it unless you absolutely have to.

3. Double-Check Everything Before Submitting

Most delays are caused by errors. Specifically:

• SSN typos
• Name misspellings
• Wrong bank account numbers
• Math errors
• Missing forms

Tax software catches most of this, but not all of it. Before you hit submit:

• Verify every SSN matches the Social Security card EXACTLY
• Check your routing and account numbers against a check
• Make sure you entered every W-2 and 1099 form you received
• Review the summary page for anything that looks weird

Five extra minutes of review can save you 6 weeks of waiting.

4. Use IRS Free File If You Qualify

If you made less than $79,000 in 2025, you can use IRS Free File - completely free tax software through the IRS website.

IRS Free File partners with companies like TurboTax, H&R Block, and others to offer free filing.

It's the same software, just free. And it e-files your return for free. And it sets up direct deposit.

Don't pay $60-$200 for tax software if you don't have to.

5. Keep Copies of Everything

Print or save PDFs of:

• Your tax return
• All W-2s and 1099s
• Receipts for deductions
• Proof of payments (if you owed and paid)

If the IRS has questions, you'll need these. Having them organized makes your life way easier.

6. Don't Rely on Your Refund to Pay Bills

I know this is easier said than done. But if possible, don't count on your refund arriving by a specific date to pay rent, car payments, or other bills.

Delays happen. Offsets happen. You don't want to get hit with late fees because the IRS is taking an extra three weeks.

If you're in a tight spot:

Some banks and tax prep companies offer "refund advance" loans - they'll give you money immediately based on your expected refund. But these often come with fees or high interest rates. Read the fine print.

Frequently Asked Questions (Because You're Still Worried)

When will I get my tax refund in 2026?

If you e-filed with direct deposit and didn't claim EITC or ACTC: 21 days from when the IRS accepts your return (could be as fast as 10 business days).

If you claimed EITC or ACTC: Around March 2, 2026 at the earliest, even if you filed in January.

If you mailed a paper return: 6-8 weeks or longer.

Why is my refund taking so long?

Most common reasons:

• You claimed EITC/ACTC (PATH Act delay until mid-February)
• There's an error on your return that needs manual review
• The IRS needs to verify your identity
• You filed a paper return
• Your refund is being offset to pay old debts

Check Where's My Refund for updates. If it's been more than 21 days (or 6 weeks for paper), call 1-800-829-1040.

Can I track my refund?

Yes. Use Where's My Refund? on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go app.

You'll need your SSN, filing status, and exact refund amount.

Updates once per day. Don't check more often - it won't help.

What does "being processed" mean?

It means the IRS received your return and is reviewing it. This is normal. It can take 1-3 weeks (or longer if there are issues).

As long as the status is updating, you're fine. If it's been stuck on "Return Received" for 4+ weeks, there might be an issue. Call them.

Why did my refund amount change?

Three main reasons:

1. Offset - The government took part of your refund to pay old debts (student loans, child support, back taxes, etc.)
2. IRS made corrections - They fixed errors on your return and adjusted your refund accordingly
3. Processing error - Rare, but it happens

You'll get a letter explaining the change.

What if I made a mistake on my return after filing?

If you already submitted your return and caught a mistake:

Minor mistake: The IRS might fix it automatically.

Bigger mistake that affects your refund/payment: File an amended return (Form 1040-X). Be aware that amended returns take up to 16 weeks to process.

Can I get my refund on a prepaid card?

Some tax software offers this option, but it usually comes with fees. The IRS doesn't directly deposit to prepaid cards like GreenDot or NetSpend.

Better option: Direct deposit to a real checking or savings account. No fees.

What if my direct deposit fails?

If the bank account you listed is closed or the routing/account number was wrong, the deposit will bounce back to the IRS.

They'll then mail you a paper check to the address on your return. This adds about 4-6 weeks to your refund timeline.

How do I contact the IRS about my refund?

Phone: 1-800-829-1040 (Monday-Friday, 7 AM - 7 PM your time)

Expect long wait times during tax season (45-90+ minutes).

Only call if:

• It's been more than 21 days since e-filing
• It's been more than 6 weeks since mailing a paper return
• Where's My Refund told you to call

In person: You can visit a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, but you need to schedule an appointment first by calling 844-545-5640.

Can I cash my refund check anywhere?

Your IRS refund check can be cashed at:

• Your bank (if you have an account)
• Check-cashing stores (they'll charge a fee, usually 1-3% of the check amount)
• Some retail stores (Walmart, grocery stores with check-cashing)

Best option: Deposit it in your bank account for free.

What if I haven't received my refund after 21 days?

First, check Where's My Refund. It'll tell you the status.

If the status hasn't updated or says "Take Action" or "Contact Us," call 1-800-829-1040.

If you claimed EITC or ACTC, 21 days doesn't apply - you're waiting until March 2 at the earliest.

My refund status bars disappeared. Is that bad?

Not necessarily. Sometimes the Where's My Refund tool removes the status bars while the IRS is doing additional review.

It doesn't automatically mean something's wrong.

Wait a few days and check again. If it's been more than a week with no bars and no updates, call the IRS.

Why is there no information about my refund on Where's My Refund?

If you e-filed: Wait 24 hours after the IRS accepts your return.

If you mailed a paper return: Wait 4 weeks for it to show up in the system.

If it's been longer than that and still nothing: Your return might not have been received. Call 1-800-829-1040.

Final Thoughts: Patience Sucks, But It's Usually Fine

Look, waiting for your tax refund is annoying. You did the work. You filed on time. The money is yours. And now you're stuck hitting refresh on IRS.gov while the government takes its sweet time sending it back.

Here's what I want you to remember:

The IRS is processing 164 million tax returns this year. Your return is one of millions. It's not personal. It's not a conspiracy. It's just bureaucracy at massive scale.

21 days is the standard timeline, not the maximum. If it's been 18 days and you're panicking, take a breath. You're not late yet.

Most delays have boring explanations. It's usually not fraud, not an audit, not an investigation. It's usually just the IRS verifying your W-2 matches what they have on file. Or they're waiting until March to release EITC refunds because federal law requires it.

Calling the IRS before 21 days is a waste of your time. They're just going to tell you to wait. Save yourself the 90-minute hold time.

Your refund will come. In 15 years of filing taxes, I've never seen someone's legitimate refund just disappear. It always shows up eventually. Sometimes late. Sometimes after some back-and-forth. But it shows up.

If something's actually wrong, the IRS will send you a letter. They're not going to ghost you. If they need something from you, they'll tell you.

In the meantime:

✅ Check Where's My Refund once a day (max) ✅ Make sure your bank account info is correct ✅ Save copies of your return and all tax documents ✅ Respond quickly if you get any IRS letters ✅ Don't fall for refund scam emails or texts (the IRS doesn't contact you that way)

And if it's been more than 21 days with no movement, yeah, call them. But give it the full three weeks first.

You're going to get your refund. It's just a matter of when, not if.

Now stop checking IRS.gov every two hours. (I know you won't listen. I didn't either. But I tried.)

---

Sources

• IRS Opens 2026 Filing Season
• IRS Income Tax Refund Schedule for 2026
• Average Tax Refund Up Nearly 11% in Early 2026
• Where's My Refund Tool
• EITC and ACTC Refund Timeline
• PATH Act Delays for 2026
• Direct Deposit Changes for 2026
• IRS Contact Information
• Treasury Offset Program
• IRS Identity Verification (Letter 5071C)