It's almost tax season! And the number one question we see every year is: when can I expect my tax refund? Most taxpayers receive their IRS tax refund within 21 days of filing, but actual dates vary depending on when your return is accepted,

Tax changes signed into law in 2025 could bring bigger refunds this year. When does tax season start? When will refunds come? Here's what to know.

Child Tax Credit: This tax credit increases by $200 year over year, to $2,200 per child for the 2025 tax year. It applies to single filers with annual incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for joint filers. Above those thresholds, parents may be able to claim a partial credit.

The IRS will begin accepting 2025 federal tax returns on January 26, with April 15 as the filing deadline. Several new tax changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act may affect refunds and deductions.

The Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan think tank, estimates that the various tax cuts included in the bill will increase the average Americans tax return by anywhere from $300 to $1,000 when filing in 2026.

According to the order, it is “16 times more likely” for paper checks and money orders to be lost, stolen, returned undeliverable, or altered than electronically-disbursed funds. The IRS notes that every refund check it issues “costs the nation’s taxpayers more than $1,” while direct deposit refunds cost about a dime.