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.
@I need my money please: 846 code is refund issued & date shown on account transcript.
Updated 846 2/26
What’s 846?
@ChristineG84: I think it means some kind of letter was sent. But there should be someone in here soon that could tell you more.
Filed 2/12 Accepted 2/13 had all 0s on account transcript up until just now all good codes with 846 for 2/26/2025. My 2024 return transcript still shows the verification of non filing letter however
Hi everyone, what does it mean if my transcript updated tonight with a 971 immediately followed by 846? I know for sure the 971 wasn’t there before tonight, as I’ve been checking my transcripts everyday.
@FrazierGurl: I got my 846 too!!! Yay we are part of the party!!
@Tia: You were right😊
0505 weekly just updated with the 846 for 2/26.
@FrazierGurl: It took me a few tries but finally was able to see them. I kept getting errors at first but just kept trying.
I finally got in and I have my 846. Wooohoooo 🥳🎉🎉
Updated to 846, Weekly 0605. I don’t know the exact time I updated but I just checked it, 11:04 Pacific Time and voila! Congrats to all those who updated. I’ll still be here lurking lol.
Finally! The coveted 846 on my transcript!! Won’t be much longer now!
@FrazierGurl: Maybe they are updating. Keeping fingers crossed.
@Nitamarie: it went through sbtpg? I did that and used Credit Karma card.
@Walter DOG I know right I thought that was odd.
Anyone else not able to access their transcripts?
Aww I can’t tell if I’m am part of the 846 party. I can’t access transcripts right now.
@IAMHeiress: have you got a letter yet ,haven’t seen 810 without other codes like 424 or 420
@C: thanks for reply ✨
846 DD date 02/26 . No fees taken out 5 days early
@Nelson Yes
@BamaBoy: that’ is not true my daughter path lifted Tuesday night her money was in her bank on Wednesday. Turbo tax no fees paid up front
@BamaBoy: thays
@jemar707: No thank you and this beautiful community for creating this site and always helping others. My knowledge of the irs and taxes has always been on another level because of this site and I’ll be forever grateful for that.
@Graciousgambino: i got my 846 at midnight 2/20. It’s now 1:32a.m. and abtpg shows funded but nothing on credit karma yet.
@souknow: It means you’re getting a check sent to you
SBTPG says funded and shows amount paid to me, but nothing on Credit Karma yet. How long is this supposed to take?
@Jaynsyncere: no deposit yet, my SBTPG has not been funded yet. I have an account credit karma, so hopefully a deposit later today.
Is 846 date the day I get my deposit I have Bank of America
Can’t check transcript when does sbtpg usually update after 846 code? I know I usually receive my deposit before wmr ever updates !
@jemar707: thank you, figured that but wanted to be sure.
@BamaBoy yes usually that is the way through SBTPG
@Vin310: You got your deposit already?
@Walter DOG: No other codes. Just the 810 that processed on 2/11.
If you didn’t pay fees upfront through TT, you have to wait until actual DDD?
@Vin310: So honored to hear that and glad you are here. :)
Oh, since this was my first year taking out an advance, how does the deposit work out with Credit Karma? Do I just expect to wait until 02/26 or is there a chance I’ll get it before then?
Received my 846 deposit for 2/26 This site has helped me since 18 and I’ll be going on 36 next month this site is a blessing.
Now let’s go NHB’s!!!
https://igotmyrefund.com/no-hold-bank-nhb-or-traditional-financial-institution-tfi/
@MousyMouse: Totally normal. WMR doesn’t normally update for at least a day after your transcripts update. Congrats on your 846!!!!
How we doing out here at the OG IGMR? I am not sure Sheila was awake for the update. Congrats anyone who got their DDD!
Now it’s time to wait for Chime to drop 🎉🥳💰
846 Code finally appeared. 2/26/25 DDD but the path message is still showing and I still have 1 bar showing on WMR. I guess none of that matters now. See you all next year. Take it easy.
I plan to SAVE SAVE SAVE it’s going to be an uncertain year.