The Economic Times

IRS tax refund 2026: when does your money arrive? 21-day direct deposit timeline, PATH Act delays and latest IRS updates explained

IRS tax refund 2026: The IRS opened its 2026 filing season on January 26. Over 31 million Americans are already waiting on refunds. The average payout this year hits nearly $4,000. If you filed early with direct deposit, your money could arrive by February 17. But millions claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit face a hard federal freeze until March 2. The PATH Act blocks every refund dollar not just the credit. Paper checks are gone in 2026. Direct deposit is now mandatory. One filing mistake can delay you 60 days. Your refund date depends entirely on when you filed, what you claimed, and how you filed.