When will my IRS refund 2026 arrive if I claimed EITC or ACTC?

PATH Act rules hold refunds with EITC or ACTC until late February, with many landing in bank accounts in late February or early March. Direct deposit posts faster than checks. After the IRS releases funds, banks may take extra time to clear deposits. Watch “Where’s my refund” for daily updates.

How do I check both my federal and state refund status?

Use “Where’s my refund” at IRS.gov after your return is accepted for federal status. For your state refund, go to your state revenue department’s website and use its tracker. Status tools update daily. Have your SSN or taxpayer ID, filing status, and exact refund amount handy when checking.

Why is the average tax refund higher so far this season?

Early averages can skew higher because simpler, faster-to-process returns often arrive first. As more complex returns and credit claimants are processed, the average can change. Current data show $2,476, up 14.2%, but it is still early. Watch March figures as IRS refund 2026 processing broadens across more filer types.

What speeds up a state refund compared with a federal refund?

E-file, direct deposit, and error-free entries speed both. State refund timing also depends on each state’s fraud checks and workloads, which differ from the IRS. Using the correct routing and account numbers, matching names to SSNs, and promptly replying to any identity checks will help reduce processing delays.

Global Market Insights

February 21: Average IRS Refund Jumps 14% – Q1 Spending Tailwind, Delays

ByDanny Kontos February 21, 2026

State refund timing and bigger federal checks matter for spending. Early IRS data show the average refund rose 14.2% to $2,476 through February 13, with about $32 billion issued even as filings lag. That larger average tax refund could support retail, travel, and bill payments in late February and March. Still, PATH Act rules and processing backlogs mean many early filers wait longer. We cover “Where’s my refund,” IRS refund 2026 timing, and steps to speed both federal and state refund payments.