Where’s my refund? What Metro Detroiters need to know before filing taxes in 2026

NEW YORK: As tax season begins in Metro Detroit, many filers are already searching “Where’s my refund?” to inform themsleves related to the tax refund process. According to the IRS, the fastest way to track and receive a refund is by filing electronically, choosing direct deposit, and double-checking returns to avoid errors. Still, IRS officials caution that not everyone who files will receive a refund.

Over coffee and breakfast at Kerby’s Coney Island in Southfield, diners shared how they’re approaching tax season. “Get your paperwork ready early and don’t wait until the last minute and stress out over it,” said Reed, a local customer.

Tax experts say filing early is especially important for anyone hoping to avoid fraud and get a quicker answer to the question, “Where’s my refund?” Roane Gaddy, a tax preparer with H&R Block, warns taxpayers to be on the lookout for scammers posing as the IRS through letters, texts, or phone calls. “Most of the time, people who obtain your information fraudulently will try to file returns early,” Gaddy said.

Several changes in the tax code for 2025 could also impact refunds this year. Gaddy says the two biggest updates are no tax on overtime and no tax on tips. “Hardworking Americans who work overtime or in restaurants will be able to deduct a significant portion of that income from their taxable income,” she explained.

Other updates include a slight increase in the child tax credit, from $2,000 to $2,200 per child. Seniors will also see a new deduction of $6,000 per individual, or $12,000 for married couples. This deduction begins to phase out for taxpayers with a modified adjusted gross income over $75,000, or $150,000 for joint filers.

And for anyone wondering, “Where’s my refund?” later this season, the IRS is reminding taxpayers that paper checks are being phased out. Most refunds will now be issued through electronic deposit, with rare hardship exceptions.

Finally, taxpayers who earned $89,000 or less in adjusted gross income last year may qualify for IRS Free File, which offers free tax preparation software.