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.
@mc559672: What number did you call for state of California to answer their questions?
@Matt7650: I won’t speak for Nate, but I just had to do this for California and I’ve heard it’s similar:
I just had to answer some very simple questions about my return(s):
AGI on returns, income on W2/1099s, filing statuses, direct deposit info on return, etc. It’s stuff you already have at your disposal from your transcripts and return, so it should be easy.
@Iloveupstatenewyork: Wage transcripts normally don’t fill in with all the wages until later in the year since they’re submitted from SSA and they only update once a week. So, I don’t think it will be an issue.
I started a new job in December and when I check my wage account their not showing up, only my old job. Is this going to hold up my refund
I have Green Dot DD for the 10th still have not gotten it yet
Weekly 05 Updated to Path Message on WMR.
Filed 1/15
Accepted 1/16
1/30 had 000s on my account
2/6 all good codes just waiting for 846
Hoping for the 18th but more likely the 25th of Feb for my DDD.
@Nate: when you verified besides the conformation number on the letter, what else did you need to input on the computer?
@Deano: thank you i just said im going to let it play out because at this point I can’t do anything
@mc559672: if it’s been 21 days they should be able to tell you if your letter has been sent. The irs. They told me last year
@Nate: Happy to see people r getting their letters and fingers crossed you see an update on transcripts next update. I’ve seen these verifies move quick in February. Keep us updated please.
@mc559672: anytime lets hope once we verify the deposit comes right after. This tax year is super weird in my opinion
@Lovergirl: if the IRS hasn’t changed where’s my refund messages the amount they take for the offset and the remaining goes to you it’s pretty much seamless it will show on where’s my refund I’ve been there
@Shy: ignore the 2/23 date
That’s for the IRS system to have you all done and completed just pay attention to your direct deposit date Hope that helped
@Lin: I don’t believe there’s anything wrong yeah probably show up on the actual deposit day
@ErisedMai: thanks I figured around then
@Nate: Okay, my hope is rising…thanks so much for the reassurance!
@mc559672: the same day 2/2
I don’t understand why my Venmo hasnt hit…ddd 2/9 but supposed to come 5 days early..something wrong??
@Nate: When did you first get the verify flag? Mine said that starting Monday 2/2, so I’m hoping I get it soon.
@mc559672: I’m glad I could help and no when I check under notices and letters it doesn’t indicate any letter was sent. I literally got it randomly today in the mail.
@VaGal07: fingers crossed 🤞
@Nate: Did your account give you any indication as to whether or not it had been sent?
I think that’s the most frustrating part — not knowing whether or not mine is in motion yet.
@Nate: This gives me hope! I need this thing to come already so I can be done with this…
@ErisedMai: The waaaaiiiitiiiiing is the haaaardest part.
I feel like my refund is being held hostage until I get this damn letter lol.
@Vee2021: I know what you mean I had to verify 6times out of the past 8 years and I too have IP pin so I know the frustration all to well. It’s looking like I missed that train this year thank God I’ve done it the last 3 years in a row then the previous w years I didn’t have to and then the 3 year prior to that I had to verify it seems I have to verify for 3 years then not for 2 years then back in the id verification train for 3 years idk why it just happens to me
@ErisedMai: okay thank you for the clarification on that ☺️
@Stephen: says still PROCESSING I had verification but not letters or notices I kept refreshing and it disappeared finally. Why verify if I have. PIN that thought that was the whole point of it 🤔 this is ridiculous already. But yeah that’s it All for now
i just checked my transcripts/My account transcripts is showing 2025 with 0.00 and wage transcripts.I l also have 2025 on my IRS account balance. I did not have that before. lets see next week
Seen a few people who got ID verify on their IRS account last week get letters today. So hopefully that means they are coming soon for y’all who are waiting.
I received my verification letter today. I filed 1/17 and accepted on 1/20. I verified online today with the control number. I just wanted to make everyone aware who’s in the same boat as me.
@Stephen: No, because its debts immediately before the cancellation.
@Vee2021: what does your where’s my refund say?