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.
@Vany: Give it from today till Monday.
I know EIC doesn’t release till mid Feb but could March, but would there be a delay on transcripts populating too? (Accepted on 17th)
@Sheila_33: Thanks sheila
@Keishalove33: Just hang in there, i suspect you may see something tomorrow.
@Sheila_33: Thankyou Sheila I have access to my transcripts nothing on them. 2024 account not showing as yet the only thing is showing 2024 verification letter record not filed. Sheila I’m on this site every year I just stay in the background I been seeing you give all the help you can for many years thanks for all you do.
@Keishalove33: Are you able to access your transcripts online? Sorry, if I don’t remember. If you were accepted Friday, I think you may see something on the transcript tomorrow. Your return has been in the system for almost a week, and the system needs to address it. I’m not Walter, he’s the cool kid, but I try to take up help when he’s not here, lol.
@Walter DOG: My cycle code is 05. I was just accepted today. When do you think the transcript will update my friend?
Top of the afternoon my peeps you know everyone is upset about Path Act and well your right it doesn’t help a dam thing but it makes money for the suppliers like TT,Hr block…. That was the point without Path no need for advance and really no need to pay for return Free tax USa is easy but the don’t offer advance without advance everyone would just do their return for free and in a few days get your money are you seeing the point of Path Act it’s called lobbying Congress
@Walter DOG: Thanks Walter being that I was accepted on January 17th do you think my transcripts will update tomorrow as well and when did you get accepted thankyou.
@Keishalove33: not yet I’m weekly so only update on Thursday nights into Friday mornings
@cmaine: mine still says pending i don’t understand the delay
An update just got the advance. YEAH!!
@Walter DOG: Hi Walter just a quick question did your transcripts update as yet I’m a weekly got accepted on January 17 I’m also a pather any help will be of great help for me to when I will update thankyou.
The IRS has received the return. What does that mean in terms of getting an advance from Turbotax?
@Walter DOG: @Walter DOG: You sure did say that. Everything is looking good so far. Thanks for everything! 🙏🏾
Why is Turbo Tax not updating to accepted since the IRS website has updated
just got a text message from Republic Bank-Your Federal Tax refund has been sent to your account and will be available in 1-5 business days.
@John-Jaw: Its very possible.
Just as a data point – filed last Thursday (1/16), was accepted a day later, and was approved today (1/23). No child tax credit or anything like that. Where’s my Refund says I’ll get direct deposit refund sent by January 27.
Obviously I got in the test batch group.
@2blessed: I told you that you were good,they get from certain suppliers
@Dentonj88: no it does not
Just checked my transcripts. Updated with several codes and 846 with refund date of 1/28/25 filed on 1/8/25 with turbo tax. Got the refund advance on 1/15/25 when irs accepted my return. Now just waiting for 1/28 to get my refund. Non-pather. WMR still only has one bar with generic tax message
@NYkhidd: no not accepting yet until Monday or Wednesday I’m from ny too.
@@starchild1111: congrats brah!
Does the IP pin apply to everyone?
@Sheila_33:
So if not this week. Then acceptance next week?
I know this not the state forum .. by any chance did anyone hear about any NY state acceptances yet ?