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.
@Tonicmo88: are your amounts correct
@Fabfammamma: Contact your local tax advocates office. You may be able to file a hardship and get your refund.
If you are waiting on an id verify letter but haven’t received it yet, can you just call in to id verify
@AM0704: If you had no fees or advance or anything like that, your refund doesn’t go to sbtpg.
Is sbtpg showing no account found for anyone else ddd 2/24? no fees no advance no early deposit??? Filed With Freeraxusa!!! Help
Is sbtpg showing no account found for anyone else ddd 2/24? no fees no advance no early deposit???
@Steph10: if the 846 isn’t there, then the money isn’t released. Some cards and banks will release the money ahead of the ddd once verified it’s coming.
Please help
So my entire refund if 5832 is being taken due to an offset but I got an advance of 1500 with sbtpg
What does this mean for me
Am I going to have to pay 1509 back or is it taken from my refund
I called sbtpg but the agent had no clue what I was talking about
@Que Que: did u have fees taken out of your refund?
@NYnic: That happened to me this year. Took two weeks for my transcripts to finally populate after filing. Never had that issue in previous years so I know how you feel.
@Isittoosoontoworry: No I have my return my wages transcript is still blank saying no record of return
@Tonicmo88: me either still waiting
@Benita: Congrats on your dates! I’m sort of nervous because my federal keeps saying that I haven’t processed yet but I was accepted on 2/6. So no transcripts. I have been spoiled in past years where I could at least see my transcripts within a few days. Now I’m stuck in a no information void. 😩
So I filed 1/30, transcripts updated last week Wednesday, got the path message and showed 846 code with correct refund amount DDD 2/24… why today SBTPG shows they received my refund and it’s 785 less, WMR says it may be offset, and when I recheck my transcripts it’s still showing 846 with full amount on 2/24. I called offset number no offset shows, anybody else seeing a difference in payment amount. I have no debts.
0405 weekly path
1/17 accepted been on path message for 3 weeks as of 3/3 and processing date is 2/10 I know a few others like me tonight is our night.
@Steph10: yes, my transcript updated Tuesday night and when I checked my net spend card it was on there yesterday 2/19/25 my DDD on my transcript is 02/24/2025
Everyone that has received their DD today with PATH do you guys have the 846 code on the transcript already?
I got my Illinois state refund too today yay!!!!
Chime just hit with 846 2/15
Wmr still one bar
No transcript yesterday – complete transcript this morning. Filed 2/1 accepted 2/3. No fees. Don’t sweat it, things are going better than i expected!
@846 for every 1: lol GREAT VIBES!! I like it
@ EagerlywaitingNC
That just made me lol for real. A monthly lmaoooo
I just got off the phone with Republic Bank my Federal refund was deposited the transaction happened today 2/20/25 at 1:08 pm and was released it to my bank which is US Bank could I possibly get it sooner than the 25th ? Any help please and thanks
@LWBOSS: lol I’m in line getting my ticket right now got my my caramel macchiato waiting for tonight
@Jay Jay not logged in: *and into the night
@Money Mama: 846
Updates should start up about 8:30 or 9pm tonight cause that’s how it happened for the dailies. And I’m into the night to the next day.
I’ve been going to bed earlier the last two nights like it’s Christmas to wake up and have my transcript disappoint me …. I need that 864 code 😩😩😩😂
I filed 2/7 accepted the same day not a pather 0705 cycle code only on 1 bar transcript has zeros WTH I must be a monthly
@Morris: I’m with you Morris
@I’m curious: well if you paid for 5 days early you could see it tomorrow night at latest. That’s not a guarantee but it depends if your bank processing on Saturday. Chime does not process over the weekend. If it’s not in by Friday, then you’ll have it Monday bright and early
Refund just hit Chime from republic bank who got my fees from return. Ddd2/24 Live in Ga! It’s coming guys!! Until next year!!
Sheila I have a question
Hello everyone. Filed 1/31, accepted same day. WMR has one bar and PATH message however I just checked sbtpg and they have my deposit but nothing on my cash app card yet. Good luck to everyone.
@Morris: SAME TO U
@846 for every 1: make sure y’all purchase your pick 3 tickets for 846 exact 😆 it’s going to hit for night time draw. If y’all get it, say I just hit the 846 number 😆
Hey
Looking for @tigerlilli
But if anyone knows when Green Dot will start?!
Thank you and congratulations
Yes, I’m 0605 as well. Just a few more hours I hope. Good Luck everybody!!!
@Mom@3: they are closed
Does it mean anything if my wage transcript says no record of return filed
@Jiji: if you didn’t update last night then you’re with us 0605and 0505ers updating tonight.
Also a lot of us have as of 03/25 and processing 2/17 or as of 3/25 and processing 2/24. Sit back take a nap watch a movie or just watch the site lol but it’s going down tonight.
@RELIEF2020: Thank you! Saw the 0705s updating and had to ask 😭
0505 and 0605 tonight is our night… We’re right at the finish line and I guess we’re the largest group because believe it or not their many of us not everyone post some just sit back and wait too see what others say. But the bottom line is tonight it’s going to be the biggest update it always is.
@Jiji: Yes what’s going on with 0605?
@Lisa in Atlanta: I have Chime. I started using it for work. They GREAT, in my opinion.
@Jiji: you will update tonight! more than likely your DDD 2/26
@Snoopy06: YOU SHOULD UPDATE TONIGHT do you have access to your transcripts? when did you file and when did the irs accept the return
@I’m curious: depends on the bank. A paycheck for the 25th shows up on the 24th, and if that falls on a Monday, I see mine on the preceeding Friday. Treasury payments dated for a day generally show up that day or 430pm the preceeding day, but that was with sbtpg involved. I paid fee up front this year. So, we shall see…
@Vee2021: Hmm, I’m going to say ID verification if you’ve had no movement since you were accepted. When did the all zero’s appear?
Well my SBTPG page says funded. Lets hope that my bank doesn’t play any games in the final moments. Every other year it happens.
What is up with cycles 0605😩
@wade123: correct if IRS needs anything they will send out a letter to you which your transcript would populate with 971 (notice sent).
I’m wondering i those of us that get 846 tonight will we see funds on saturday or not because it is the weekend. I know alot of ppl received theres today that got dd for 0/24
i seen a pending deposit in my account and got sooo hypeee…. it’s just my paycheck tho :(