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.
@Sheila_33: Yes I did update to zeros this morning at first page on the transcript Thank you
@Sheila_33: I’ve been a daily for the last 3 or 4 years I’m Pather
Thank you for the info much appreciated
@Deano: Honestly, if you updated to 0s on your transcript this morning, your next update could possibly be an 846 on Wednesday morning transcripts next week. And if you’re a daily, which looks like you may be, then your deposit date would be the 23rd. If all goes smoothly anyway.
@Yandy00: what did wmr say letting you know you were getting a verification letter?
@Deano: Id tickled to death just to see my transcript and path act
@TZinTucky: yeah I didn’t expect any deposit dates or anything but I understand what you’re saying I am a path I’m thinking my deposit date would be the week of the 25th ish at least I hope so lol
@Deano: I meant 846 Train…..not getting any DD this week, most likely
@Deano: I was the same way last year and was expecting this year to be the same, except I’m no longer a Pather…..I was hoping to update overnight last Thursday and then 846 Train never stopped by my station and that’s when I started noticing others talking about it taking a week to update from all zeros…….So, I’ve got a new ticket and hopefully that DD Train comes tonight or tomorrow night :)
@TZinTucky: last year 4 days full transcript path act on the fifth day received federal return on the 19th boom badded boom boom boom done LOL LOL Have a great evening Thanks again
@TZinTucky: I did hear that the integrated AI into it this year how much I don’t know Thank you
@Deano: I agree every time I think I’ve got it figured out something new happens and we all have to change our understanding…..that’s what I love about this discussion board, the communication helps us all understand what’s happening this year
@mc559672: I’m patiently waiting…lol. Said they mailed on 2/5…
@TZinTucky: Hey Thank you a least I some kind of idea of time frame last year was a lot different
All pages filled in at the same time I’ve noticed some of the changes they’ve made example last year my entire transcript was available 4 days after I filed I believe the IRS does all this to keep us confused LOL Thank you
@Vaee E: With the 768 code that is likely the earliest you would receive it because that code most likely means you are a Pather and have to wait for the Path Act to lift
@mc559672: Yayyy I’m happy for you..I will let you know when I update…Good luck
@TZinTucky: thanks i have as of date 2/23 could that be ddd. I chose turbo tax 5 days early and my credit union offers 2 days early pay
@Deano: It seems the all zero on the Tax Transcript is sticking around for almost a week for some. The 3/2 as of is 21 days from when your transcript for cycled through (to all zeros) meaning you should movement prior to then
@Vanee E: Looks good so far those codes mean: 150=return filed, 806=credit for tax withheld, 768=Additional Credit (such as EITC or ACTC). All you need now is an 846 code meaning your return is scheduled to DD
Okay I have the first page of the transcript all zeros as of date 3/2
This happened this morning early
2025 not filed no cycle date
Anybody have an idea how long the zero-page sticks around for before the rest fills in average I filed on 2/ 5
@ErisedMai: thank you ! I’ve never been a daily so when I seen that I was like hold on lol
I filed on 1/27 got accepted on 1/29 transcripts have as of 2-23 code 150 806 – amount 768 – is this good also wmr says path act. On top of transcript has account balance- amount and account balance plus accruals same – amount. Is this all code for me? Am i just waiting for ddd
@NirvanaFan25: mine too
Return summary updated to 2025 today indicating I’ve finished processing. Fingers crossed I see that 846 for next week
@moe: I am so glad you got your money. I have been looking out fir your posts to see if you received your money yet. I am happy for you.
@bread: If you’re being held under the path freeze, we’re thinking closer to the 23rd.
@moe: You’re very much welcome enjoy your refund