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.
@Monee: Most of the time they’ll just adjust internally.
@Yandy00: when was your return accepted?
Deposit date and nothing yet. Im very disappointed in Venmo…
@Monee: 19th day smh
@Sheila_33: if someone’s w2 says $700 withheld, but somehow on there tax return it says $0 withheld, what will happen? Should they do anything?
@Sheila_33: just curious. I am weekly, accepted in the second test batch (1/20) According to the chart I should have seen an update and then had a DDD of 2/4. The first week I updated to all 0’s, this past week I updated and have a DDD of 2/11. Very simple return (1 w2, no path). I noticed a lot of others like me who updated a week late. Is the entire chart a week behind or just something with my return or being in the test batch?
@DaniS77: 06 is the week of the tax year. Hopefully, we’ll see an update for you and other weeklies this Friday.
I have a question. My cycle code is 20250605. I know that I am a weekly. But not sure what the 06 is. I filed and was accepted 1/26. My transcripts says not filed. Is this normal? And what does the 06 mean?
@Jenny04: This is our projected calendar of how we believe things will play out:
https://igotmyrefund.com/irs-e-file-refund-cycle-chart/
GM chat. Im supposed to have my federal refund deposited to from what WMR states. I have a credit union and they usually dont hold funds. I will keep you all posted once it hits.
@OhioBred87: im experiencing it. I think it happens when you reach day 19 without being processed. What day are you on?
Good morning everyone. Welcome back. So I filed and accepted on the 31st of Jan but I’m a pather and weekly here. When should I see an updated on where’s my refund on when it will be sent out? I can’t remember since I filed earlier this year than before. Any help would be appreciated
@Deano: The fee is being taken from my refund
Good morning all! I filed 1/8 and was accepted 1/22, I am a Pather, Wage Transcupts are done but no further update for my account transcripts just AS OF DATE 2/16.
WMR IS NOW SAYING THIS MESSAGE
“We apologize, but your return processing has been delayed beyond the normal timeframe. You can continue to check back here for the most up to date information regarding your refund. We understand your tax refund is very important and we are working to process your return as quickly as possible.”
Anyone else experiencing this?
So has anyone who is a weekly not affected by path, accepted in a non test batch seen anything about updates even in transcripts besides wages or are we on hold until this weekend?
@Momof2girls1boy77: We’re seeing a lot of id verifies coming in their informed delivery today. I think its very possible that it may be.
@moe: Are going through SBTPG
if so check there site? you are welcome also
@Deano: Thank u
@DebMom: Thank you 🙂
@moe: There is a good chance today if I was to guess later in the afternoon 🙂
DD for the 10th will it be today ? Green Dot
@Yandy00: Good luck lady!
@Deano: I think no more updates until that time Tues
@Sheila_33: Good morning How are you?Im going to my P o box around 9am.As soon as I get the letter and get back home I will go into my account and put in the control number.Im a daily.Ill keep you updated. Good luck to you
@Yandy00: Good morning. If you can get that today and get it submitted right back in, you have a chance of catching processing for weeklies and seeing an update this week.
@mc559672: Good morning Hope you’re weekend was good. I see that the id verify letter is coming today in my informed delivery.Just wanted to keep you posted 📫 Good luck to you
Hello everyone
@Newtothis: i have the same date now we are just waiting for the transcripts to update with code 846
So I was told by two different people from the irs that I needed to id verify. This morning my wmr updated to say we have received your return and it is being reviewed. I just checked my informed delivery and there is a letter coming in today from the IRS. Could it be the letter I need to verify
@Dollbaby127: Michigan here definitely had to verify for the state taxes
@Cat: im sure it wont updated with ddd until 2/20
@anxiouslywaiting
I think you will be fine for direct deposit. The wording is if you have had over 10,000 withheld from income AND have a zero tax liability. Someone who had that nuch withheld likely made in the 100,000 dollar range, so having 0 tax liability with that income is a red flag. My husband made 125,000 and had 12,400 withheld. Since he had so much overtime we actually get a decent refund this year.
The IRS DD lots of refunds over 10,000. for someone who hits the actc and eic with 3 kids it is very possible for them to get a large refund. For me I am estatic we get almost 3,000 this year. It is usually in the 1500 range. Last year 1655. a little less income, but no overtime break.
Hope that helps.
@Speed Racer: it’s working for me
Is WMR down for everyone?
@Sheila_33: Thank you I was pretty sure it wasn’t transcripts that happens Tuesday morning 🙂