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: They held my husbands. SBBT was funded last Friday but his DD did not hit his CK card until the 20th the day he was suppose to get it. The advance slows the process for sure. Good luck
Can anyone tell me how to get a tax advocate? I got code 570 and 971 two weeks ago and have not received a letter ? Is there a number I can call ?
@wade123: me too wade
I filed on 1/27 and got accepted the same day. My transcripts had no movement for 21 days so i knew something was wrong. I didnt get any letters or notices in the mail. So i decided to call IRS on Tuesday 2/18 and they say said I have to verify myself in person. Made an appointment and verified in person Wednesday 2/19. They told me i would have to wait an additional 9 weeks. However, my transcripts updated this morning and I got an 846 code yay! DDD is 2/26
I wrote this long message, just in case somebody’s going through something similar.
Thank you to everyone that has helped answer my questions and gave me advice. I will be back next year. Good luck to everyone!
@S. CARTER: My friend’s transcript is reading the same. I think the IRS is processing all day today so that can change.
@Walter DOG: Yes, received the letter over a week ago, responded to it same day by online verify for requested info.
Transcript has been blank this entire time with just a chamging as of date. was told it was moved back into regular processing on 2/13 and under review, then the 810 just popped up this morning.
My wmr says I have an offset but I can’t find anything anywhere. I’ve checked the irs website and I owe nothing. Will it show that cause my loans were forgiven? My transcripts say 846 and refund processed. Any ideas?
@Monee: Well, i didn’t scroll back far enough to see the codes but I always think it’s a positive when the Wmr shows some movement. That 810 is freezing your credits. File anything different this year?
DD in my bank account this morning.
Filed 1-28
Transcripts updated 2-19 with 846 for 3-3
Hey all. Cycle code 20250507. Used to with fees taking out this year. I just checked and sptbg has updated with my account funded and paid out. Suppose to be 2 25 date. I’ll know later today if they send to my bank. I use wells fargo and get my disability 5 days early so this shpuld be early as well I’ll keep updated
We have a link that explains the cycle codes a lot better than I can.
https://igotmyrefund.com/irs-cycle-code/
Got 846 ddd2/26 paid for 5 days early so i should get money today?
@wade123: Did you get any updates?
What does it mean if your transcript cycle code ends in 0505?
@wade123: Well drat. I was hoping for a 571.
Well hell yeah lol…I haven’t checked won’t or transcripts this entire time until today….got my 846 2/26. Got the CK card but did the advance so I know I won’t get it earlier.
@Monee: that 810 is a freeze, I would watch WMR and transcripts closely. Hopefully it will resolve quickly!
@Sheila_33: Well, after a week of code 570 I finally updated to 971
@Monee: I would say that’s a positive. :)
@batgirlpa: Your actual amount. NOT the amount WITH fees taken out
@Iwantitnow: congrats!me too same
When checking with Santa Barbara Bank to see if they received the funds, what amount do I put in? There’s an offset on mine so not sure if I put what I filed for or the actual amount being refunded and sent to SB
Is anyone with a 2/24 date still waiting on DD ? i’m using CK and got an advance –