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 āqueueā 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.
Thatās 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 donāt have to guess when your refund will hit.
Check the IGMR Refund Cycle Chart and see when your moneyās 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.
@Calamar: on sbtpg, under āamount paid to youā, your trace number will appear under your where it says the account your deposit is going to. Usually under the word checking
05er
DDD 2/26
Anyone else have PNC? Iām hoping for my deposit to hit tonight at midnight but weāll see. Still no trace number thoā¦
Cash app just deposited. I received my trace number a few minutes before the deposit.
My cashap just dropped I noticed my trace number today didnāt have that until now didnāt know what to do wit it but just checked n my funds was there thatās SBTG for finally releasing sun shih dat aināt even yawls
@shelleybeanss: where is the trace number located?
@Sheila_33: Thats what I figured. TAS said it would take a couple weeks to get one assigned to me, I already sent in form 911. My Colorado State started processing. I just hope I at least get me State.
Chime just hit, itās coming 2/25 DDD
Just called the automated line for SBTPG and got the DD message. Looks like theyāve sent it. Everyone for 2/25 doesnāt have any trace #. So I wonāt check that again! Almost over yall! Hang in there!
@LloydChristmas: I was an 04 last year. Before that I was an 05. I just want some movement. Other people verify and they start movement immediately. If the IRS needs more info on my super easy 1040 return, I’m happy to provide it.
I FINALLY have a trace number! Geebus!
@Jaina: Is that even possible? I don’t NEED the money – but I sure would like it. Because of this AND the federal layoffs/cuts to programs that the Republicans are planning, I changed my federal withholdings so that I’m only paying in the bare minimum. This won’t be an issue next year. I hate that they have my money and won’t release it. It’s just irritating.
@AmbMI2025: so frustrating. Last year I went with hr block and had fees removed but had it sent to my Cashapp and got it like a day or two early. Itās not showing fees removed on the tracker they text you. Kinda frustrating.
@LloydChristmas: my transcripts are totally blank. I have an as of date of Feb 24.
@AngieInMichigan: I too filed w/HRB, had fees taken out, Emerald Card and small refund advance. DDD is Feb 26, 2025ā¦ I havenāt received anything yet. Transcript shows 846 and Iām a weekly 20250605, WMR so far still just shows two bars. If anyone out there has a similar situation (HRH, ddd-2/26 and Emerald Card) that has actually received their funds already, please replyšš Ty.
@TheMadness21: if you went thru TurboTax, their partner is Santa Barbara tax group. Theyāve used them for a few years.
@AngieInMichigan: I too filed w/HRB, had fees taken out, emerald card and small refund advance. DDD is Feb 26, 2025ā¦ I havenāt received anything yet. Transcript shows 846 and Iām a weekly 20250605, wmr so far still just shows 2 bars. If anyone out there has a similar situation HRH, ddd-2/26, and Emerald Card..that has actually received their funds already, please replyšš
I’m sorry if this has been addressed before…..but, is anyone having trouble with SBTPG saying they can’t find your account??
@naughtyrockets: knowing them it probably won’t even update before you get your money.
@naughtyrockets: Have you checked your cycle code?
I’m super frustrated. Filed 1/17. Accepted 1/21. Had to verify, which I did on 2/13. I know it’s only been like 12 days but nothing has happened since I verified. My WMR says it’s being processed. If I go through my account to check my status, I get an Action Required notice but I have nothing showing up on the Account home page to indicate what it might be. I called again yesterday and the person on the verification line did not see anything holding me up other than maybe the verification hasn’t pushed through totally. She said to wait 2-3 weeks after verifying and if I still see no movement to call back. This year feels chaotic. I’ve never had any issues previously. I have a very simple 1040 return. It shouldn’t be this hard.
I hope I get mine. How is wells fargo doing with deposits?
Good afternoon all. ?! I normally have my fees come out with republic bank any reason as to why the fees came out this year through sbptg Iāve NEVER had them take fees before so this is new to me
All right, what is the deal here? Halfway through the deposit day and still no deposit. Same return, same bank, same service as every year. I’ve never had to wait this long. Not ever.
I know it’s silly, we’ll probably all get ours any minute but what the heck
@Ree: Iāve been seeing that. Iām about to just stop checking sbtpg and just keep an eye on ck
DD is for today on sbtpg. Called this morning even though the website said funded fees paid etc. and they said they hadn’t received it from the IRS yet. Called thirty minutes ago and it now says it has been sent to my bank. Still no tracer number though.
TPG is not doing a TPGing job….. I had my 846 code last week and I still haven’t gotten a deposit
@Dd: Me either and been using them since TT switched over. Always the day of…š¤·š¾āāļø
@Chelyn: Someone just posted that they received their deposit and never got a trace number on SBTPG. I have been asking about that also and several have received their deposit without getting it.
@Dd: because people are impatient lol. Everyone wants their money and donāt want to wait for the actual DD. Based off of last year I knew how it was going to be for me. No early deposits here lol.
@Chelletered: Me either. I don’t even have a trace number.
@MSRazorbackPhD: because people are impatient lol. Everyone wants their money and donāt wait for the actual DD. Based off of last year I knew how it was going to be for me. No early deposits here lol.
So, I am confused as to why folks are so mad at CK?
MONEY JUST DROPPED
Chime DDD 2/25
FEES WITHHELD
Check your accounts….
Yayyyyyy!!!! About time
No tracking number issued btw
I just got my CK deposit. I still donāt have a tracking number on SBTPG. My DDD is 2/25. I got two emails from TT. One last night and one at 12:04
Ching Ching!
I hope everyone sees progress as well.
@Taxmaz tyme: i understand your pain. I’m going thru the same. DDD is today 2/25. Have not seen anything. Got text from TT yesterday around 5:30 Eastern time saying to be on the look at out with my bank account today. That funds were otw. Bank with credit union they don’t hold anything. Still nothing.