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.
@Mrs. P(not signed in): that’s what I’m guessing.. and right smh
@Txmomof3girlsnotsignedin: nope. She just said this morning give it a few more
Hours
@Monee: what number? And today makes 2 days for me 😩
My CT return was accepted on Friday and the status keeps going from under review to not yet processed anyone know what that means?
@Ineedmy$$now: did you call the number instead of checking online? It was on the phone line before wmr for me. I think it took 2 days to show up
What does it matter if SSA has the earnings showing etc? I’m just asking to get clarity. Mine show on SSA for 2024 but I have 0 on my transcripts but I’m also I guess what you all call a weekly. Sequence number for last year was 05. I’m hoping to see some movement by Friday.
I was nervous to file freetaxusa as ive always used TT but glad I didnt they are having massive issues and people not getting their refunds early. Every year I waited 2-3 days for it to be received by IRS and then fees taken out I will get it 2 days after it is sent to TT. This year I did freetaxusa no fees and it was super easy.
FYI I filed 1/16
IRS accepted 1/17
Transcript update to blank 1/22 –
Transcript fully updated 1/29 03 cycle
846 DDD for 2/3
Received in Chime 1/29
@Ineedmy$$now: they could be slow with sending the return to the irs. I’ve seen people file after you that’s gotten accepted.
@Ineedmy$$now: Oh, I see. That would make it frustrating then. Turbo Tax isn’t giving you any more information on why it hasn’t been accepted yet?
@Txmomof3girlsnotsignedin: I did TT because I need the advance. Kinda scared to go through another company.
@Mrs. P(not signed in): wym they dropped the ball?
@Ineedmy$$now: Hmm, I know a few years back when I filed through TurboTax I didn’t get accepted until 3 days after opening day because a hub went down. You could file with another tax prep company, if the other company gets accepted before the one through turbotax, it will just bounce the turbotax file back. I know people have done that in the past.
@Ineedmy$$now: have you tried a different tax software? Either the irs is extremely slow or turbo tax dropped the ball.
For the people who updated, are your wages showing on ssa.gov?
@Ineedmy$$now. Thank you for responding, Holding out hope for an update Friday morning,
Has anyone used Column Tax to file free with Chime or Varo? Noticed it’s being offered this year and I’m curious
@Txmomof3girlsnotsignedin: yeap it was submitted again Monday 6:48 EST and yeap can’t find my info.
@Txmomof3girlsnotsignedin: Gracias
@Oldnewb: you will not see the 846 until after the path lifts.
@John-Jaw: yes, it gets replaced with your return transcript after your return has been processed.
@Vee2021: What is ID Verify? Is that the PIN?
Is it common to process with no 846 or bad codes at all?
Transcript updated with codes 150, 766, 768, but no 846. Processing date updated from 2/10 to 2/17.
03 cycle, pather. WMR on 1 bar.
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@Ineedmy$$now: I would log back in and make sure it got submitted. That is unusual that it has taken this long. Have you checked WMR just to make sure it’s not showing up there either?
@MoCarr2118: wellsfargo 2 days early 4u huh? I’m assuming u were on 05…
Whewwww this year is different. I’ve comment the same comment about 3-4 times and no respond lol. Where is everybody at?
@vanessaa: it’s Normal it will
Go away once your transcripts populate
@John-Jaw: yes it is standard and once the transcripts populate it will go away