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.
@Dollbaby127: You’ve been in the system long enough that you should have a letter by now. If there’s an office near you, you might want to go in and see what’s going on. Or, I’d definitely call again. :)
@Dariauskirk: Unfortunately, I have seen quite a few have to verify two or three years in a row.
@Kim: it’s better to verify online
Irs lady told me if the transcripts are blank that means they haven’t started touching my taxes and some sort of letter may be coming. Then said I have to verify
@Sheila_33: I am the same way so I called irs the lady told me my transcripts are blank because I have to idverify. I said when will I get the letter. I filed jan 28th and was accepted. She said just keep an eye out should be soon
@Sheila_33: I ID verified last year, would I have to do it 2 years in a row.
@Dariauskirk: Well, you haven’t cycled thru again yet this week so my best guess is the id verify but hopefully I’m wrong and you just haven’t processed yet and you’ll see an update by Friday.
@Sheila_33: the as of date is 03/17
Has anyone got their refund that had today has their deposit date?
@Dariauskirk: No transcripts makes me think id verify or lacking a form like a 1095a, etc. Check previous years transcripts and let me know what the “as of” date is. Possibly a 3/17 or 3/24?
@sheila_33 Taxes accepted Feb 11th but transcript still says no record of return on file? Any light to be shed on this?
@Ginger: If you can access your tax account, keep an eye on the notices. Might give you an idea what the hold up is.
Morning everyone!
Taxes accepted Feb 11th but transcript still says no record of return on file?
Sbtpg finally updated, just waiting on CK to post it.
@Florida Man: I file filed on the 27th accept the 28th I’m hoping we go through fast
@Ebony: I know right I wish I would have file early because I think I might not get mine till April and I’m checking here and Facebook seems like everyone got the taxes and left because now it quite
@wade123: wow! That’s odd… o called back twice. First time I hung up 2nd I have all info. That sucks. Try again tomorrow or call private. Idk if they are recording number in the automated.
@Shellysgirl1968: mines came around 4:30 p.m.
@DTM2025: Still a no go. when I dial the number, it asks to press 1 for English, which I do, then I press 3 for other options. The voice comes on says how can I help you I understand full sentences, I say I received a letter, and she comes back on and says I need more information, I repeat, then she says I need more information and if I say nothing, she says were sorry your having trouble and hangs up. So I call back and repeat it, then finally when she says I need more info I say Balance due and she asks if I have questions or need assistance with something else, and when I say nothing she says press 1 for questions, press to for assistance, and neither one ever gets me to the option of do I agree to say no
@Just wondering: They usually update the morning of around 5:00 a.m. Central Time that’s from my past experiences
@DTM2025: This is not working for me. keeps looping me back to same menu over and over again
I give up
I called again to double check and I was good to go!!
Speak to some one fast
866-897-3315 – CP63
Press 1 for English listen to message but ignore it
Pres 3 for all other inquires.
Once transferred say “I received a letter “
Say Balence due opt 2
Do you agree with this notice
“No“
Hopes this helps!!
It’s so quiet honestly because those who were the most active here were in the same boat and got their 846’s pretty much around the same time and they left. Those of us who are in limbo just literally have no info to give. Not much anyways because we’re all going through the same things. So not much can be said until we start getting some movement. Everything seems to be paused.
@wade123: call this number 866-897-3315 option 1 then opt 3 I just got someone on the phone in 3 mins or less… when it asked the reason for my call I said I received a letter then it said do you agree with this letter I said no… and then someone was able to come on the line.
@wade123: wow! I use the same method and called three times this year. (My first year ever calling) not sure. Let me try now.