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.
Will post any updates filed with H&R block third year with them
Will post any updates filed with H&R block third year with them
Just filed today with H&R Block pretty excited I’m getting back a huge chunk $$,$$$ also was approved for the emeralds advance loan $,$$$ 🙏
@Jay: Not that I’ve seen in fb groups and here. We are all still waiting.
@Me: Has your WMR updated yet? They seem to be updating quicker for some this year.
@kitty1: Account and return transcript should show after you process. Wage is there but its not filled out.
Sorry, I meant they were accepted yesterday. I did them the 15th. They were accepted the 16th.
I did my taxes on TaxAct this year and they’ve already been accepted by the IRS and State on the 17th.
@Jay: no, and many got email from TT saying technical error but it’s fixed and to go back in to finish advance application. You can’t once it’s submitted so not sure what TT is thinking.
Has anyone been accepted that requested an advance from TurboTax?
Just filed this morning! Will post an updated if/when accepted! First time using HR Block; usually use TurboTax.
when do the transcripts show up on our irs accounts
@VaGal07: Yes 2024,2022,2021,2019 Most were accepted Same Day as well
For all of us Pathers:
(Sung to Safety Damce)
We can file if we want to, leave the stress behind
‘Cause your refund’s stuck, and if it’s stuck, it’s no friend of mine
We can claim what we want to, EITC is fine
As long as we know the IRS needs a little more time
And we can dance! Safe from the fraud, it’s the PATH Act dance
Wait for the Where’s My Refund? status for a chance
Everything’s under control, wait ’til mid-February to take a stroll
Doing the PATH Act dance!
Child Tax Credits are on the line
Act like a savvy taxpayer with a refund so divine
The law is there to stop the crime
Verify the data and we’ll be doing just fine
It looks like things are starting to move smoothly for people this year *knock on wood*! I have to wait for Path, but I’ve been accepted early – so let’s all manifest an easy breezy tax season! 😄
@Kristen R: Hi, sorry if you already posted your details, but where did you file and when?
Woohoo accepted yesterday! Last year I received my deposit in the 31st. Praying for a quick turnaround this year as well
@Insomnia419: correct
@TaxBarb86: I can’t sleep so I went back through my acceptances for the past 8 years and I was also accepted on a Sunday in 2024. It would be nice if they would continue over the weekend but who knows. Fingers crossed for everyone!
It’s there no more discord?
@kitty1: yes
I have been accepted in priors years immediately after filing on a Saturday and A Sunday Test batch and after opening day
@VaGal07 We haven’t seen acceptances over a weekend or a holiday, even after IRS opening. But, we did see some as late as 9 last night so I’m hoping more are accepted tonight. Honestly, the first wave of acceptances usually don’t seem as abundant as the second wave so don’t get discouraged.😊
@Sheila_33: So testing won’t continue over the weekend? It ends tonight until Tuesday?
Remember, if you didn’t get accepted this week in the hub testing, next week will be the second batch.
@TaxBarb86: No not yet.
Remember It only has been
A handful advances released on the 16th But the 17th the flood gates OPEN A lot of us will get accepted tonight thru
Sunday than Pause then Back Tuesday
@VaGal07: It comes in batches there certainly will be more Shortly!
Credit Karma advances and More Acceptance should be
Dropping Shortly A few tonight and Many Saturday
@TaxBarb86: I wonder how long acceptances run through tonight? Like has it stopped or do they go until a certain time?
@VaGal07: yes that’s the one I got
@TaxBarb86: I did not. The only email I received was about my advance just stating to make sure I file and accepted by 4/15 to fulfill my loan. Did you get that one? I really think they are not transmitting anyone’s that has the advance besides the few that had issues. And maybe that’s why.
@kiiaja no advance
@Yahtzee: Yes They Sure Do I have been accepted on a Saturday and Sunday I actually got accepted same day on the weekend
@mnwilliams: have you been accepted yet
@Kittyluv: federal yes. Ohio’s state tax has never said that long.
@TaxBarb86: Yes I got that email too.
Do they “accept” taxes over the weekend?
Seems like all of the TT I see getting accepted is without an advance. Maybe they haven’t transmitted any of those yet. The earliest I’ve ever gotten the advance was on 1/17. So maybe next week lol.
@Mama4xz: sorry I can’t remember if I saw that you said it before, did you get the advance?
Just received the TurboTax Advance email The what’s Next 1 has anyone else recieved one
Filed yesterday on the 15th. Accepted today on the 16th.
PATH
Usually a weekly
TurboTax no advance. See yall when path lift
@Insomnia419: it has always said 21 days
Filed 1/15 w/ turbotax
Accepted @ 4:06 pm** est
Weekly
Path
Filed 1/15 w/ turbotax
Accepted @ 2:06pm est
Weekly
Path
I forgot to add I’m a weekly and always on path.
Update, my VA state return just got accepted today at 2:07 pm. Federal was accepted yesterday. They are really moving fast this year. Good luck everyone. I filed with TurboTax tax.
@Ceepeenc: I meant HoH lol
Filed TT 1/12
No Path No advance
Weekly
How
Just accepted a minute ago