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.
Any chime users hit yet?
Republic Bank Jackson Hewitt Serv card my fees are just paid but it’s not showing received yet in other words it’s getting deposited now
@Jocelynn: I’ve been checking the Facebook group too, and no one with Spruce has hit yet….why can’t it be our turn?! 😆
@Wondering2025: I have credit karma and I did not get mine
@CrazedinGA: Tigerlili I believe that is who you are thinking about.
@Sam I am: when you say Repubkic Bank is that isn’t the same as Sbtpg right??
@SickaThisTaxIsh: I remember her!
@CrazedinGA: that was tigerlili.. she was amazing!
@CrazedinGA: is it Sheila by chance ? Sheila is very helpful with a lot
@CrazedinGA: tigerlilly I believe. I haven’t seen her yet this year she’s the best!
Spruce is slacking today. Usually I would have my refund by now, but still haven’t received it.
@Dentonj88: go check yours! My republic just updated where they have received my refund and applied a portion towards my fees… now just waiting for it to be sent to my serve express card.
846 last night EDD of 2/24 Jackson Hewitt PATHER
There was a lovely user over the last few years that had insight into how banks recieved transfers etc. I can’t recall her name, but she was brilliant and so helpful.
any updates for serve jh users with fees and advance? 846 last night. ddd 2/24.
@Txmomof3girls: Well just got off the phone with IRS. they said on feb 12th they found an error and they fixed it in the system cause they didnt send a letter or anything for us to send anything in so they fixed it on the 12th. said he cant see what the error was just that it was fixed on the 12th and done processing and that it can take up to 8 weeks from the 12th before we see our refund. would it take the 8 weeks since they fixed it themself??? any help would be appreciated
Hey, all… So I double checked my W2s and I did do a minor boo-boo, however, they will owe me $9.00. LOL Would that be for the code 570? Thank you!
@Justgivememymoneyyyyy: ok just keep me posted and I’ll do the same cause mines hit last year at 12pm
If I took the advance, can I still get the 5 days early deposit with credit karma? Has anybody with credit karma get their deposit yet?
@Dentonj88: mine says 2/24/25
My bad, it’s for the 23rd, not tonight. Worked too many hours this week thought today was 23nd. SMH!!
@Walter DOG: Thankyou my friend.
@Benita: hey great news!!!
@Justgivememymoneyyyyy: are you a chime user?
@Hrww2018: You wouldn’t see an update for your federal on the WMR besides it updating to show your acceptance. You filed on a federal holiday so your return would not have started processing until yesterday.
I really hope everyone updates, as there will be an outage 2am to 8am.
Although it doesn’t specify what time zone, I’m guessing EST.
It’ll be today… in between 5:30 and 6pm est.. that’s when mine hit last year
Folks that are receiving yours – what was your processing date?
I’m so happy I just received a DDD for my New York State refund for 2/21/2025.
Filed on the 17th for federal, under the path act and I have no update on when I will get my refund. My state was accepted on the 30th, and no updates with that either.
Chase isn’t a NHB. Such a shame
Anybody using credit karma hit?
Looks like the money dancing is going on!! Be glad when it’s my turn.
@Justgivememymoneyyyyy: same I usually get mines at 12pm im figuring tomorrow
Any chime users hit yet ?
@Walkingthepath: not yet.. waiting
@Needmymoneynow: Thanks for that info.
My TaxAct joint returns used to be free but the last 2 years have not been free. With my Wife’s W2 and my 1099 with business deductions, it’s no longer considered a “simple return”
Has any cash app users hit yet ?
Those using tt and got the 5 days early they are depositing now the gf just got hers
@HeatherAnne: the 5 days early will either get you your refund faster or they won’t charge you for it
One Card just hit. 🎊🎊😋No fees. Path 2/24 DDD