Tax filing season will soon come to an end as the April 15 deadline hits next week.
As of March 28, 2026, the Internal Revenue Service’s 2026 filing season statistics show a slight dip in returns processed and received compared to the same period in 2025. However, the average refund amount is clocking in slightly larger than 2025.
According to the IRS, the total amount refunded so far in 2026 has been $221.697 billion, up 13 percent from 2025, when the total refund amount was $195.189 billion, the statistics show.
The average refund amount for 2026, the IRS said, is $3,521, up more than 11 percent from $3,170 in 2025.
As the deadline to file taxes approaches, here’s what to know.
How long does it take for refunds to go out?
If you file electronically, the IRS says it should take 21 days or less to receive your refund. If you choose direct deposit, it should take even less time. If you file a paper return, the refund could take four weeks or more, and if your return requires amendments or corrections, it could take longer.
The IRS cautions that taxpayers not rely on receiving a refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills.
How to check the status of your refund
Taxpayers can use the online tool Where’s My Refund? to check the status of their refund within 24 hours of e-filing and generally within four weeks of filing a paper return.
Information related to this tool is updated once daily, overnight. To access the status of your refund, you’ll need your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN).
Taxpayers can also consult the IRS2Go app, or their IRS Individual Online Account, to check their refund status.
How to check that status of your Illinois refund
Taxpayers can check the status of the Illinois refund here. Those who file electronically will received their refunds faster, the state said.
2 ways your refund could be bigger
If you paid more through the year than you owe in tax, due to withholding or other reasons, you should get money back. Even if you didn’t pay excess tax, you may still get a refund if you qualify for a refundable credit, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit. To get your refund, you must file a return, and you have three years to claim a tax refund.
The IRS expects most refunds for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit to be available in bank accounts or on debit cards by March 2 for taxpayers who choose direct deposit. Some taxpayers may receive their refund earlier, depending on their financial institution.
What is the Earned Income Tax Credit, and who qualifies?
To qualify for the EITC, you must have under $11,950 in investment income and earn less than a specific income level from working.
If you’re single with no children, your income level must be $19,104 or below. And if you’re married filing jointly with three or more children, you must make $68,675 or below. To determine if your household qualifies based on your marital status and your number of dependents you can use the online EITC Assistant tool.
Who qualifies for the Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit?
If you have a child, you are most likely eligible for the Child Tax Credit. The credit is up to $2,200 per qualifying child. To qualify, a child must:
Have a Social Security number Be under age 17 at the end of 2025 Be your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild, niece or nephew) Not provide more than half of his or her own support for the tax year Have lived with you for more than half the tax year Be claimed as a dependent on your tax return Not file a joint return for the year (or filed the joint return only to claim a refund of taxes withheld or estimated taxes) Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or a U.S. resident alienYou qualify for the full amount of the Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child if you meet all eligibility factors and your annual income is not more than $200,000 ($400,000 if filing a joint return).
You qualify for the Additional Child Tax Credit if ($1,700 per qualifying child) if you meet these factors and have little or no federal income tax liability. You must have earned income of at least $2,500 to be eligible for the ACTC.
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