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.
@DebMom: This is what I came here to ask about also. I was accepted late January and haven’t had the PATH message yet on WMR. Is this normal or something to worry about?
@Vee2021: What is your Wmr saying as of today?
Good morning… still nothing for me 🤷♀️🤦♀️
CHATGPT!!! upload your forms or even questions on chat gpt itll break everything down see below
I uploaded my a screenshot from my transcript
reply from upload \/
Perfect — this helps a lot. Here’s exactly what your transcript is saying 👇
Your return has been processed ✅
Processing date: 02-23-2026
Cycle code: 20260505
→ 5th week of 2026, Thursday updates
You are now just waiting for the refund release code (846).
Your refund amount 💰
Let’s add your credits:
Code Description Amount
806 Federal withholding $927
766 Credit to your account $2,765
768 Earned Income Credit $5,114
Total refund coming $8,806
Because your tax per return is $0, you get all of that back.
👉 Your refund will be: $8,806
Good morning everyone. Congratulations to the 02 dailies w/o path credits seeing refund codes!
@Matt7650: I went in without the letter.
@Duke Devlin: did you have your letter already when you went in? Or did you just choose to go in without it?
cont… I had to split into two comments
I just wanted to say kudos to a couple of tax payers who went on a mission to figure out what was going on – to this current page that helps so many people every year, is full of accurate information and useful links and explanations. You really have created an amazing page to help.
This page is the quietest I think I have ever seen. I have been on this page since before it was an actual page- back in what 2011-2012- the fiasco of a year that had us all in a panic. I was a tax preparer from 1999-2008 (back when Refund anticipation loans were a thing). You know when everyone got their taxes done in an office and impatiently waited to pick up their check the next day. I visit and read every year, have occasionally commented. This is our first year getting a refund instead of paying in quite a few years.
I went into the local IRS office to verify today the lady said she released it back into processing.
Does anyone know why my transcripts updated to this?
Information About the Request We Received
Why We’re Contacting You
We’re contacting you to report on the status of the request we received.
Information About the Status of The Request
On February 10, 2026, you submitted a request for information.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but we are not able to process the
requested tax year at this time. Please note: Transcript requests for other
tax years may be available. You or your representative can contact the
Identity Theft Toll-free at 800-908-4490 for any tax year that is not
available.
Has Tax Topic 152 gone away do not see it on WMR. Not sure if I have seen it this year
@Aw: Congrats on the 846
Transcripts just updated. 846 for 3/2 but have chime so hoping to receive same day.
Hello svelte, long time Tucker here. Fild Jan 28th, accepted next day. Last week transcript was available but nothing on there. I just checked and its finally filled out. Just waiting on 846 after path lifts. Always been 05, but changed to 02 as of today it seems.
I verified my identity in person today, how long does it take for wmr to update?
@Tay: yes for some dailies
@Tay: should be, but probably later in the night….typically between 3am and 6am on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning
Will there be a transcript update tonight?
@DebMom: I think they used cross river last year. I remember getting my refund the deposit date on the irs website.