Where’s my federal tax refund? Simple steps to track your IRS payment

The 2026 IRS tax season is officially active. Most electronic filers receive federal refunds within 21 days. However, PATH Act credits delay payments until mid-February to prevent fraud. Use the "Where’s My Refund?" tool for daily updates. Ensure your filing status and refund amount match your records exactly. Direct deposit remains the fastest delivery method. Avoid manual review by e-filing accurately. Stay informed as the IRS processes millions of returns this month.