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As tax season starts, a shift is approaching regarding how you get your refund.

January 26, 2026

Tax Filing Season for 2025 Opens

The day to start filing your taxes for the 2025 tax year has officially arrived.

As of Monday, the Internal Revenue Service announced the opening of the 2026 tax filing season. Officials are anticipating around 164 million individual tax returns will be submitted by the deadline on April 15.

The IRS noted that some new tax law provisions might help lower tax bills and increase refunds. However, they’re also suggesting changes to how refunds are issued.

Following “Executive Order 14247,” the IRS began transitioning away from paper tax refund checks on September 30, 2025. Consequently, most taxpayers will need to provide their bank’s routing number and account number to have their refunds directly deposited.

According to the announcement, most refunds will now be delivered through direct deposit or other secure electronic means. The IRS emphasized that direct deposit is typically the fastest way to receive your refund, which is usually processed within 21 days.

Additionally, most refunds related to the Earned Income Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit will be available in bank accounts or on debit cards by March 2, 2026, for those who opt for direct deposit and don’t face any issues with their returns.

The IRS indicated that some taxpayers might receive their refunds even earlier, depending on their bank.

Upcoming Tax Law Changes for 2026

The IRS is set to roll out significant Republican provisions for the 2026 tax season. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which was signed into law last summer, contains these changes.

This new legislation affects federal taxes, deductions, and allowances substantially, according to the IRS.

The standard tax deduction will see an increase under this new bill, along with enhanced deductions for adoption and inheritance. Moreover, some seniors will have access to larger deductions, and taxes on tips, overtime pay, and car loan interest have been eliminated.

For the 2025 tax year, the child tax credit is set to rise slightly from $2,000 to $2,200 per child.

However, the new regulations also remove opportunities for taxpayers to earn credits for energy-efficient improvements to their homes or for purchasing electric vehicles.

How Long Will It Take to Receive Your Tax Refund?

The IRS states that if you choose direct deposit, your refund will typically be issued within 21 days when filed electronically. For those opting for mail, it might take over six weeks to receive your refund.