It’s tax season yet again, folks. If you’re waiting on the Iowa Department of Revenue or the Internal Revenue Service to issue your refund, here’s what to expect.
The IRS started accepting tax returns Jan. 26, 2026. There is an option to file for free through the IRS available in Spanish and English.
When are taxes due in 2026?
Taxes for 2025 are due by Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
If you can’t file by the deadline, you can request an automatic 6-month extension. Keep in mind an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay, according to the IRS.
When are Iowa income taxes due?
Iowans have more time to complete their state income tax returns. Returns for 2026 must be postmarked or submitted through e-file by Thursday, April 30.
Where’s my state refund? Track Iowa tax refund status
The Iowa Department of Revenue has its own “Where’s My Refund?” tool on revenue.iowa.gov to check the status of individual income tax returns and amended individual income tax returns you’ve filed in the last year.
You will need to know your Social Security number and the amount of your refund. It can take up to a week after filing your return electronically for tracking information to appear on the state’s tool.
Iowans can also get information by calling 1-800-367-3388. The representatives will not have any additional information than what’s on the website, according to the Department of Revenue.
Where’s my federal refund? How to track IRS refund status
You can check your federal tax refund status through the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the Internal Revenue Service’s website. Visit irs.gov/refunds or use the IRS2Go mobile app to see the latest information on your tax return and refund. You can also get information on your tax year 2024 or 2023 refunds.
A refund status should appear around 24 hours after an e-filing for a current-year return. Paper returns will have a refund status four weeks after filing. Data are updated once per day, usually at night. So, there’s no need to check more often, according to the IRS. Refunds are usually issued within 21 days.
When to expect your refund?
IRS refunds could take up to 21 days for an e-filed return. Returns sent by mail could take four weeks or more. If you needed to make corrections or extra review, according to the IRS.
Iowa’s goal is to process refunds within 30 days, the state website said.
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Where’s my refund? How to track return status for Iowa, IRS in 2026
Reporting by Lucia Cheng and Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
