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.
@mnwilliams: I know pn the IRS calendar that today is a deferred day but the way things are starting off this year, its hard to say.
@mnwilliams: ‘Me too! And I’ve already filed this year and was approved for the advance. Not accepted yet but it seems something is going on. It’s still early but to see no one get it so far with the test batches going on is odd.
I keep seeing on FB that hub testing is down. I’m one of those ppl who rarely believes anything they see on social media but still has anyone else heard this?
@MSRazorbackPhD: idk what’s going on this year but I’ve been in a test batch and gotten my advance from TT before the irs opened for the past 4 years.
@Kiiaja: Yes, please keep us posted. I feel like something weird is going on.
@DizzyD: I have always gotten it and with the test batch. I think I’m just more concerned since no one is reporting being in the test batch so far with the TT Advance and the only ones I saw, said they were accepted and then TT told them they were no longer eligible for the advance. That’s why I’m trying to see if anyone else so far has gotten it successfully this year.
It’s been a minute, but it’s rare to be in test batch w tax advance on TT.
@VaGal07: I think there were quite a few on here that got it last year.
@VaGal07: That’s discouraging. I haven’t heard anything but my fiancee filed yesterday and got approved for the loan, not accepted yet. I will update here as soon as he gets it (hopefully)
He just told me and I wanted to repeat in case it helps anyone.
He filed with Turbo Tax software. When he got to the page that wants you to confirm your products with TT and hit confirm. The option for the loan was not there. He hit back and and then went through the confirm process again and it was there.
Also he got a page that says he wasn’t qualified for the loan. He got mad closed the whole thing and went to smoke lol.
When he opened it back up about 10 minutes later it set him back to like the income page, so he clicked through everything again and this time approved!
I don’t think I’ve seen a single person who has been accepted, get the advance with Turbo Tax. I have seen a few that was supposed to get the advance and then received an email once accepted saying due to technical difficulties, there was a problem with the advance and now they cannot get it. Has anyone here successfully received it yet after being accepted into the test batch?
@Kiiaja: if doing advance loan thru Turbo Tax, he will get the amount approved when accepted by IRS, then the rest probably sometime next month when they start releasing Path Act returns. There is still time to be in the accepted early test batches.
@Kiiaja: They don’t release PATH until February 17.
@DizzyD: Just accepted. He’s on PATH so I know nothing happens for a while. He wants the loan after acceptance and wants to know if there is still hope to be picked
@Kiiaja: Do you mean accepted or approved? He filed yesterday. That’s still early. Any credits?
Filed 1/15
TurboTax With Advance Fees out of Refund
Still Pending
Path
credits. Sill waiting to be Accepted
@Kilaja: Possibly today and then next week. I think there’s plenty of time for acceptances.
@Kiiaja: I think for a few days
Sorry everyone, I don’t see anywhere to edit so it’s all one post. My fiancee filed yesterday, and was hoping to get accepted earlier. I’m not even sure if that’s a possibility so thought I would ask and see if anyone knew or had thoughts?
Also I’m wondering if we know if there’s still a lot here who filed early and haven’t been accepted yet?
Good morning everyone, do we think they will be doing more test batches or is that over now?
@Scoracspears606: Accepted. Some returns are even showing on the “where’s my refund” tracking.
@Curiouskate: You Can File yourself and pay back the advance before it’s due
I got an early advance from Jackson Hewitt in December does anyone know if I have to file with them or if I can file myself but pay the advance?
@Scoracspears606: @everyone
Accepted by or received by irs.”
TIA IF ANSWERS COME IN
@ErisedMai: received by or accepted by irs.
In KY
Filed 1/10
Pending KY
“Has been received by irs “ from “has been transmitted to irs”
Claiming CTC, EARNED INCOME
Ohio is on the ball this year. Accepted yesterday, processed today. I noticed this year the refund is to be expected in 20 days instead of the usual 7 or 14 days(I forget which) as in past years.
@MelloDello53:Thats great. All will go well again.Thanks for answering
@Yandyy00: same time as last year using Go2bank and refund approved went to Go2bank on January 28th.
@MelloDello53: Did you file the same time last year?If so do you remember the day you were you approved and traditional bank or NHB?Thanks in advance
Still pending turbo tax filed Jan 6
I do apologize my return was accepted today at 1128am and now WMR shows 1 bar.
Test batch again and no credits and not on PATH.
WMR showing return received 1 bar and 2 to go. I should get refund on January 28th. I got it last year about the same time.