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.
Have a DDD of 2/26 and went to SBTPG for fees taking out and it says funded but still haven’t received my money yet and its going to Netspend card… What’s going on?????
Just went to the bank today and cashed out $12K felt so good
@Elle: mine said that for about a week then update to path then update to approved/ refund date. It was nothing bad
@Nelson35:
Irs shows 846 on transcript since Friday. Today Monday still haven’t received my refund. I had no third party and bank with Bank of America. They holding our money!!
@Omega dread from Florida: thanks!
@Steve: 2/25
@Omega dread from Florida: what’s your DDD?
@Stephhaze: i meant necessarily lol
@Stephhaze: not necessary. It just happened to my cousin last week and once she updated on Fri, wmr updated with her ddd on Sat and tht message went away without having an audit or anything
@Elle: my cousins wmr said the same thing last week. She is a weekly updater so it changed on Sat to her ddd. It was nothing bad for her. Hoping the same for u
@Elle: that is likely an audit.
Emerald card just hit
@Yaeee25: what state
I’m like beyond stressed out this tax season
I used Jackson Hewitt there bank got mine on the 20th and there’s a message saying it was sent to my bank (bank of America) and nothing in my account ddd is tomorrow the 25th idk why they are just setting on it
We need to join together and stop this kind of B’s from happening.. we need to band together and tell them it’s over we not accepting this kind of nonsense any longer…
@Tosha: That’s is the funniest thing all evening because I’m with you. I would have logged right back out too😭. The IRS would have to catch me later when I am rested. Not one stress to the next.
@Bobeatz: not sure, could be sometime mid march? But IRS says about 21 days 🤞
Hi, I use freetaxusa also. Cashapp told me I didn’t have a 1099b. So I filed. The next day they sent it to me😩 I got my refund today. I went in to amend the 1099b just now and it’s saying I owe my entire refund I got today . It says -6813. So I just logged out of it . I guess I put something in wrong. I’ll try it again this weekend 😩
@Missty: same, same. I’m really hoping for tomorrow
Finally received the email from Turbo that my refund is on its way and to start checking in the next 1-2 business days 😡 DDD 2/25 it’s not late but it’s definitely been a bummer seeing its been funded since 2/18
Mt wmr says they are sorry that it’s taking beyond usual time frame they are processing it as quickly as they can
Filed 2/16 with TT and have EITC…when should I expect to see my refund
@Tiffany1111: neither did mine my date is 2/26 so I’m hoping tomorrow by this time EST
Hey guys so I just thought about sharing with you guys because I didn’t earlier that , when I spoke to the rep for republic bank and she told me that since they sent it at 6:35 pm it wouldn’t be considered 24hours yet until 6:35pm Monday which is today . And at 4:37 I got my deposit . Just incase it helps with timing for some of your refunds. I think a lot of people are going to get there’s sometime tonight .
@Adepa: I think it also is determined by the status of the student loan. Whether or not your account is in good standing or in default. Because I have a student loan that’s in good standing and they didn’t take any $ from me but on the flip side now I can use this $ I’m getting to pay it 🙌 but just a lil insight
@Adepa: You’re very welcome! I’m happy for you.
@Bobeatz: mine did the exact same thing earlier and nothing was updated
@757VApather: no trace number either
@Tonicmo88: tanx soo much i called and there’s nothing!@757VApather: yes dear I did and there’s nothing none
@Tonicmo88: tanx soo much i called and there’s nothing!
@Adepa: did you call? The offset line usually has the correct info
@Yaeee: where are you located state? Are you a pather Who used TurboTax?
@Bobeatz: mines is back also but I have NO TRACE NUMBER
I DO NOT HAVE A TRACE NUMBER
DDD2/26
I usually only read here. If you are having sb bank do weird stuff like changing to 0 and back, I would just ignore it and not take it as a problem with your refund. All kinds of that reported and it is also happening to me.
@757VApather: now is completely back had to refresh
@757VApather: mine partially back has the amounts but says unfunded and the fees not paid but shows the amount paid to me I trace number
I usualy dont say much on here hope this helps a few of you waiting for a deposit….
I filed through TT 1-26-2025 did the 5 day early thing and was rejected was except 1-27-2025 as of date 2-17-2025
Cycle code 0505
DDD of 2-26-2025
And my deposit is pending in my bank account for 2-25-2025
Hope this helps Happy tax year everyone.
So, I have a CP05 coming for my Federal. Thats a good 60 day’s delay from what I am told. All I can do is hope my State goes through from Colorado.
@Bobeatz: it’s back
@Adepa: 1-800-304-3107
@757VApather: mine does too said funded since Saturday now it says unfunded
@757VApather: yes u literally just checked mine and it shows the same thing $0.00, I wonder what it can be? Hopefully it’s updating and releasing.
Anyone has the offset line please
@Sheila_33: sbtpg now says $0.00; it said funded a couple hours ago my DDDis 2/26 ; NOW EVERYTHING SAYS 0 and unknown!??
Is anyone else going through this?!!
@Sheila_33: So, the letter I am getting is a CP05. But they can’t tell me what it says or what the issue is. I assume it’s the missing 1099 but I’ll need to wait 2 weeks for that letter.
I meant sbptg says funded
@eric529: no please can I have the number please. September says funded but I have only received the state and wmr has 1 bar so I was thinking since it says funded then its not garnished
@Adepa: Yes
@Adepa: I called my loan service to place it on hold or deferment whatever it’s called so I’m good but if you didn’t you maybe in trouble
@Adepa: did you call the offset line
@Adepa: depends if you are in default it would be wise of you to call see who has your loan amd atleast talk with them they tend to try and work witu people
@Eric529: Busy as usual. Hope all is well with you. :)
Just want to know if anyone here has their money taken out by student loan?
Please help answer me