The 2026 tax filing season has begun, which means you can now submit your return for the 2025 tax year and start the clock on receiving any refund you're due. The IRS expects more than 164 million tax returns to be filed by the April 15 federal deadline this year. The sooner you complete your return, the sooner you'll get your money back (and the longer you'll have to prepare to pay any balance owed). Luckily, the IRS makes it easy to check the status of your refund online. Here's everything you need to know to track your 2025 federal tax refund.

Wait at least 24 hours after filing

The IRS needs time to process your tax return, so you'll have to be patient before checking your refund status. If you e-filed, you can check as soon as 24 hours after the IRS received your tax return. For paper returns, you'll need to wait at least four weeks before checking.

Have your information ready

To check your refund status, you'll need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount you're expecting.

Use the IRS2Go App or IRS.gov website

The IRS offers a mobile app called IRS2Go and an online refund tracking tool. Both allow you to check the status of your federal tax refund. On the IRS2Go app, you'll tap "Refund Status" and enter your information. On the IRS.gov refunds page, click "Check Your Refund."

Note that the "Where's My Refund?" tool is updated once daily, typically between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. ET, so you don't need to keep refreshing throughout the day.

Understand the refund status meaning

The IRS provides a refund status that explains where your refund is in the process:

• Return Received: The return is being processed.

• Refund Approved: The refund has been approved and is in the queue for payment.

• Refund Sent: The refund payment has been sent.

Also check for a refund date if your refund was approved to get the expected deposit or mailing date.

Be patient for your refund

Most tax refunds are issued by the IRS within 21 days for returns that are e-filed (six weeks or more for paper returns). However, the IRS says refund times can vary depending on volume. Requesting your refund by direct deposit is faster than waiting for a paper check. For the 2026 filing season, most taxpayers will have to provide bank information for direct deposit, as the IRS began phasing out paper checks in September 2025.

If you're eligible for a refund for the Earned Income Tax Credit and/or the Additional Child Tax Credit, you can expect to see that deposited to your account by March 2.

What if it’s been longer than 21 days?

Don’t file a second tax return. If it’s been more than 21 days since e-filing, the IRS recommends you call them. The “Where’s My Refund?” tracker will also prompt you to call the IRS if need be.

Unfortunately, calling the IRS isn’t always a breezy, reliable solution. Once you build the resolve to call the IRS, here’s our guide to increase your odds of getting to a real human on the other end of the line.

Tax season is here again, which means it is time to start working on preparing your return (and paying any balance due) ahead of the April 15 filing deadline. As usual, many people will have the option to file their returns for free, but the options are more limited this year, as the short-lived IRS Direct File program, which provided no-cost filing to taxpayers in 25 states, is no more.

If you want to avoid paying for the privilege of paying your taxes, here are the remaining ways to file for free in 2026.

IRS Free File

IRS Free File is one of several free filing options provided by the IRS. With Free File, you complete your tax return using guided software via a partner site, which then e-files it with the IRS. Most commonly used federal tax forms and schedules are available through Free File. However, your adjusted gross income must have been $89,000 or less in 2025 to be eligible for this option.

If you do qualify for Free File, go directly through the IRS website—you'll see a list of trusted third-party preparers with their eligibility criteria, or you can use the guided tool to find the best option for your situation. Note that some IRS partners will also file your state return for free, while others charge an additional fee.

Other ways to file your taxes for free

If you make too much for IRS Free File, you may still be able to file your taxes for free.

• Free Fillable Forms: This option is just like it sounds. You enter your information into the IRS' fillable forms using the provided instructions and file the return yourself. There are no income limits for Free Fillable Forms, but it does have limited guidance, and state returns are not included. You will still need to create a Free File account.

• Commercial tax software: If your taxes are relatively simple, you can go through tax preparation companies like TurboTax and H&R Block without paying any fees. Cash App Taxes is another free option. Note that these companies also have paid services, so make sure you understand what you are signing up for.

• Volunteer tax prep help: The IRS offers free tax prep support for eligible taxpayers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. Taxpayers who make less than $69,000 per year, who have disabilities, or who have limited English proficiency qualify for VITA, while TCE supports those who are age 60 and older. Enter your zip code into the locator tool to find volunteer tax prep options in your area.

• MilTax: MilTax offers free tax preparation and filing for eligible military members, including up to three state returns.