When will you get your tax refund? See key dates to file in Florida
Tax season is underway and refunds are going out, but some Florida filers may still be waiting for their money.
Even though millions of taxpayers file early each year hoping to get their money quickly, some people may still be waiting weeks later for their refunds to arrive.
While the IRS typically issues most refunds within about three weeks, several factors can slow down the process, including how you filed your return and certain credits that require extra review.
Here’s what to know:
What is the fastest way to get a tax refund?
The IRS says combining electronic filing with direct deposit, especially when filing early, results in the quickest refunds, and some taxpayers may qualify to file electronically for free.
While online tax programs and smartphone apps such as TurboTax, H&R Block and TaxSlayer can make filing more convenient, they typically charge a fee that may be deducted from your refund.
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How fast will my refund come if I file a paper return?
If you file a complete and accurate paper return, the IRS says you can expect your refund within six to eight weeks from the date your return is received.
Why could your tax refund be delayed?
- Sent by mail
- Contains errors or is incomplete
- Affected by identity theft or fraud
- Referred to the IRS by the bank due to suspicious activity
- Includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit
- Includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which could take up to 14 weeks to process
- Needs further review in general
If you haven’t received your refund in three weeks, Lauderhill tax specialist Kerrina O’Conno warns that there are some things that may need to be reviewed.
There could be discrepancies such as errors or missing information. A bank account’s account or routing number may be incorrect. Someone may be committing identity fraud by filing under your name or your dependent’s name.
If you’re a parent, the IRS may be carefully reviewing your Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit. Your refund may also be used in another way.
“Your refund was used to pay an IRS balance, child support, student loans, or some other government related outstanding bill,” O’Connor says.
What are some key dates to keep in mind?
The following dates are important for filing taxes in Florida:
- March 16, 2026: Partnerships and S-Corps tax returns due (last day to file extensions)
- April 15, 2026: Individual and C-Corp tax returns (last day to file extensions); IRA contributions for tax year 2025 due; Q1 estimated tax due
- May 15, 2026: Nonprofit tax returns due (this is the last day to file extensions)
- June 15, 2026: Q2 2026 March 16, 2026: Partnerships and S-Corps tax returns due (last day to file extensions)
- April 15, 2026: Individual and C-Corp tax returns (last day to file extensions); IRA contributions for tax year 2025 due; Q1 estimated tax due
- May 15, 2026: Nonprofit tax returns due (this is the last day to file extensions)
- June 15, 2026: Q2 2026 estimated tax due
- September 15, 2026: Q3 20262 estimated tax due and partnership and S-Corp extensions tax returns due
- October 15, 2026: Individual & C-Corp extension tax returns due
- January 15, 2027: Q4 2026 estimated tax due
- September 15, 2026: Q3 2026 estimated tax due and partnership and S-Corp extensions tax returns due
- October 15, 2026: Individual & C-Corp extension tax returns due
- January 15, 2027: Q4 2026 estimated tax due
What new tax credits should I look for in 2026?
Taxpayers should be aware that the child tax credit isn’t new, but increased to $2,200 per child from $2,000 per child. The FICA Tip Credit for employers includes food & beverage businesses and as of 2025 now includes beauty businesses.
What’s a tax credit that many people fail to claim?
According to O’Connor, the Lauderhill tax expert, many people fail to claim an adoption credit, a child and dependent care credit, a lifetime learning credit (if they are unable to do the American Opportunity Credit), and a moving expenses deduction if they are in the military and not being reimbursed by the government.
With IRS Direct File unavailable, what can people use instead?
With IRS Direct File no longer available, O’Connor recommends that people do their own taxes. They can find the free opportunities online at apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/browse-all-offers/.
How can I file online? What do sites charge? What are some free programs?
Users can file online apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/browse-all-offers/ or use local companies or tax professionals.
Most sites offer free services and vary in price based on the state, adjusted gross income and complexity of the return.
How can I file my taxes for free in-person?
Taxpayer’s can file taxes for free by using the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). The program is designed for people who generally make $69,000 or less, have disabilities or speak limited English.
Qualifying taxpayers can find the program online at irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers for-qualifying-taxpayers and the closest resource at freetaxassistance.for.irs.gov/s/sitelocator.
How can I avoid penalties when filing taxes?
There are multiple ways to file while avoiding penalties, O’Connor says. Paying estimated taxes on time allows people to avoid the underpayment penalty when $1,000 or more in taxes is owed. Taxpayers can track their penalties online at irs.gov/payments/penalties.
The basic advice? “File your taxes on time by the deadline,” she says.
What is the purpose of my tax extension?
Tax extensions are used to file tax returns, not pay taxes. Being up to date on taxes reduces the amount of penalties and interest that builds from waiting. Taxpayers in Florida can file extensions online for free, O’Connor says. “Yes, you can do it free on the website links provided,” she says. “Or a professional may charge a fee to do so.”
What are some key things to know when filing taxes?
O’Connor recommends keeping receipts of financial activity throughout the year.
“Keep records of income and expenses throughout the year, and other activities throughout the year,” she says. “Organize them and put them in a virtual folder. Receipts, invoices, buying and selling of assets, etc.”
What are some other things to remember when filing taxes?
Taxpayers should consider four other things when filing taxes:
- Remember the number of jobs you had so you know how many W2s / 1099s you can expect.
- If you were unemployed, you may want to elect to deduct taxes from your unemployment checks, and look out for that form at the end of the year.
- If you sell and buy stocks or cryptocurrency, look for the 1099-B/1099-DA.
- If you have marketplace health insurance (aka Obamacare, Affordable Care Act Insurance) or if your household income changes, adjust your income throughout the year to mitigate the amount of tax you have to pay the following year. You can do that online at healthcare.gov/taxes/.
This story was originally published March 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM.
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