By Anietie anii-bassey
Tax season is officially underway in the United States, and federal officials expect roughly 164 million taxpayers to submit returns by the April 15 deadline, ushering in a filing cycle that could bring larger refunds for many households but also potential complications for those whose returns require extra scrutiny.
The Internal Revenue Service processed more than 165 million individual income tax returns last year, with about 94% filed electronically. The average refund came in at $3,167, and analysts now estimate that figure could rise by as much as $1,000 this year, largely due to recent changes in tax law that expanded certain credits and adjustments.
For most people with simple returns, the filing process is expected to move smoothly. Still, officials and taxpayer advocates are warning that problems could arise for filers who need assistance resolving errors or disputes.
The agency has experienced a sharp reduction in staffing since the start of the Trump administration, prompting concern about its capacity to handle complex cases or respond quickly to taxpayer inquiries.
The national taxpayer advocate has cautioned that the 2026 filing season may be particularly challenging for those who encounter issues. The IRS began 2025 with about 102,000 employees but ended the year with roughly 74,000 after a series of firings and layoffs tied to efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency.
Many customer service workers who were previously barred from accepting buyout offers during last year’s filing season have since departed, thinning the ranks of those who answer phones and resolve account problems.
Despite those concerns, the IRS says refunds for most electronically filed returns should arrive within 21 days or less, and often faster for those who opt for direct deposit.
Paper filers can expect longer waits, typically four weeks or more, while returns that require corrections or additional review may take still longer. Officials continue to urge taxpayers not to plan major purchases or bill payments around a specific refund date, noting that processing times can vary.
Taxpayers eager to track their money can use the agency’s online “Where’s My Refund?” tool, which usually provides status updates within 24 hours of an electronic filing and within about four weeks for paper returns. The system is updated once daily, typically overnight, and requires a Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number, filing status, and the exact refund amount claimed.
The IRS2Go mobile app and online individual accounts also allow filers to monitor progress. For many early filers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, projected deposit dates are expected to appear by late February.
Refunds generally result when taxpayers have paid more during the year—through withholding or estimated payments—than they ultimately owe. Even people who did not overpay may still qualify for a refund if they are eligible for refundable credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit.
The IRS reminds filers that a return must be submitted to receive any refund, and taxpayers typically have three years to claim money owed to them.
Eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit depends on both earned income and investment income, which must remain below $11,950. Income thresholds vary by household size and filing status.
Single filers with no children, for example, must earn $19,104 or less, while married couples filing jointly with three or more children must earn no more than $68,675. The IRS provides an online assistant to help households determine whether they qualify.
Families with children may also benefit from the Child Tax Credit, which can reach up to $2,200 per qualifying child. To be eligible, the child must have a Social Security number, be under 17 at the end of 2025, live with the taxpayer for more than half the year, and meet several other dependency and citizenship requirements.
The full credit is available to individuals earning up to $200,000 annually, or $400,000 for joint filers. Those with little or no federal tax liability may still qualify for the refundable Additional Child Tax Credit—worth up to $1,700 per child—so long as they earned at least $2,500 during the year.
The IRS expects most refunds tied to the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Additional Child Tax Credit to reach bank accounts or debit cards by March 2 for taxpayers who choose direct deposit, though some financial institutions may post funds sooner.
One notable change this year affects how refunds are issued. Most taxpayers must now provide bank routing and account numbers to receive money electronically, as the IRS has begun phasing out paper refund checks following a presidential executive order that took effect late last year.
The agency says the shift is intended to speed payments and reduce administrative costs, though it may require some filers to update their information before submitting returns.
As millions prepare to crunch the numbers and send in their paperwork, officials continue to encourage electronic filing, careful review of forms, and early submission to avoid delays—especially in a season when larger refunds are possible but agency resources may be stretched thinner than usual.
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