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.
@Kara: did you say they may need more information or they definitely do?
@RELIEF2020: WoW….just took a closer look and I do have the 846 code 2/25. Thanks a bunch.
Cycle code 20250605 feb 24 2025 what does that mean
@Tia: this u posted has to be the most beautifully ORGANIZED , DETAIL post of info for your experience… Well done..👍 You just made my day a little more less chaotic in my mind.. What a breath of fresh air that was…
I appreciate you. Thanks.💜🥰
@87manemane: no I didn’t get that msg or email
@Blessed2bme89: When did you verify?
I got acycle its 20250605 2 24 25 van anyone tell me what does rhat mean
DDD is for 02/24 SBTPG has been funded since yesterday just waiting for it to be released which looks like it will either be tomorrow or Monday. I was hoping since they got it early they would release it early, but apparently that is not the case. Either way it will be here sometime.
Idk that I will ever do the Sbtpg thing again
@Kara: I have the same message. Filed/accepted 1/31. Still have not received letter.
@Nitro: Did you receive the unable to send 5 days early message yesterday from TT?
@Don’tWanna: DID YOU Py THE FEE to have it 5 days early with TT? i have ddd 2/25 chime as well so im waiting lol
I have chime and a DDD of 2/24 and no deposit yet :/
@SamfromMA: It is Cross River and no you can’t check unfortunately. They deposit 3 times a day according to their site. 1:00 PM 5:00PM, and 6:00 PM. In the same boat and didn’t get mine so I am crossing my fingers for 5 or 6!
@Blessed2bme89: Are you with TT and did you pay the fee? Did you get fees taken out?
@Blessed2bme89: did you get a letter saying you had to verify? I just saw something on my irs account that said they needed more info to process my return but I haven’t received a letter yet
DD 2/25 Chime just hit for me.
@SamfromMA: 2-24-25 with as of 2-17
Anyone that had to vérify their return got a DDD ?
@Littlemisspatient: I heard if you did the $25 early refund fee then it goes through another bank, not sbtg…and don’t think they have a way of checking like sbtg does
@Nitro: so your DDD was 2/19?
Did you guys break the transcript site again?
@Str8Nervous: DID you chck account transcripts? im cycle 0705 got a code 846 DDD for 2/25 and if ont then you will update with all other weeklies tonight into tmrrw
TT finally dropped with Netspend 5 days early option. Supposed to have gotten it yesterday but it’s here as of now just received DD 🎉
Hi all!
Is anyone checking on SPTPG and showing a message stating not being able to locate account?
Having fees taken out from TT AND DDD 2/24. Also selected the 5 day early option but doubting that will happen. Any insite or info is appreciated!
Thank you!
and now….the end is near….the path is walked…of this I’m certain…// my bank account is drained…my bills are due…oh man I’m hurting…// I’ve filed early on…trans update…codes are all good…but now ,the weeklies wait for Fri morn ,so irs ,do what u should!
Cashapp hit 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉… I’m usually a lurker… waiting for state
Hi everyone…woke up to transcript as of date changed to 3/10 from 3/3. With processing date still 3/3. Wage & Income transcript still blank. I am a pather & still have the path message on wmr. I’m a cycle code 0705. Can anyone shed any light on the situation? Thanks
@DWAH: I hope they start showing up for you guys early tonight, like they did for us dailies! 😄🤞🏼
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
0405, 0505, 0605 and 0705… We are the real true blue weeklies! We are soldiers! Update tonight!
@Jay Jay not logged in: ugh this sucks
I got excited for a minute
@Fabfammamma: you would not have a code for the offset. You would be able to see it in wmr when it updates for you.
My return was accepted Jan. 24th. I had fees taken out and my refund just hit my Cash App a few minutes ago. I used HRB to file my own taxes online. Good luck, y’all!
@Blue chyna: if you paid for the 5 days early and you don’t get it within the time frame you don’t have to pay $25.
@RELIEF2020: thank you for your response. Made me feel a little better, but with the IRS, it’s always a waiting game. Appreciate you
@Lisa in Atlanta: I also value being honest with people. Be blessed
“Sigh” I guess the 24th isn’t to far away. i just want to know where the money is. Just tell me its okay :( lol
@Patience and Peace: Again, I’ve been here for years and I was just trying to assist with what I know. Jemar and all the other admins know me and I’ve been helping TT users on here for years. But, since you got it now…I’m out. I, like your screenname value patience and peace. :)
All of the banks that release early by 5 days. Those banks release when they receive the deposit record that money is coming. They make it available right then and there. Not sure why all these refunds are held up in the ACH system. It’s frustrating I agree. We need our money and we need it now.
@mickey m: hi yes it just says the typical weve received it topic 152 and the 21 days bs
@Mom@3: Thank you. No TT did not think this through at all. The old saying is “too many cooks” and by using too may channels for payment processing and trying to do early loans, etc..we answering the phones are taking the blunt of the blame.
@Lisa in Atlanta: I didn’t pay my fees upfront. They were from my refund. So, I am not understanding if that’s the case why SBTPG doesn’t have record of my return. You are so kind to try to help us understand! You have explained more than anyone I have spoken too but I am still confused. 😢
@Lisa in Atlanta: Your incorrect yet again most of us that did the 5 days got their fees taking out their refund and did not pay up front. So miss is with the miss information.
@Lisa in Atlanta: Understandable about you going back into the dark, Thanks for the few replies… Hoping you get nice customers the rest of the tax season now! :)
@S: so you think they will start processing the returns tomorrow