The 2026 tax filing season has begun in the US, but preliminary data suggests that taxpayers are filing slightly slower this time than last year. However, there is some good news—the average tax refund amount is slightly higher than last year.

As of February 6, 2026, the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) received a total of 22.351 million individual income tax returns. By the same time last year, this number was 23.589 million. This means approximately 5.2% fewer returns have been filed this year.

Not only is the number of returns received low, but processing has also been slow. By February 6, 2026, the IRS processed 26.23 million returns, compared to 23.515 million by the same time in 2025. This represents a decline of approximately 12.3%.

Why is the initial delay concerning?

Typically, returns filed at the beginning of tax season are those with simple income—such as salaried employees who take the standard deduction and only have a W-2 form. These returns are relatively easy to process.

If the IRS is unable to process even these simple returns quickly, it could signal trouble for more complex returns (such as business income, rental income, and returns with itemized deductions).

Shortage of Forms Also a Reason

Another reason for the initial slowdown is that the IRS has not yet made all the necessary tax forms available. Some forms are still showing as draft, especially those needed to report depreciation or show recent estimated tax payments.

Both tax professionals and taxpayers have complained about this delay. When necessary forms are not available on time, filing is delayed.

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Why is the IRS emphasizing e-filing?

The IRS is constantly encouraging people to adopt e-filing. E-filing is considered faster, safer, and more accurate. National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins has even called paper returns the IRS’s “weakness.”

Statistics also show that paper returns prove to be expensive. Paper returns represent only about 6% of total filings, but they account for 72% of processing costs. In the 2024 fiscal year, the average cost of processing a paper Form 1040 was $10.14, while e-filed returns cost just 23 cents per return.

So far, approximately 99% of returns received this season have been e-filed. Of these, approximately 64% were filed by individuals using software, while 36% were filed by tax professionals.

Free File Options and Direct File Status

For those who don’t want to purchase software, the IRS Free File program is available. However, it’s important to note that not all partner companies file state returns for free. In some cases, additional fees may apply, which should be clearly stated on the website.

A major change this year is that the IRS’s Direct File service is no longer available. This program was discontinued in 2026. Some lawmakers believed it was an unnecessary expense, while critics say the free alternative is difficult for the public to find and understand.

Increased Traffic on the IRS Website

Visits to the IRS.gov website have increased by more than 35% this year. Approximately 126.7 million visits were recorded as of February 6, 2026.

Many people are likely visiting the website to check the status of their tax refunds. The “Where’s My Refund?” tool is the most reliable way to do this. It provides three pieces of information: whether the return was received, whether the refund was approved, and the payment date.

Status can be displayed within 24 hours of e-filing, while paper returns can take up to four weeks. Keep in mind, this tool is only updated once a day.

Refund Amounts Increase, But Numbers Are Low

On a positive note, the average refund amount has increased. As of February 6, 2026, the average refund was $2,290, up from $2,065 at the same time last year—an increase of approximately 10.9%.

The average refund received through direct deposit has also increased to $2,388, up from $2,165 last year.

However, the total number of refunds issued is down. Approximately 7.4 million refunds have been issued so far this year, compared to over 8 million last year. This is why many people are complaining about refund delays on social media.

Delays in Refunds Required for EITC and ACTC

By law, refunds related to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are withheld until mid-February. This means that if your refund is linked to these credits, you’ll have to wait a little longer.

Such taxpayers may begin receiving refunds around March 2, 2026.

Key Dates for the 2026 Tax Filing Season

The IRS began accepting returns for the 2025 tax year on January 26, 2026. The federal deadline is April 15, 2026. The IRS expects approximately 164 million individual tax returns to be filed this year.

Conclusion

Despite a slow start, the 2026 tax season is showing positive signs in terms of refund amounts. However, processing delays and the unavailability of some forms are a concern.

If you haven’t filed your return yet, have the necessary documents ready and opt for e-filing if possible. This speeds up the process and can lead to a faster refund.

Timely filing and accurate information are your biggest strengths this season.