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.
@Taxguy: I’m thinking we may see some hit this afternoon for NHB. If 846 is listed, that usually means the refund has been released.
@Sheila_33: I am hoping so also. Seems last year there were some people with an 846 for far out and they got it 2 weeks or so before that date. Will be nice to see if I get it Friday 1/30
@Mike: My date for 846 code last year was 2/10 last year and my deposit was 1/29. I do remember on WMR showing the 1/29 date.
@Mike: Last year I had my deposit before any updates to transcript or WMR. WMR later updated to the correct deposit date of 1/29/25 while transcripts stated 2/10/25 846 code.
@Taxguy: Maybe sooner.
To the people saying last year your “DDD date was xxx and i got it xxx, are you referring to your date next to your 846 on transcripts, or your actual DD on WMR? I am curious to see if we really will get it before 2/16. And @Taxguy: what makes you think this I am curious also.
@Taxguy: where did you see that at?
@Kristen: Hopefully that’s the pattern this year! I remember years ago maybe over 10 now I would have my refund in my account within like 8 or 9 days from filing to deposit date. I haven’t had that happen in a long time Not sure what changed. I’m not a pather.
Hate tax season 😂
DDD’s with 2/16 will be deposited this Friday 1/30
@fffffff: @Sarah D: I am a weekly also, the last couple of years my transcripts updated overnight on Thursdays and I received my DD well before my DDD in the system and before I get a 2nd bar. I just checked my 2024 transcript and last year my DDD was 2/17 and I received my deposit on 1/31… again well before I noticed any kind of update.
@0613875: last year my DDD was 02/10 but it was deposited on 01/23
@Lisainbuffalogobills: mine is blank too, saying “no return filed”. It has an as of date for 02/16, so I know it’s moving through the system – but maybe it just shows up blank for now because I’m on Path. I’m not sure…they look different this year, honestly lol
@Sheila_33: I just checked mine and no change for me. My wage transcript is still blank and IRS home page says my return hasn’t been processed yet either. Very weird, I should have a DD by next Wednesday I would think. I was accepted on 21st. Last year same exact thing I was accepted on 21st and had my deposit on 2/4. I am weekly so maybe Friday I will see something. Hopefully….
@bbb: Last year my DDD was 02/24, but it was deposited on 02/06
@bbb: I’m sorry but I’m not sure I understand your question.
@Sheila_33: I think it’s possible too and I hope that’s what we see. I checked my daughters and she has a blank account transcript for 2025 with an as of date 2/16. Hopefully hers populates at some point today.
@Sheila_33: taxact
What if only my account transcript popped up and it’s blank? I was daily last year
@VaGal07: I think its possible.
Gm everyone! Transcript updated with all good codes. Cycle code 0403. Pather.
Good morning all. I filed 1/23, accepted the same day. I used freetaxusa, no PATH or EIC. Just checked my account transcript and have 846 with a 2/16 date.
@VaGal07: do the banks rely on transcripts or some other avenue for determining your approval?