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.
@Kayden: I also saw depending on what your fees are being taken out for TT uses 2 banks. For me, I chose to be paid 5 days earlier ( which I’ll never do again, because its essentially a ploy to get your money – in actuality for me it will take longer since I bank with Venmo and my deposits hit instantaneous) My fees with TT are being sent to Cross River Bank and then to my bank… Cross River Bank does not provide a way to track.
@Audra: i just spoke with someone at Turbotax and they are saying it could be 2 days before SBTGP shows my info. So im just waiting lol
@Kayden: @Audra: if im not mistaken based on previous years. if 846 was wed, thurs wmr will update and the actual ddd will be that following monday. with a no hold bank i would see it 1-2 days before as TT is veryyyy slow with sbtpg. So friday is my guess. Hopefully sooner.
@Yandy00: are you getting the:
“Verify Your Tax Return Information Now
We need more information about your 2025 tax return before it can be processed.”
notification on your IRS account home page?
@Yandy00: my 21 days from acceptance is today. There’s not even an indication of when it will be sent. This is wild.
@Yandy00: Ugh, me too. I feel like my refund is being held hostage…
@Kristen: ues i receibed the 846 code this morning. Checked on their skte and it says no info for my account. May still.be too early
@Kayden: Do you have an 846 code on your transcript yet? You will only start seeing movement at the bank if the IRS released your deposit, and the 846 code is what triggers that.
@Kayden: Same here so I’m not sure if they updated yet or not. They may not show anything until tomorrow. I chose fees out of my refund.
@Sheila_33: I wish you all the luck on Friday.Also for everyone else on here….Im waiting for the letter to verify lol
This is the first time i have opted to have fees taken out of my refund. I filed with TurboTax and the Sbtpg is saying they cant fond an account for me. Anyone else have this issue?
@Yandy00: As crazy as this year has started, I’m not even sure anymore lol
@texasmomof3: No I have it coming to my bank account. I think that the 2/23 is just a generic date generated by the IRS. I will keep you guys posted when my refund hits my account.
@Sheila_33: I told my son im not sure if chase will deposit early lol
I never updated to the path message even though I have 2 dependants. Put my transcripts updated with all good codes looks like I’m getting it on 2/16
@ErisedMai: my chime is with stride. My dd hit about 9:30am pst
@BigCountry1087: I use chime
2-23-26
@ErisedMai: chime
Just curious if anyone who had transcript updates and DD hit their bank today used Turbo Tax and had fees taken out?