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.
@Rubicon46: I still have no update
@Momof2girls1boy77: If it is an id verify, that as of date won’t move again until the verify is resolved and you’re entered back into the system.
Also I’m confused if I’m getting a letter why my as of date is still 2/16 and hasn’t updated
If I am set up on my online account to receive letters and notices online and by mail will I be able to see online the id verify letter when issued.
@Sheila_33: my transcripts updated overnight to just saying no tax return filed but still had 2/23/2026 as a date on there.
Yes there’s zeros on the top section but nothing where the codes should be. Is this what people mean when they say they have all 0’s?
For weeklies updating (and others)…Congrats! Wednesday DD won’t be too far off🥳
@Kristen: Okie dokie. I’ll check back next Friday. Thanks for the reply!
@Rubicon46: As for it saying single, it could be pulling last years information – I would wait until your transcripts update before panicking
@ClaimingMyKindleAsADependent: so “no tax return filed” is normal as Sheila mentioned – it just means you haven’t been processed yet. Mine has said that when I logged in for 21+ days after acceptance, until literally this morning when my transcripts finally updated. Hang in there
@Rubicon46: 1/26 was not that long ago and the time frame is pretty normal – its been slow this year. I just now updated to a deposit code on my transcript today and I was accepted 1/15 – I wouldnt recommend calling the IRS until its been the full 21 days, or you have a notice on your IRS.gov homepage that you need to ID verify. Otherwise, unfortunately, its just the waiting game.
I’m unable to login to irs jow. It says something isn’t right… error message. Anyone else?
@Momof2girls1boy77: Most are seeing them on their Wmr which you may see tomorrow. The good news is this early in the year, they can resolve and get them back into the system quicker. My son, a few years ago had one and was able to get it back in and he updated the same time the path lifted and got his refund.
Refresh memory I think the IRS.
Does not issue path act ddd date until after the 2/15 by law they can’t???
@Rubicon46: Mine is the same. No tax return filed and it shows head of household but I filed single. Also concerned.
@Flgirl68: I am in the same boat!
@Rubicon46: I called 800-829-3676. But a lot of them will not even look at your record until after 21 days from 1/26. I got lucky. But I’m not really buying their information. I think she is wrong
Just checked my transcript. I never ever know if im weekly. But I’ve been updated to 2/23/2026. Thank god! I filed through Cash App on 1/26.
@Momof2girls1boy77: how did you get to speak to someone? I need that!
@Kristen: we were an accepted 1/26. The other odd thing is his filing status shows “single”. We got married last year so this is our first year filing married. I’m concerned.
I just spoke with someone from the IRS. She said I need to verify but no letter has been sent out. Wouldn’t my WMR say about a delay if that was the case
@ Sheila_33 It’s all good received my social security payment before I received my tax refund. Imagine that. No tax refund is probably going to be February 11th.
@Rubicon46: Mine said that too until my transcripts updated – I think this is somewhat part of the normal process, when was he accepted?
@Backpaystl: I’m sorry. It stinks, I know.
@Sheila_33: Ty! That’s good to know😭I thought I was in the clear!
@Rubicon46:Until you process and post, that’s the standard messaging.