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.
@Walter DOG: should I be worried that my as of date keeps changing. It’s been changing through 2/24 and 3/3. I have all good codes and path message on WMR.
@4224: I am cycle code 0705 I filed with Jh with advance and fees taken out and today I updated to 846 with ddd of 25th but always receive it the same day of getting 846
@Jersey girl: tonight technically because it’s after 12 eastern time
@Devinator: I’m a weekly and my cycle code is 20250505 and my transcripts updated to the 846 with a DDD of 2/24. I’m not sure when it updated. The last time I checked before today was Monday night.
@Walter DOG: ok thanks for some reason I thought processing started so that we can update tomorrow night into Friday
@TinaR2025: yes my son has the same message on WMR he can see his transcripts, but They are not filled yet with any codes and have all Zeros
I will make sure to update his information so you can know his status and it can help you maybe
@Sickntired: mines did too
@BigTa: ok same here I was like what the heck is going on I’m cycle 0405 also.
@Walter DOG: I’m weekly and I already got my 846.
@Walter DOG: Hi Walter hope your night is going well. My transcripts as of dates change again to the original as of Feb 17 2025 and processing remain at Feb 10 2025 did it a few minutes ago I see alot of 05cycle update I’m 0405 what’s going on with your transcripts.
I just updated to 846 with a dd for 2/25.My cycle is 0705
Omg WTH is going on now my transcript as of date changed to Feb 17,2025
@Jersey girl: no weekly is tomorrow night early Friday morning
My code is 20250505 accepted Jan 27 . No 846 yet . Only 150 806 766 768 as of Feb 24 , 2025. When will the 846 hit. Wii transcript update tonight. Please help . Thanks
@Clos: mine has been changing between 3/3 and 2/24 it’s crazy
Anyone else seeing your refund is still being processed and a refund date will be provided when available? Is that bad ? Can’t get into my transcripts to look so I’m kinda freaking out
@Justagirl: what was your cycle code?
@4224: 0705
I don’t check my transcripts. WMR app and WMR hotline only. No updates at all. Just the Path message been there for a week. Filed 1/31 accepted within minutes. I checked my WMR about 1pm today nothing had changed. As with the hotline recorded PATH automated message. Nothing. Checked Republic Bank about 5pm this afternoon just bc wasn’t expecting anything. My money was sent to the bank today. Updates are not showing but money is being sent. My full federal refund amount is pending in my bank account right now.
@Clos: same 0405 changed back to 2/17 I’m confused of what’s happening atp🤦🏾♀️
Good Night All!! Is it a bad thing that my transcript only has a fluctuating as of date, but no other info populated? Filed 1/25, accepted 1/27, pather, received 12C letter almost 2 wks ago, responded with requested info, was told by rep that I was pushed back into regular processing on 2/13, still no other update.
@Benita: what’s your cycle code?
????… so if im 0705 does me updating with 846 tonight make me a daily or am I a weekly?
@Walter DOG: hi processing for weeklies has started correct?
Weekly 0405 path
As of date changed again 3/3 back to 2/17