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.
Hey everyone. I’ve been here for years. I’ve only been watching this year so far but I filled this is year on 2/14 accepted the same day. I’m 05 they still have not even started processing my return. I check my trans and my 2024 isn’t even there. What’s up this year? Sorry I’ll update my profile soon
@Lisa in Atlanta: yeah I mean I guess my only thing is i just want to know where my funds are. Like with SBTPG you can see your money moving.
If my refund was going to be offset…would I have a code? I apparently was over issued foodstamps in 2021 and was told my refund would be taken.
I have an 846 code with DD of 2/25 with the full amount of my refund
I do not if I should expect a surprise with my refund gone at the time of deposit
@RI tax girl: have you checked to see if you have a message on wmr . I’m in the same boat weekly not processing with a date of 03/03 but on wmr it says the following:We received your tax return and are reviewing it. If we need additional information, we’ll mail a notice with further instructions.
If you’ve already received a notice, please follow the instructions.
If we determine no additional information is needed, we’ll continue to process your refund. I have no notices on my tax account as of yet
Please help
If my refund was going to be offset…would I have a code? I apparently was over issued foodstamps in 2021 and was told my refund would be taken.
I have an 846 code with DD of 2/25 with the full amount of my refund.
I am not sure if I will be surprised with my refund taken once its time for deposit
@Jennthepen: oh wow I guess Monday it is for me as well too that sucks tho they shouldn’t get people hopes up by putting that on there saying 2/19 and then have to wait till Monday smh but thanks for all the help and support and answers back
Hi Everyone! Just a quick update; I’m cycle 20250605, as of date 03/03 and processing date 02/24. I’m Path, no movement on transcripts for the last weeks. All good codes, waiting on 846. Almost there!
@Lisa in Atlanta: that’s exactly why I didn’t opt for it. It made no sense to get it if you’re on path. There is no scenario where path refunds can be funded before it lifts mid February. Crazy that they didn’t consider that when offering
@Michelle P: thank you
@Justin0255: It’s ok. I’ve been a resident IGMR user since the message board days. ;) Some know I work for TT, but most don’t.
@Waiting patiently: 10:52 am
@Lisa in Atlanta: well if you work for turbo tax customer support. Im sorry was not expecting you here…lol :)
@Waiting patiently: I called TT yesterday. The guy said even though the IRS approval was there. I still had to wait until 2/24.
@Nynah: they got mine says funded but has 2-24 I called n they talking bout Monday I’ll get it
@Denise’s: did you do the 5 day refund thing?
@RI tax girl: probably means you are a weekly. Your transcripts will most likely be populated tomorrow sometime with DDD updating Saturday Morning…
@Justin0255: HEYYYYYYY!! LOL, we’re doing our best. ;)
@Jennthepen: hey when did you receive that email from tt?
@RI tax girl: Same.🙄🙄
@Jennthepen: same here and customer support has no idea and giving dumb answers lol.
Sbtpg says it doesn’t have a account for me
@Jennthepen: yes mines still says that too smh it’s crazy like who do we call cause if our refund was supposed to be delivered yesterday and it’s not there then what’s going on
When I go to the TT site, it still shows 2/19 as my estimated delivery date. With this; We could not expedite your refund. No 5-day early fee was charged. Even after receiving the email.
@Mom@3: not yet
@Denise’s: I know that but wouldn’t they have mine if I’m not being charged the $25 fee to get it early that’s why i said that tt took it back they aren’t doing the 5 day early with mines anymore so if they aren’t and it’s just regular fees coming out wouldn’t sbtpg have it