Americans face a familiar spring deadline to file their federal income taxes, with key dates, filing options, and refund timelines largely unchanged this year.
The Internal Revenue Service requires most U.S. citizens and residents who work in the United States to file tax returns based on their age, income, and filing status. Information about whether or not to file can be found on the IRS website.
As of March 27, over 88 million Americans have filed their taxes, and $221 billion in tax refunds have been granted. The average tax refund was $3,521, about an 11% increase from 2025.
When is the deadline?
For most taxpayers, the deadline to file a 2025 federal income tax return remains the same as previous years, April 15. Returns must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. in each time zone to be considered on time. The documents needed to file can be found here.
Missing the deadline will not only cause a taxpayer to miss out on a refund, but can trigger penalties and interest if taxes are owed. The penalties can accrue monthly on unpaid taxes, along with interest that continues to build until the balance is paid.
Those who are unable to pay their full tax bill by the deadline can apply for an IRS payment plan, which allows them to pay the balance over time.
While taxpayers expecting a refund will not face penalties for filing late, delaying a return will also delay receiving a refund. Filing early, ensuring all required documents such as W-2s and 1099s are included, and carefully reviewing returns for errors can help avoid processing delays and additional scrutiny from the IRS.
How to request an extension
Some taxpayers may request a filing extension, which would give them until Oct. 15, including those in federally declared disaster areas or located outside the U.S.
Taxpayers who need more time can request an extension by the filing deadline. Filing Form 4868 — either online, through tax software, or by mail — gives an automatic extension until October.
However, an extension only delays filing, not payment. Any taxes owed are still due by the April deadline to avoid penalties.
Where and how to file
Most Americans file their taxes electronically, either through tax software, a professional preparer, or the IRS website.
The IRS offers Free File for eligible taxpayers and online tools for others, while paper filing remains an option, though it typically takes longer to process.
E-filing with direct deposit is generally the fastest and most reliable method. Refunds for those who file electronically are often issued in under 21 days, assuming there are no errors.
Free in-person help is also available through IRS-backed programs such as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance for qualifying individuals.
How to check your refund
Taxpayers can track their refund using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool or the IRS2Go mobile app. Refund status is typically updated within 24 hours of e-filing.
Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive a refund, while mailed checks can take several weeks longer.
What are the new rules this year?
The IRS has implemented several updates for the 2026 filing season, including expanded access to its Direct File system, which allows more taxpayers to file federal returns directly with the agency at no cost in participating states.
The agency has also increased scrutiny of identity verification and bank account information to combat fraud, which may lead to additional delays if information is incomplete or flagged for review.
MAY SOCIAL SECURITY DIRECT PAYMENT WORTH $994 GOES OUT IN 24 DAYS
In addition, inflation adjustments have slightly increased standard deduction amounts and tax bracket thresholds, meaning some taxpayers may see modest changes in what they owe or receive as a refund.
The IRS has also continued to expand digital communication options, allowing more notices and correspondence to be delivered electronically.
