Your tax deadline is approaching. What to know about getting a refund
Are you ready for tax season?
It’s here — and that means your filing deadline is in April. It could also mean you have received or are waiting for a refund if you filed early.
Here’s what to know about deadlines and other key dates in Florida:
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.
MORE: Do you owe taxes or up for a refund? How a Broward financial pro views job
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.
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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
What are some key dates to keep in mind?
The following dates are important for filing taxes in Florida:
- 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.
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.
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