When can I expect my tax refund in Washington? Here’s what to know
Tax season has officially begun.
The Internal Revenue Service began accepting and processing federal tax returns on Jan. 26, McClatchy Media previously reported.
About 164 million individual income tax returns are expected to be filed in this year, the IRS said, with most taxpayers filing electronically.
In comparison, the IRS received 140 million individual tax returns in 2025 for the 2024 tax season.
Here’s when you can expect your 2026 tax refund:
When do I have to file my 2025 tax return?
In Washington state, the deadline to file both state and federal income tax returns for the 2025 tax year is Wednesday, April 15.
Need more time? You can request a six-month filing extension, but you’ll still need to pay any taxes you owe by the April deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
When will I get my tax refund in Washington state?
If you file your taxes electronically and choose direct deposit, you can usually expect your refund within three weeks, the IRS said, provided your return is complete and free of errors.
Federal tax refunds can take more time — up to six weeks — if you file an amended return or submit your return by mail, according to the IRS.
The wait can also be long for people who qualify for Washington’s Working Families Tax Credit.
“It can take up to 90 days to process and issue your refund if your application is approved,” the Washington State Department of Revenue said on its website, noting that factors such as “missing or incomplete information” “or “mailing a paper application” can slow processing time.
How can I get my money?
According to the IRS, these are the different ways you can choose to get your tax refund:
- Direct deposit
- Paper check
- Prepaid debit card
- Mobile payment apps
- Traditional, Roth or SEP individual retirement accounts
What factors can delay my tax refund?
There are many factors that could cause a delay in a tax refund, according to the IRS.
These are the most common:
- The return contain errors
- The return is affected by identity theft or fraud
- The return needs a correction to the child tax credit or recovery rebate amount
- The return has a claim filed for an earned income tax credit, additional child tax credit or an Injured Spouse Allocation
If you need to send more information for your tax return, the IRS will reach out directly to you.
How do I track my tax refund?
You can track your federal tax refund through the IRS’s Where’s My Refund tool.
According to the IRS, your refund status will appear:
- 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return
- 3 or 4 days after you e-file a prior-year return
- 4 weeks after you file a paper return
To check the status of your refund, you’ll need your social security number, filing status and the exact amount on your return.
You’ll also need this information to check the status of your Washington Working Families Tax Credit refund via workingfamiliescredit.wa.gov.
This story was originally published February 4, 2026 at 11:00 AM with the headline "When can I expect my tax refund in Washington? Here’s what to know."