How soon can I file my federal, KY taxes? Here’s how to get your refund quickly
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- IRS expects about 164 million individual returns in 2026; most will file online.
- One Big Beautiful Bill Act adds deductions for tips, vehicle loan interest, and age 65+.
- Tax Day is April 15, 2026; file by then or request a six-month extension with Form 4868.
Tax season has officially begun, and with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last summer, there are several new deductions Kentucky filers can write off on their 2025 returns.
Some examples include deductions for wages earned through tips and overtime pay, interest paid on a loan to purchase a vehicle and an additional deduction of $6,000 for those aged 65 and older.
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service expects to receive roughly 164 million individual income tax returns this year, with most filers submitting online.
If you have a simple return and meet certain income guidelines, the IRS has options to help you file your taxes for free.
Additionally, if you need help navigating the changes this year and how they affect you, we have resources for one-on-one help. Here’s what to know to get you up to speed this tax season.
When’s the filing deadline this year?
Tax Day is Wednesday, April 15 — the date filers must submit their returns by and pay any taxes due.
If you need more time than that, you can request an automatic six-month extension with Form 4868.
This will push back your filing deadline to Thursday, Oct. 15, but it’s worth stressing this is just for filing. You’ll still need to pay any taxes owed or face penalties for late payments.
According to the IRS, there are three ways to request an extension if you need one, including:
- Request an extension via the IRS Free File on IRS.gov. You can use the program to request an extension regardless of income. This service is available for free. The IRS advises taxpayers to estimate their liability and file the extension request by the deadline to be approved.
- Pay online and click “extension.” You could also simply pay what you owe online, and then click “extension” as the reason for the payment. The IRS accepts several forms of online payments. Through this option, you’ll get a confirmation number for your extension, and there’s no need to file additional forms.
- Request one by mail. Fill out and mail Form 4868. You can file by mail, online with an IRS e-filing partner or with the help of a tax professional. Estimate what you owe for the filing year on the extension form, subtract the taxes you already paid and pay the balance owed.
How soon can I file my taxes in Kentucky?
Kentucky’s tax filing season officially began Jan. 26, coinciding with the opening of the federal filing season.
“The Kentucky tax filing season begins on January 26, 2026. Taxpayers will be able to track a refund online, and the portal will become available when filing season opens on January 26, 2026,” Kentucky’s Finance and Administration Cabinet told the Herald-Leader in an emailed statement.
Kentucky will begin processing state returns Monday, Feb. 2.
How quickly you can get your return in also depends on whether you have some key documents on hand. Depending on your situation, the IRS recommends you gather and organize your W-2 and related tax documents.
When will I get my tax refund?
The quickest way to get your refund is to file electronically. The IRS’ typical turn-around time for a refund on an electronically filed return is 21 days, CBS News reports.
In Kentucky, it typically takes four to six weeks for e-filed returns set up with direct deposit. Add one more week if the payment has to be issued by check, the state’s Finance and Administration Cabinet told the Herald-Leader.
For state returns filed by mail, refund processing time can take as long as 10 to 14 weeks.
You can track your federal refund online with the IRS’ “Where’s My Refund?” tool. The Kentucky Department of Revenue has a similar tool at refund.ky.gov.
How can I file my taxes for free?
The IRS partners with several tax prep software companies for its Free File program.
To qualify, filers must have an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less. Eligible filers can choose from several software companies, answer some questions to guide the process and submit their federal return. In some cases, they may be able to file their state return for free, as well.
The IRS also has free fillable forms if you’re comfortable doing the work yourself.
If you need one-on-one help, the Kentucky Department of Revenue has 10 taxpayer service centers around the state.
Additionally, the College of Law Tax Clinic hosted by the University of Kentucky will begin taking appointments in February.
Do you have a question about your taxes in Kentucky for the Herald-Leader? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.