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.
@Mike: I have the same date as well! Was accepted the 20th of January.
@Mike: It has been a weird year for sure. I haven’t yet seen a non pather with an 846 that doesn’t have the 2/16 date so you’re not alone.
Account transcripts updated this morning. 846 code with 2/16 date
@Sheila_33: My as of date, processing date and DDD are all 2/16. Cycle code 20260403
@ Sheila_33: This is my first year using Wells Fargo for my refund, and I do get my payroll 2 days early so no holds. WMR about 20 mins ago said return received and being processed. I am so perplexed lol what an unusual year lol I still can’t wrap my head around it being so far out lol I thought I was just reading it wrong but I just double checked transcript
Mike: What is your WMR saying as of now?
@Mike: The 846 is a code for the treasury to release so we shall see. Do you have a no holds bank?
@ Sheila_33: Wonder if the system issue is inadvertently not releasing until after PATH.. even though I am not PATH. Just wildly guessing since its so strange to be so far out was hoping for a quick refund. Glad to be processed so quickly but I have never seen it so far out lol
@Mike: With quite a few having it, it’s gotta be some sort of a glitch. They were having so many issues with those transcripts, that may be why. When the WMR updates, hopefully that date will be adjusted. Congratulations, happy you may it through without an issue.
@ Sheila_33: Goodmorning what are your thoughts on this? Strange the 846 populated bring 20 days out wouldn’t you say? Never in all my time have I seen it so far out