Everything You Need To Know About Tracking Your 2026 Tax Refund

NORTH HALEDON, NJ – APRIL 15:In this photo illustration, a 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return document is seen on a desk on April 15, 2024 in North Haledon, New Jersey.(Photo illustration by Michael Bocchieri/Getty Images) By Andrea Bossi ·Updated February 3, 2026 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…

Tax season is officially upon us. It’s time to get organized; file, ideally early; and, likely, collect your tax refund. 

The season opened January 26 and the tax deadline is April 15. Tax experts always recommend filing early, which can help avoid headaches down the line and, if you have a return, get your money sooner.

“Filing earlier in the season allows you to get organized upfront, reduce the risk of errors, and avoid last-minute panic,” Courtney Alev, Intuit Credit Karma’s consumer financial advocate and head of tax product, tells ESSENCE. “If you are expecting a refund, filing early and choosing e-file with direct deposit is also the safest and fastest way to receive your money sooner, which can help with things like paying down debt or building savings.”

Below, everything you need to know about tracking your 2026 tax refund to make sure you get your money

Kimberly Wilson
Author: Kimberly Wilson

Read the original article on Essence.