key tax return and refund dates
When can you file your taxes?
You can submit your tax return before the IRS begins processing as early as the first week of the year with many tax preparation providers. You don’t need to wait until the IRS begins accepting tax returns but you must have the proper forms and paperwork. Some forms are not available until mid January. Tax returns filed before the IRS officially opens sit in a “queue” and are held until the IRS officially begins accepting tax returns.
Your tax return may be selected in a test batch. If you e-file early and it sits in queue, your return may be sent to the IRS early. This can result in early direct deposits depending on the payment provider you select. Our cycle chart will update with key dates including test batch dates.
When does the IRS accept tax returns?
The IRS usually opens around the third week of January each year. They announce the opening date early in January.
The IRS will begin accepting tax returns on January 26, 2026.
When is the IRS test batch?
If you file your tax return early, it may be sent to the IRS in a test batch before the IRS has officially opened for the year. It is usually a week before the date the IRS begins accepting tax returns. This has resulted in refunds in the past that can be posted by direct deposit as early as the day after tax season opens.
When will I get my tax refund?
Early filers whose returns are accepted in a test batch can anticipate a tax refund as early as the day after the IRS opens the January filing season if your return was in the test batch. The day that the IRS deposits refunds varies for regular returns but we notice trends based on the method you chose to file and select to direct deposit. You can use our tax refund calendar or refund cycle chart to help find out when you will get your tax refund.
Where is the IRS refund cycle chart?
The IRS no longer publishes an official tax refund cycle chart. It has been eliminated and replaced with IRS FAQ. Since then, dozens of versions have popped up, some better than others.
That’s where we step in.
Get the dates, skip the guessing.
Each year, we compile the most accurate Refund Cycle Chart, built from IRS manuals, payout trends, PATH Act release dates, holidays, and real user updates, so you don’t have to guess when your refund will hit.
Check the IGMR Refund Cycle Chart and see when your money’s coming.
tax refund grapevine
This is a user-to-user community of taxpayers. Share experiences and ask questions below in our Live Discussion. We have learned more about tax refunds than we ever wanted to know.
tax refund tools
IRS Update Cycle
Use the IRS Update Cycle chart to find the days and times the WMR and transcript update.
When are Updates?
The IRS has regular mass update cycles.
WHEN DOES WHERES MY REFUND (WMR) UPDATE?
Where’s My Refund can update any day of the week. But there are mass updates on Wednesday and Saturday when a lot of people see an update. Use our calendar to find out what day you can expect to see updates on Where’s My Refund.
WHEN DO transcripts update?
Transcripts can update any day of the week. But there are mass updates on Tuesday and Friday. Use our calendar to find out what day you can expect to see an update on your transcript.
Got a Notice CP53E, which tells me the IRS does not know a bank, routing number or account number for my refund. Tried to find where to input that information online – tried a week. There is nothing, nowhere that addresses where exactly to input this information. Not on any of the links provided, not where in the routing through the information tree.
I accidently found in under “Profile” tab, within the Profile screen, in list called “Banking Information.”
Nowhere, nowhere is that explained.
When is the next transcript update and/or WMR update anticipated to happen?
I filed late this year (filed and accepted on May 19). Will that in and of itself cause delays?
Hello, if Republic Bank said that my fees we’re taken out on Friday and my refund was sent to my bank (I used cash app) when would it deposit on my card? I thought cash app didn’t hold funds. Thanks.
@MommaLee89: Hello yes its been 6 weeks for me. Hopefully we here something soon.My wages just showed up Friday so im hoping they get to me and you soon.Ill keep you posted. Good luck to the both of Us
Today makes 5 weeks since amendment was received but originally filed in January 🙄
Ik next year I’m gonna be a forensic scientist when it comes to my taxes because this long of a wait and forced amendment for something they could have corrected along time ago and let me go on about my life is diabolical!! 🤣🤣
Part2: I just want to ensure that those that have had to Amend their tax’s as well and are currently for that 846, if this is an good sign 😊
Hey, my fellow 570 and 971s! So I found my amended tax return May 7 and I just received this notice on the irs.gov and on my IRS app. Now, according to Google this means that they a receive my amended taxes and that is currently going to review. Is that correct?
We received your tax return and are reviewing it for accuracy. We are holding your refund until we finish reviewing the information you reported. This review may take up to 60 days.
You don’t need to contact us at this time. If you received a Letter 4464C from us, please visit Understanding Your Letter 4464C for more information. I haven’t received a letter yet just like I’ve never received a CP005 letter either.
@Zara1: just that they received my amendment and it will take up to 16 weeks to process
@MommaLee89: How are you? Any updates.Im still at received.Im at 6 weeks lol.I wonder what does the 971 letter will say when I get it.Did you receive your letter yet?
@Annaka: congratulations on your 846
@Annaka: congratulations on the 846!!!
Good morning, I just wanted to give an update since I had so many questions a few days ago. Yesterday morning (Thursday) my WMR changed from “still being processed” to ” Is being processed” and today my transcripts finally updated with the 846 code and a date for June 8th. I explained my situation a couple of posts ago, filed a couple of months ago, transcripts saying no return filed, irs account said I needed to verify, but I didn’t receive a notice, so I requested them to resend one. They did, and I verified online, waited a couple of weeks then called. The IRS rep checked and said to give it about 9 days then check WMR and if I didn’t receive it in 9 weeks to call back.
@Annaka: Being processed means that have started back processing your return. Still being processed your at a stand still.Please look up the Difference on Google or the site..Good luck
Hello 👋, another question, and sorry for all of the long comments. Does anyone know if there is a difference between the IRS WMR website changing from “your return is still being processed” and last night it changed to just “being processed” ? I
So last week I was finally able to talk to a live person and she asked me some questions and put me on hold. Then she said that my stuff was verified a couple of days before and she could see I had direct deposit and told me to wait about 9 days and check WMR. 9 days will be Saturday
She said if I haven’t gotten it in 9 weeks to call back. Can they see what day we’re supposed to update? None of my 2025 transcripts are showing, and it still says no return filed even though I have one bar on WMR. My wages transcripts still say “The TDS system has encountered an unrecoverable error”
** 2nd part to my comment**
I did receive another notice about two weeks later and it had the number I needed (also, if it matters I have an IP pin and I think that makes me a weekly, and I got the letter on a Friday, so I know they usually update weeklies on Fridays) after I finished verifying my return with my adjusted gross income and said yes I did file, it said congratulations your verification is complete. So I waited another 2 weeks waiting on my transcripts to update. My account just looks like I didn’t file a 2025 return, and my Wages transcripts have been saying “The TDS system has encountered an unrecoverable error processing request” Has anyones transcripts said that before and what does it mean?
**Comment too long**
Hello, I have a couple of questions if anyone is still on here. I filed my taxes and I had to verify my identity and return. I tried to do it on my IRS account because that’s where I saw a notice saying that I needed to verify that I filed my return or not. I couldn’t finish online because I didn’t have a letter with a control number . I waited about a week and then I pressed the link in my account for them to resend the notice, even though I didn’t know if they had sent one or not. I got the notice in the mail about 2 weeks later…
**Comment too long finishing post in next comment…
So we have to amend to fix the cp05?
@J43918557: Good Evening. I’m not sure but keep checking your transcripts if possible.Once you see 846 in your account transcripts it could be any day.Depending on if your getting direct deposit or paper check.Which day did you notice the 977 acceptance for your amended?The reason I’m asking my was excepted on April 11th .Pretty much it took you 8 weeks to be completed. That’s great.It gives me hope.Once last question did you have to ID verify your amended. Good luck.You should have your refund very soon
Question! I filed an amended return in mid March, logged on to IRS.gov and it says it was completed on 5/15, and that it will result in a refund. Does anyone know how long it takes to receive an amended return refund once you hit that stage?
@MommaLee89: Hello thank you so much and same to you.I use my sister’s account to reply to you.At the time my phone was at 2 percent. Ill keep you informed. Hopefully we can get our money soon
@Ris: did you get it already? It usually comes earlier than the date
@Yandyy00: same to you hun
@MommaLee89: Hello yes amen 🙏. I’ll keep you updated. Have a great weekend
Good morning
I went from 971 to 570 then to 846 all in one week. Keep watching the transcripts! It shows a deposit date for 6/1 but based on last return deposit came like a week earlier than that. This is from a previous year I didn’t file. Hopefully there is movement for everyone soon
@Zara1: same to you hun, praying we go into June with lots of money!!🙏🏾
@MommaLee89: Hello Yes I updated also with 977 and 971… Good luck to you
@Zara1: I updated on the 6th with codes 977 & 971. They received my amendment on 4/20
@MommaLee89: Hello how are you?I finally updated today on transcripts to show that they received my amended on the 11th of last month. It took 4 weeks for it to be put in the system. It has not updated on WMR yet.Im thinking tomorrow morning. It shows code 977 by amended.Im going to look up that code in a few..Have you updated with anything yet?Good luck
@Annaka: I’m waiting in the same thing
@Nosyposwy: Im not really sure im sorry.Do you mind telling me when did you submit your amended return?I submitted on April 11th and its been 4 weeks and I still dont see it online.2 weeks ago I called and was toldthey received it.I didn’t tell her the date I sent it by efile she told me so I know they have it.Thanks in advance. Good luck to you.
Anyone know when amended returns are deposited if the 846 code is shown 5/18 ?
4883c
Does anyone have a phone number to talk to a live person at IRS? I had to verify my return, and I did. But my account still says no return filed. My wage transcript says the TDS system has encountered an unrecoverable error, it said that before I verified my return though. I don’t have any codes, nothing. WMR says my return is still being processed and no further information is needed at this time. But my transcripts say no return filed. The number I keep calling is automated and I can’t get through to talk to anyone. Thanks
Hope yall had a Happy Morhers day weekend, So I filed right at deadline 4/15 I got accepted the next day but I been stuck on processing when I log into irs saids it hasn’t been process and only transcript I see is wage do I need to reach out to irs or give it more time?
How do I get to a tax advocate because they keep asking why I want one?
@Tiredofthis.: I didn’t have to verify my identity. I had to verify my return. I already have an IP pin and ID.me account. I had to verify that I filed a return. I was able to do it online. Is that the same thing? Thank you.
@Annaka: I hope your not like me filed January 24 did id verify then 971 still waiting.
Hello again, I know there aren’t many people still on here, but does anyone know how long it takes to get your refund after verifying my return? Thanks
@Mr. File your Taxes: I was able to complete my amended form through TurboTax and it was accepted today through IRS! So my fingers crossed now…been waiting since 3/2 smh
@OhioBred87: You will have to mail them in. You can print the tax return off turbotax and send it in that way.
@OhioBred87: that is super weird but I hope we all update to that 846 soon!!🙏🏾
@MommaLee89: the thing has changed for me is my as of date now says February 16! So I don’t know what’s going on but I hope this means some type of progression towards 846!
@Beenpatientallmylifetillnow: mine just updated to February 16, 2026! I don’t know what this means hopefully it’s some good news because I need my 846! I have been stuck with the 570 and the 971 since March 2!
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