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.
I was accepted back on 1/15 as part of the test batch, no movement, not even tax topic 152 yet… hopefully us test batchers will see some changes this week.
@Tebaz: Last year I believe it was around 10 when they started accepting.
Have the irs start accepting yet
Have the irs start accepting yet?
@BigCountry1087: she doesn’t. Her profile hasn’t been updated is all. That’s 2024 tax season
@Me: being opening day there likely won’t be any movement on transcripts until mid day at earliest. Their system hasn’t booted up yet. It starts a few hours after the employees clock in w
Checked everything at 6:30 no transcript updates no movement on WMR and I still don’t have my state refund even though it was processed on the 20th in Ohio
@BigCountry1087: I would bet that is last years information. Your info stays in your profile here until you change it.
@Sheila_33: your comment shows all that info tho.. as of date processing cycle code how you know all that without your transcript
@BigCountry1087: I haven’t seen anyone with 2025 transcripts populate yet. Hopefully in the next day or two.
@Sheila_33: @LJH: hoping
How do you all already have transcripts mine aren’t even showing for 2025 and was accepted in a test batch last week
Did anyone encounter that the Free Edition of TaxAct is no longer letting you file the Healthcare Marketplace Form (8962) for free? I have used them for many many years and never had a problem – they don’t inform you until the very end when you are about ready to submit.
What time do they start accepting returns on opening day?
@shelleybeanss:
You can get your tax refund 5 days sooner for free, if you open a Varo Card Account.
I received my refund 5 days sooner, I used it twice so far, and it came 5 days sooner.
Varo offered the feature and I was so happy I used it. I have used Varo for 4 years now and I love it so far.
@MSRazorbackPhD: I hope you’re safe
Has anyone ever filed an injured spouse and also received a tax refund advance? TurboTax pre approved me and I’m waiting to see if I’m actually approved
@Livinglifeontherocks: This link gives a few reasons why a daily might become a weekly.
Path isn’t one of the reasons, since we’ve seen plenty of dailies update to a refund after the path lifts:
https://igotmyrefund.com/daily-weekly/
@Kittyluv: When they started accepting returns.
@AndiB: even if in test batch. If you are on path, you won’t receive a refund until path lifts #Fact
@Sheila_33: is this for this year? Approved?