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.
Filed yesterday, and got accepted just a few moments ago. TT, EIC, Advance. Advance hit my CK acct the same time I was accepted. Hang in there folks!
Just accepted
@Stephennotsignedin: Are you on our Discord or FB pages? You can send a screenshot via FB
@VaGal07: good vibes!!! I use tax slayer they don’t have an advance ; I’m happy for your movement! I hope once Feb 17 comes mines will be otw!
Nevermind, Advance just hit.
I have to wait because I have EITC but I got through the first hurdle! GOOD VIBES this year!!
@HerEvEyeaR: Still waiting on advance as well. The message did change again in TT to congrats you’ve been approved for the advance but no funds deposited yet.
I just got accepted! I filed yesterday and was accepted at 1:14pm today!
Well, some movement is good movement. I got rejected due to a missing form. Resubmitted so here’s hoping I get through again today.
I have a screenshot of the picture they posted where can I upload to show
Someone in a tax group on FB posted there a picture bif what there wmr says
It says this
Tax year 2025
Action Required
Please read the following information related to your tax situation. You may need to provide additional information to receive your full refund.
We received your return and sent you a letter requesting more information. Please respond by following the instructions in the letter. If you don’t respond, your refund amount could be changed. It may take 2-3 weeks for you to receive the letter.
Helpful Information
You can also read the following information related to your tax situation:
refunds home page
Your personal tax information
Tax Year
2025
@ThisIsIt: Its something. Maybe they flipped the switch.
@VaGal07: @mnwilliams: 🫡🥳🫶🏽🤞🏽we made it Cousins I couldn’t believe my eyes I stopped checking until I seen y’all post Congratulations To All !!!! Now waiting on My Advance!!!!
Account transcript and wage transcript are both available but both still blank. Maybe movement maybe not. Guess it doesn’t really matter since I have to wait til Feb 17th regardless with the eitc. I received my DD on Feb 19th last year.
@Jersey girl: I’m hoping so.
@mnwilliams: Still waiting on my advance. I think with so many hitting at once, some are delayed. Congrats!
Refund accepted loan just hit Credit Karma account bout 15 min ago filed TT 1-/15. Good luck to everyone waiting still
@Insomnia419: thanks for your help
@confused in ohio: should be showing a deposit date soon. It only took a few days for mine to show up. Said expect deposit approximately in 7 days, not 21 days like it said when processing completed.
@VaGal07: I just got accepted and the advance was deposited like 5 minutes after. I had given up hope until Monday lol. I’m so happy for us!!!!
@VaGal07: same at 1:07
@mnwilliams: Finally! Mine has changed to accepted with a message to check back in 24 hours for an update on my advance!
@Sheila_33: so we should see movement on transcripts next week?
Just got the text, accepted!
Finally, movement for you Turbos.🙂
My Ohio refund was processed on 1/22 anyone from ohio know how long it takes to see money in your account after getting that message? thanks
@VaGal07: Check WMR. Mine is now saying received and is being processed. Turbo tax still says pending
@VaGal07: @HerEvEyeaR: We have movement!!! FINALLLYYYY! Mine updated too to say received by the IRS but not accepted yet.
@Jersey girl: Ohhh.. accepted on 1/16.
@VaGal07: They are known for being slow with the emails.
And I just checked TT and it says received by IRS today at 12:37 pm but I’m still on pending. It looks like we have movement.