The 2026 tax filing season is winding down, with the deadline to file your taxes just over a week away.
Based on the latest information from the Internal Revenue Service, more people haven’t filed their taxes this year compared to the same period last year.
➤ New IRS tax deduction available for seniors. How do you get yours?
Almost all tax returns have been filed electronically, with slightly more done by tax professionals than by those doing their taxes themselves.
The average direct deposit refund amount this year is up 8.5% from 2025, averaging $3,512, according to the IRS.
Here’s what you should know, especially how to check the status of your refund.
What is the tax filing deadline?
The deadline to file your taxes in 2026 is Wednesday, April 15.
New tax breaks available, but don’t forget to use new form
There are several new tax breaks available to taxpayers this year, but you’ll need to use the new Schedule 1-A (Form 1040) to get them.
Some changes in tax rules to be aware of include:
➤ How do Trump Accounts work? Here’s what you should know
You’ll need to file the new Schedule 1-A (Form 1040) to claim several of the new tax breaks.
How many returns has IRS received so far?
As of March 27, the IRS repots 88,424,000 returns have been received, down 1.3% from the 89,550,000 returns received a year ago at this time.
Of those returns received, the huge majority — 86,871,000 — were via e-filing with 45.8 million done by tax professionals and 41.0 million filed by individuals.
How many people have received tax refunds so far this year?
The IRS reports it has sent out 62,957,000 refunds as of March 27, totaling $221.697 billion.
What’s the average refund amount taxpayers have received this year?
The average refund amount has been $3,521, up 11.1% from the average refund of $3,170 in 2025.
How fast will I get my refund?
The IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, if your return is accurate and complete, according to the IRS. Submitting your taxes by mail takes longer, normally six to eight weeks.
Opt for direct deposit and it could be even faster, sometimes within five days.
Where’s my refund? Here’s how to find out
You can check the status of your refund:
To check the status of your refund, you’ll need:
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://heraldtribune.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Tax deadline coming up. How to check status of your refund
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
