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.
Also, my “As of” date on all other year transcripts shows 1/13/25. What does THAT mean? Current year transcript is still not available. I normally know what’s going on. This year has been a full Twilight Zone.
@Montana.NotSignedIn: Experiencing exact same issue. Still waiting on a letter or completion of return since filing 2/4. It took almost a month for the “Action Required” to appear. SMDH This year has been the worst with so many of us going thru this…and I didn’t think it could get any worse! I truly feel like part of the reason is the unwaveringly blind job cuts all over the place. The domino effect is felt upon us non-billionaires who actually file our taxes.
When will 570 go away
Happy Taxmas. Has anyone here ever seen two 846 codes on one transcript? If so do I get the amount next to both?
@Kara: Thank you for the update. I hope you will get update this week on refund. Good luck!! Please update here when you receive refund. So that I will have estimation on mine.
filed 3/6 accepted 3/6 got mine today at 6pm fastest ever turbo tax no fees taken no 5 day bs just straight file and approved. usually a weekly but wmr hasn’t updated yet and no access to transcript
@Suresh: you’ll just need to wait for the letter it took them weeks to send mine and I verified on the 28th still waiting for my refund. They said I have to wait 5-8 weeks after verification for refund, I did call to make sure that a letter had been sent though if you haven’t done that maybe you should so that you know at least there’s a letter coming
filed 3/6 accepted 3/6 got refund at 6pm today cant see transcripts but Ive been a weekly every year. wmr has not updated yet turbo tax paid fees upfront no 5 day early learned from the past all that sh** scamms
@Suresh: they will send it to the one on the return. I would call a TA trying to get through to the IRS is a pain. If you can see your blank transcript the letter was sent to the address in the top left. TA #1-877-777-4778 . IRS 800-829-1040
@Michelle34:
No That’s not normal, You may want to call them.
@Lisa in Atlanta: yes. That sucks. This was been the most strange year ever! I’ve been on this site for almost 10 years….
The Cross Country bank relationship may have destroyed TT’s reputation for good this time. :( Should have just stuck with SBTPG exclusively.
Holy moly, these people are angry about those refund checks! TT really dropped the ball this year. :( They can’t get them cashed.
@DTM2025: thank you!
@Florida Man: correct the date next to the code is the DDD direct deposit date. Congrats!! 🎉
Hey All,
Looks like my transcripts finally updated, 846 issued for 3-14. Does that mean the refund is sent on 3-14 or? Sorry, I am sure this question has been asked a billion times.
@mickey m: could you please help me how to reach irs on phone?? Just want to double what address they are sending
@Suresh: yes you have to wait for the letter unfortunately if your transcripts where populated the control number would be the 16 digit numbers under the 150 tax code.
@CherryeB: I have capital one as well I was wondering if I was going to get my refund today so can you please let me know if your DD hit and I will keep you updated as well
Does anyone else bank with Capital One? They usually deposit my paycheck 1 day early. I was wondering if anyone knew if they did the same for tax return deposits.
@orianasenoj: I also filed 2/2 and no movement on transcripts. My mom and I filed same day, we both got id verify notice on website on Tuesday last week and requested a new letter be sent. She got hers today, and did ID verify successfully. I hope to get mine soon
@mickey m:Thanks!! do I need to wait untill letter received?? Still I can update control number or do i need to call irs representative
@Suresh: I filed the 29th of Jan got told I was being sent a letter on Feb 21 from what I was told the letter was mailed Feb 25 received notification on IRS account March 6th got letter in mail Friday March 7th verified the same day. At the bottom of the page they is an option to request another letter be sent. I would wait until Friday if it doesn’t come by then request another letter.
@mickey m: filed feb 5th and as of 03/03 with blank transcripts. Even I saw in notifications verify your tax refund information as well. But I don’t receive any letters either through online or paper. Please help me here what steps need to follow.. thanks it’s asking control number when I clicked on verification on the notification
@DTM2025:
Thank you very much. I faxed it 3/5 but had to send for 2 returns. I got my 2023 return but they are holding 2024. Due to tax years 2022 and 2019 I’m dumb founded for real
@MorgyDoodle: it’s usually week or so but that’s when it’s not busy
Does anyone know how long after ID verifying before refund is received?
The ” fine print” saying 9 weeks??!!!
@mickey m: I’m also stuck on 3/10 for two weeks now so hopefully see movement Friday 🤞
Minnesota state check came today filed 1/29 no updates on transcripts though 🤔
@orianasenoj: sorry typo 03/03