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.
Was just able to get transcripts loaded 846!!!!
@Nelson35: congratulations
@Sickntired: what’s the as of date?
@Txmomof3girlsnotsignedin: exactly! Weeklies will *only* update on Thursday nights and into Friday. If any 05 updates before then, they are a daily. And people have to remember, dailies can update any day of the week….which is why some daily 05’s were updating tonight. Just because the ‘mass’ update for dailies was last night, there can still be more throughout tonight. 05 ‘weeklies’ will not update until starting tomorrow night….you are spot on! 😊
@Txmomof3girls: Alright thanks for letting me know.
SBTPG updated. I got my 846 code last night and they received my refund earlier today, but how long until they disburse to me?
@Tia: however if you’re self-employed you will not have 806. 806 is for W-2 and 1099 withholding only.
@Nelson35: congratulations, where your transcripts blank with all zeros?
@Sickntired: great it’s 2/25
@Jersey girl: good I was worried I had no transcripts up until tonight and it went straight to 846
@Txmomof3girls: ya I just don’t understand this still no 846 yet. Guess the process date has nothing to do with it. Idk.
@Josey 33: 570 is a delay in processing. The 971 is they’re sending a letter explaining the delay and if they need anything from you or just more time.
Any idea why my transcript is unavailable at this time? 150 768 860 3/3 as of date.. 0705 transcripts updated Friday morning
@Sickntired: I figured self employment income my husband never has 806 on his transcripts either.
@Miami_Dade_305: same here 😔 with this path act BS. Did you get word on your state at least yet?
@4boysMeemaw: no I don’t have w-2 I’m self employed.
@Txmomof3girls: right and it shows my – balance at top and I know for sure everything is fine. I’m self employed. All same codes on transcript as previous years before 846.