Refunds & Deposits: 2026 Filing Season FAQ
1. How long will it take to get my refund?
The IRS issues most refunds within 21 days of receiving your e-filed return. For California state refunds, the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) generally processes e-filed returns in 7–10 business days, though some may take up to 3 weeks if additional review is needed.
2. Is it true the IRS is stopping paper checks?
Yes. Under a new federal modernization mandate, the IRS is phasing out paper refund checks. Starting this season, most taxpayers are required to provide bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit.
If your direct deposit is rejected: The IRS will no longer automatically mail a check. Instead, they will "freeze" the refund and send you a CP53E Notice. You will then have 30 days to provide new bank info online before a check is eventually issued.
3. Why is my refund amount different than last year?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduced several changes that may significantly increase your refund for the 2025 tax year:
Tips & Overtime: If you work in a service industry or clock significant overtime, large portions of that income may now be deductible, leading to a much higher refund.
Expanded SALT Cap: The deduction for state and local taxes (SALT) increased from $10,000 to $40,000, providing a major boost for California homeowners.
Child Tax Credit: The credit has been increased to $2,200 per qualifying child.
4. How can I track my refund status?
You can track your money using the official "Where's My Refund?" tools. You will need your Social Security Number, Filing Status, and Exact Refund Amount.
Federal Refund: IRS Where's My Refund? (Updates once every 24 hours).
California Refund: FTB Check Your Refund.
5. Can I split my deposit into multiple accounts?
Yes. You can split your federal refund into up to three different accounts (e.g., Checking, Savings, and an IRA). This is an excellent way to automate your savings. Please let us know during your appointment if you'd like to do this.
6. Why is my refund delayed?
Common reasons for delays in 2026 include:
The "PATH Act" Hold: If you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the IRS is legally required to hold your entire refund until mid-to-late February to verify data.
Errors in "Tips/Overtime" reporting: If your reported overtime deduction doesn't match the info provided by your employer, the IRS will flag the return for manual review.
Security Reviews: To prevent identity theft, some returns are randomly selected for extra verification.
7. What if I owe money instead of getting a refund?
If you have a balance due, you must pay by April 15, 2026, to avoid interest. We recommend using IRS Direct Pay or California Web Pay. These services are free and allow you to schedule the payment for the exact day you want the money to leave your account.