Key Points
- Tax season may start later than usual. IRS leadership has indicated the filing season could open around mid-February 2026, due to major tax law changes and operational challenges.
- Tax code overhaul is increasing IRS workload. The sweeping One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) requires updated forms and guidance, complicating system programming and preparation.
- Staffing cuts and shutdown impact processing. IRS staffing has dropped sharply and a prolonged federal shutdown interrupted planning, raising the risk of slower processing and reduced customer service during the 2026 season.
For years, taxpayers have grown accustomed to filing season opening in late January. But for the 2026 tax year, current projections point to a much later start.
According to comments from IRS leadership, the agency is preparing for a filing season that could open around Presidents Day: mid-February 2026. This reflects added workload from new tax law provisions and the need for additional preparation time.
If you're expecting a tax refund, the most common advice is that you should file your tax return as soon as possible. There is no reason to let the government keep your money any longer.
Even if you e-file early, we estimate that the IRS won't start processing your tax return until February 17, 2026. You can see our estimated tax refund calendar to know when you're going to expect your tax refund.
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IRS Under Strain
The IRS is under a mountain of workload and less people to do it.
Major Tax Law Changes
A central cause of this delayed season is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), enacted July 2025. This expansive tax law rewrite includes retroactive and forward-looking changes affecting deductions, credits, brackets, and compliance rules. Tax professionals and preparers warn this adds complexity to forms and software, requiring extra time for IRS systems and guidance to catch up.
Retroactive provisions may affect returns for the 2025 tax year (the ones filed in 2026) meaning the IRS must re-program these changes into processing systems before returns can be reliably accepted and processed.
Budget Cuts and Staffing Losses
Complicating matters further is a significant reduction in IRS staffing. In 2025 the agency lost more than 25% of its workforce through resignations and hiring freezes, and overall funding has dropped sharply compared with recent years.
The IRS’s own National Taxpayer Advocate and independent watchdogs have warned that this loss of personnel, especially among trained processors and phone support staff, could slow return processing and customer service in 2026 unless swift hiring and training take place.
Shutdown and Operational Interruptions
A lengthy government shutdown in October and November 2025 also disrupted IRS preparations for 2026 filing season work. Staffing disruptions, halted planning cycles, and delayed access to critical systems during the shutdown mean the agency is scrambling to catch up.
Check out our Tax Refund Calendar for the latest updates.
What Does This Mean For Tax Refund Delays?
So, how long a delay will my tax return have? It all depends...
PATH Act and Refund Holds
In years past, taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) have seen built-in delays due to the PATH Act, which requires the IRS to hold refunds until mid-February to reduce fraud.
This year, those delays could disappear because the entire filing season may start later. If the IRS doesn’t begin accepting returns until around Feb. 16–17, then the PATH Act’s refund hold period overlaps with an already later timeline.
Processing Times Likely to Be Longer
Even after filing, taxpayers should anticipate slower processing compared with recent tax years.
IRS staffing cuts and new tax law complexity mean returns (especially paper returns or those with errors) could take longer to process. That could translate into slower refunds and longer wait times for help via phone or correspondence.
Industry projections suggest typical refund delivery times may be:
- E-file + direct deposit: ~21 days
- Mail return or paper check: up to 12 weeks
But these estimates assume the IRS can quickly accept returns and operate at full capacity — conditions that may not be met early in the season.
If you want more information, read our common IRS questions and answers here for more information.
What Can You Do Now?
Here are a few steps to prepare ahead of this compressed and complicated tax season:
- Gather documents early. Don’t wait for the IRS to open to get your W-2s, 1099s, and other forms together.
- File electronically with direct deposit. This is the fastest way to get refunds once filings are accepted.
- Consider working with a tax professional. Given complexity from OBBBA changes, a preparer can help avoid errors that trigger processing delays.
- Check IRS updates. The IRS has its own “Get Ready” resources with tips and guidance for the 2026 filing season.
If you want to get started on your taxes early, check out our picks for the best tax software for early tax filers.
Did you find your tax refund delayed by this new law?
FAQs
Why are tax refunds experiencing delays this year?
Delays are often caused by increased fraud prevention checks, IRS backlogs, and additional verification requirements for certain tax returns.
Which specific tax credits are causing tax refund delays?
Credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit commonly trigger delays due to mandatory IRS review periods.
How long should I expect to wait for a delayed tax refund?
While many refunds arrive within 21 days, delayed returns may take several weeks longer depending on processing and verification needs.
What can I do to potentially avoid or minimize tax refund delays?
Filing electronically, ensuring accurate information, and avoiding errors can help reduce the likelihood of delays.
Editor: Claire Tak Reviewed by: Ashley Barnett
Robert Farrington is the founder of The College Investor and is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading voices on student loan debt and saving for college. He holds an MBA from UC San Diego Rady School of Management and has spent over 15 years researching, writing, and advising on student loans, 529 plans, financial aid programs, and saving and investing for young professionals.
Robert has been featured in the The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, NBC News, and Forbes, where he has been a regular personal finance contributor for over a decade. His work combines both professional expertise and personal experience – he successfully navigated his own student loan repayment journey and has helped thousands of readers do the same.
He is committed to making the intersection of personal finance and education transparent and accessible. You can learn more about Robert on the About Page or on his personal site RobertFarrington.com.