The IRS is accelerating payments: the first refunds for 2026 will arrive in February, but not for everyone

The U.S.’s 2026 federal tax season is officially underway, and with it comes the anticipation of millions of taxpayers hoping for an early‑year cash boost. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has confirmed that the first refunds could begin arriving in the first half of February - provided certain requirements are met - though experts and officials warn that some taxpayers will have to wait a bit longer.

Traditionally, the IRS opens its filing window toward the end of January and processes most refunds in fewer than 21 days for those who file electronically and choose direct deposit, the fastest way to receive their money.

Which tax refunds take longer?

However, not everyone will see their refund arrive quickly. By law, refunds that include credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) cannot be issued before mid‑February. The rule is designed to strengthen verification procedures and reduce tax fraud. As a result, those payments - aimed primarily at low‑ and middle‑income families - typically begin landing in bank accounts or prepaid cards in late February, or even in the first week of March, assuming everything is in order.

The IRS stresses that although this general timeline applies, no specific refund date is guaranteed for any individual taxpayer. A number of factors can influence timing, including errors on the return, the need for additional review, or even the method chosen to receive the refund.

How to check status of tax refund

The agency also encourages taxpayers to monitor the status of their refunds through digital tools like Where’s My Refund? or the IRS2Go mobile app, which provide ongoing updates throughout the process.

How to speed up your tax refund

For those eagerly waiting to see that money hit their accounts, the core advice remains the same: file electronically, avoid mistakes, and opt for direct deposit to maximize your chances of getting your refund as quickly as possible.

In an economic environment where many households rely on that tax refund to shore up their finances, the prospect of earlier payments offers welcome relief - though it also underscores just how widely refund timelines can vary depending on each taxpayer’s individual situation.

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