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.
@Shanae59: my transcripts are done
846!
You’re next!!!
@Brokesally: if your transcripts aren’t blank the number under your 150 code on transcripts is your control number
Finally after waiting and waiting. I have a 846!!!!!!!!!! DDD 3/12 HRB Emerald Card no Advance fees taken out. I didn’t have to verify this year but I did have an offset and my last year amended return just processed fully 2/24.
((Sorry phones a lil wacky))05er here. Just updated. My as of changed to 3/24 and now after waiting for and receiving the 60 day review letter, id verification notification pops up. Ofc I didn’t get a letter for that, so now I wait some more.
Filed on 2/7/2025 and accepted on same day. Still waiting on my refund. Anyone else still waiting? Turbo Tax shows the second line lit up for “Accepted” with an Est refund date of 02/28/2025 but on IRS2GO it shows “we apologize by your return is being delayed beyond normal processing time”
Anyone else getting this message or is anyone still waiting on their refund to come? Tomorrow makes 1 month.
05 upda
@Rbtx: it comes in an IRS envelope @Rbtx:
@Matt H: I hope so because I’m watching people that got accepted on the 27 and all ready have a DDD if yours update keep me updated
@Shanae59: exactly the position I’m in too. I’m fairly optimistic that tomorrow our transcripts will populate.
had to file late this year accepted today how long am I looking at for weekly
@Stephennotsignedin: how did you know the mail date?
Of credits are reinstated eic. How long until deposit. Got a letter today. Help
@tomwaters44 https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1041
how do we find out about 1041 tax returns estates/trust
@NeededRelief: I filed and was accepted the same day as you and my transcripts are still blank but I am a weekly hopeful I update tonight
@Rbtx: letter is in a white envelope and states it’s from the IRS. It would be obvious.
@Rbtx:My letter was very easy to tell it was from the IRS. I waited 3 week and then went on line and requested anoher one saying I never received it, and got it 5 days later.
@2blessed: Congratulations! :)
@NeededRelief: It would be a good idea but for some, filing early keeps people from claiming their children. It is very hard to get that resolved if that happens unfortunately.
Good morning good people ☀️
Before when I filed early it was no less than four weeks. I wait until after PATH February 14th date has passed. I filed on 2/28 accepted 2/28 show approved and due to be deposited by 3/7.
1. Do not file early! If you can wait for PATH hold to expire. By law they have to hold it if you have EIC
2. Pay your fees upfront! Stop using your taxes and paying fee from return. It will go to a third party bank.
3. Do not request to have your refund 5 days early. Stop paying them to filter your money. They can’t get it any quicker than when IRS releases it.
I pray we all find relief and let go and let God. He will take care of us if we let him, but he will move out the way if we think we got the answer.
Filed 2/2. Accepted 2/2. No movement on transcripts, as of is still 2/24/25. Today, I have an ID verify but haven’t received a notice. I requested a new notice be sent this morning. My mom also has a notice for id verify that I requested for her today. Filed and accepted on 2/2 as well. Check your IRS.com account.
Help anyone who has got a letter to verify, what did the letter look like? Was it obvious it was from the irs or did it just have a random address and P.O. Box? I just found out I’m supposed to be getting a letter and I’m hoping I didn’t accidentally throw it away
For anybody up here waiting for there NJ state refund check your status. It’s finally over for me. Been in checking for accuracy for 2 week . Then I checked this morning and I have an approval date for 3/11. Thank God it’s over. Thanks to my good people Sheila and Walter dog. See you guys next year. Good luck to everyone that’s still waiting.!🙏🏾
Tax Preparer:fast lane
Date Filed:Feb-22
Fees:From Refund-EPS Loan
Bank: navy fed
Bars: 2nd Bar
Date Approved: March 6
Transcript:Online
Cycle:daily
DDD: March 10
Eic, eitc
Finally received my Verification Letter on Saturday and completed my verification on line that night. I am a Weekly so I am hoping my transcripts update tonight because they have all been blank so far…..
@Notyourmom: not this year, but I have in recent history. I can’t remember my experience in much detail, but I can tell you it’s going to go much faster than you’re thinking it will. WMR will also update.
@Sheila_33: Thanks because I’m a weekly and I thought I was supposed to update this morning but now I know
@Shanae: Yes, transcript updates possibly late evening into tomorrow.
@Sheila_33: so weekly are processing today but will update Friday