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.
@hellolo: when they tell you via direct deposit you should have a trace or about to get a trace. The “via direct deposit” is a hint that the money was actually sent. That wording will change soon.
@shelleybeanss: I hear ya I am that person as well lol
@Jenny04: I read in the IGMR Facebook group that apparently SBTPG only updates their site once a day so if you call and it says sent via direct deposit it means they received it, and you have a trace number it just won’t show until the next update. If it doesn’t say sent “via direct deposit” it means Stbtg haven’t sent it yet.
@Jenny04: same, automated line says sent to bank but no trace and my dd is 2/26 chime has never held any deposit…
TT 2/26 chime still waiting 😬
@LJH: all of us 2/25 peeps 😂 we need our moolah!!
@Starchild1111: when’s your ddd?
@Jenny04: from what I understand once sbtpg states it was already sent to your bank, then it’s when the bank releases it. After researching about mvb (credit karma’s bank) they apparently post direct deposits in the afternoons. So I’m assuming I’ll see mine this afternoon. I would recommend giving your netspend a call to see if they see it pending and when they usually post direct deposits. This year has definitely been weird. I’ve used ck for three years now and it has posted lhe day before or day of. But I’ve never seen it go until the afternoon of the day of. So I’m thinking their bank has changed its policy on direct deposits this year. I also think it’s my last using them and TT to be honest. I need consistency 😂
@Krisssss: same
@Starchild1111: wish i would get a trace number on sbtpg.. my date is for tomrrow and no trace number just saying they sent it to my bank which is netspend bank.. idk what is going on…
@shelleybeanss:
I guess everyone is contacting CK this morning… I am in a 41 min hold queue for chat support lol
I hope my refund hits my account before the rep is available
@Sheila_33: question once u see a trace number on SBTG what I do with that ? Of course this something. New I’m seeing abiut the trace number thanks in advance
@shelleybeanss: sbtpg say mine was funded and i have a DDD of 2/26/25 going to my netspend card. when i call the phone it says that the amount was sent and to call my bank about it but i dont have a tracking number either. when will sbtpg release my funds to netspend?
Good morning all,
My DDD was today and I used turbo tax with fees out of refund and advance.
No money yet. I chatted with credit karma and the rep said that the system is experiencing some delays but it should post at some point today.
Kind of a non answer but thought I would share what I have.
I now see a trace number what do I do with it ? This my first time seeing a trace nun on sbtg
Sbtpg and tt is going to be disappointed next year when ppl file else where.
@Ms.j.g.wentworth: you can call sbtpg automated line to see if the funds have been sent even if no trace number is showing. I don’t have a trace number either but when I call the system says the funds have been sent to my financial institution. Sbtpg phone is 800-779-7228
@Sheila_33: Thank you for that Information! Spoke with an advocate today that state identity verification is needed to continue processing, she provided the number 18008305084 to verify, so that is in motion
@Ms.j.g.wentworth: if you opted for the 5 days early that went through a different bank and they are automatically refunded when they can’t fund u to 5 days early. But if you’re going through sbtpg, then you didn’t opt for the “up to 5 days early” option. Sbtpg has always held funds up to the day before or day of ddd. Many banks do though for any direct deposits. Banks are notified of funds 2-3 business days before the actual post date. It’s to collect interest on the funds. But sbtpg isn’t alone in that unfortunately.
@Steverloggedout: ya ive used netspend for 11 years now and it always pay me a day early sometimes two days early but nothing yet. i dont know whats up with sbtpg…
@Kikachu not logged in: it’s done that for everyone this year. It happens when you try to access the transcripts before they’re available.
Hey all! I finally filed my taxes Saturday through hrblock and it was accepted shortly after submitting, but I don’t expect to see much movement today. My question is, why when I go to lookup my transcripts it says “2024 verification of non filing” dated for today?
@shelleybeanss: Thanks. I don’t have a trace number then. It’s diabolical what sbtp is doing holding funds and charging fees to release 5 days “early”. I’m guessing that system they set up this year is not working.
@Josef1511: yeah i pay fees up but this yr i need the advance because of moving and ughhh i hate i use them every year
I read in the IGMR Facebook group that apparently SBTPG only updates their site once a day so if you call and it says sent via direct deposit it means they received it, and you have a trace number it just won’t show until the next update. If it doesn’t say sent via direct deposit it means they haven’t received it yet.
@MollyTx: yup me too they have always been trash honestly. If u can do your taxes free or pay outta pocket I suggest that. I been here for I think 8 or 6 years now and people always bitch bout them.
I just called sbtpg and the automated service says my payment was sent to my financial institution. So I guess I just wait until ck updates, hopefully today
@Josef1511: im definitely down because they have been having my money since Wednesday last wek with a DDD of 2/26 and i just feel thats somehow illegal.. i read this forum all year for about 4 yrs and have never said anything but this year i have had enough
@Ms.j.g.wentworth: it usually appears under the checking # under the “paid to you” tab. Although I’ve seen some say they’re getting the message from sbtpg without receiving this trace number. It’s an odd year. I can’t make heads or tails of what sbtpg and the irs are doing this year
@MollyTx: im down. I thought the same thing. They already had one over all the fees a few years back. But this holding our money claiming it’s not received is trash. I know mine has been saying funded since 5 days ago. Inwoulda gad it that day if I didn’t use them this year. There trash.
So my ddd is for today, sbtpg says funded but doesn’t have the trace code, and when I call the number it says my refund was sent via direct deposit to my financial institution. Gonna take a nap and hope it posts in the next few hours. Also, never using the pay from your refund option again.
Everything is filled out on sbtpg except the trace number. Has deposit for today but when I call they say they haven’t received my refund from the IRS. 🤔 I use cash app and my paycheck usually deposits in the evenings, so hopefully tonight.
Anyone with ddd 2/26 get their refund yet on paypal
@Jenny04: I’ve never used NetSpend for DD’s, but I bet it’ll come today. SBTPG usually paid me between 3 and 4 PM CST when it went through them for Paypal and I believe they are similar in releases. Fingers crossed.
@Steverloggedout: mine is for tomrrow(2/26/25) and its coming from sbtpg and going to netspend and nothing yet so most likely it wont show up till sometime tomrrow or even on 2/27/25, who knows. it shows funded on sbtpg…
@Jenny04: My DDD was 2/26, but the refund hit just before midnight last night (2/24)
I’m wondering if it is worth calling SBTPG to see what the issue is I mean seriously this is ridiculous.
While I wait for it to open and hopefully update I’m going to see if maybe clearing my browser history will make a difference bc this is wild
Hi IGMR fam. Still waiting for 2/26 DDD funds but have two bars now.
Make sure you donate to the community and get your star! Thanks for keeping this site up year after year for us. :)
@shelleybeanss: same thing here! Sbtpg showing recieved funded and my amount paid shows the direct deposit date of today yet nothing has hit my credit karma
@shelleybeanss: mine is for tomrrow 2/26 with sbtpg and going to netspend card and nothing yet. it says funded on sbtpg but nothing yet…. why is sbtpg holding our money…..
I am reallt considering starting a class action lawsuit against tt and sbtpg.. who would join??
@Steverloggedout: was your DD 2/24 or a different date?
Looks like no overnight updates have taken place. This is definitely weird.
Your tax return is still being processed. A refund date will be provided when available. For more information about processing delays, p
This is the real question ANYONE WITH 2/24 on sbtpg and transcript that hasn’t been funded yet?
COUNT YOUR EFFIN DAYS CHIME!! I say it every year… then I use them again the next year 🤣🤣🤣
2/26 impatiently waiting..
Morning,
DDD 2/26, denied 5 day early thing, fees came out of refund, DD hit PayPal 11 PM CST 02/24.
Thanks for keeping each other company!
Where do I find this trace number? How many digits is this trace number? My DDD is today but still nothing.
@anoel06: I have same except filed and accepted 2/13
So mad they are holding my refund because of previous tax year 2022! I submitted forms that my kids who are of age had fraudulent returns done in their name! I have to fax over my return that was rejected along with forms that my kids signed before March 6th.
I had a direct deposit date of 2/25/25, I received my refund at 4:21 a.m. with Chase.
Why hasn’t my money been deposited yet?
It definitely seems, reading through the comments that people with a ddd for today via sbtpg are having issues. Sbtpg has showed funded for me since Saturday. I truly would’ve expected ck to have had the deposit by early morning today. Being it’s almost 8am, I’m just worried. Last two years I’ve used CK and sbtpg I’ve gotten it the night before scheduled ddd
@757VApather: I am also a 757VAPather with a DDD of 2/26. I file the same every year and every year before I got a DD of 2/22. Money hit 2/20. This year TT is really making us wait. I filed my sister and my so’s taxes for them as well but they used freetax and they got theirs last week. I should have just done the same. Definitely will next year.
@Lost2025: You might want to call. Sounds like a possible id verify.