(WAVE) – Kentuckians are being urged to file their 2025 income tax returns early and electronically as new mailing and refund rules take effect ahead of the April 15, 2026, tax deadline.
Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday highlighted changes that could affect when returns are considered “on time” and how quickly refunds are issued, particularly for those who rely on paper filing or direct deposit.
Postmark Changes Could Affect On‑Time Filing
State officials are warning that changes at the U.S. Postal Service may affect the postmark date that appears on mailed tax returns and payments. If a postmark is later than expected due to processing delays, taxpayers could face penalties or interest.
Because postmarks may no longer reliably reflect the date items are dropped off at local post offices, the Beshear administration and the Kentucky Department of Revenue are recommending several steps for taxpayers who still mail paper returns:
- File electronically to remove uncertainty about the filing date
- If mailing, request a manual postmark at the post office counter
- Mail early rather than waiting until the April 15 deadline
- Consider certified or registered mail to obtain proof of mailing
Direct deposit refund changes
Beginning April 1, 2026, Kentucky will adopt enhanced national fraud‑prevention standards affecting how income tax refunds are sent by direct deposit.
To receive a refund by direct deposit, the name on the tax return or refund application must exactly match the name on the bank account receiving the funds. If the names do not match, the Department of Revenue will issue a paper check instead, which could add time to the refund process.
The state is urging both individual taxpayers and businesses to verify their legal name and bank account information before filing to avoid delays or complications with refunds.
Other changes
- Filing season dates: Kentucky’s 2025 individual income tax filing season opened Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
- Check refund status online: Taxpayers can track the status of their Kentucky refund online by entering their Social Security number and the exact expected refund amount.
- Free filing option: The commonwealth offers KY File, a no‑cost option to file Kentucky individual income tax returns electronically.
- Getting help:
- Submit a general inquiry on the Department of Revenue (DOR) website under “Get Help.”
- Call DOR taxpayer assistance at (502) 564‑4581. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
- Visit one of Kentucky’s 10 Taxpayer Service Centers across the state for in‑person assistance.
State officials reiterated that filing early, filing electronically, and double‑checking account information are the best ways for Kentuckians to protect themselves from penalties, mailing issues and refund delays this tax season.