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.
@Bubba Hick: It can get confusing sometimes because last year we had a lot of 05s that updated to refund dates on a Tuesday. And they thought they were weekly 05s. You just never know with an 05, they can be tricky lol.
Hello all. I’ve have been checking my transcripts. I have codes 150, 806, 766 and 768 on my transcript. What does code 806 mean? Is the account transcript the transcript that will show when you get the 846 code?
Hello all. I have codes 150, 806, 766 and 768 on my transcript. What does code 806 mean?
IRS must be moving quickly! Filled and accepted Sunday 15th got an email from TurboTax just a few mins ago saying money on the way estimated deposit 3/08. Last year my 846 was 3/10 and my deposit hit 2/20 on chime praying all goes smoothly!
@Sheila_33: Ok I got u I’m 20260505 so I’m guessing I’ll be one of the ones updating last if I understand correctly sorry if I seem or sound confused because I am 😔
@Bubba Hick: My apologies, I missed your answer. 05 can be a daily or a weekly processor so you could update tonight as a daily 05 and if not, Friday with a refund date.
Hey y’all. I sho’ b glad when I get mines. I’m tired of borrowin’ ice. My ice maker broke. Anybody know what its like to be thirsty n’ hot for ice? Well, hope y’all get that blessed 846 code. God Bless n’ Take Care😀🙏.
Last my cycle code was 20250505 and had ddd of 02/24 but got it on the 19th through Cash App. This year I’m 0504 which was weird
@Brandy: same except my code is 0404…but so far my as of and processing are both 2-16.
@Brandy: When you posted to the master file, that cycle code was placed. In your case, 2026 year, 04 week, and 05 day of the Irs tax week which is a Thursday. That code won’t change, regardless if you’re a pather or not.
Hey folks, long time lurker here. Most of us like Sheila has stated will probably update tonight. I noticed last year my tran’s updated late Tuesday night on 02/18 after the holiday and my deposit came in less than 24hrs later at 3pm on the 19th.
@Bubba Hick: Cycle code is the date over the transcript codes: 20260504 for example. That would gives us a idea when you might see a refund date.
Cycle code 02
As of date: 2/23
Processing date 3/2
Hopefully with credit karma deposit drop this week 🙏🏽
@Sheila_33: ok I have all codes except for 846
So I was just thinking about my cycle code and mine is 20260405 but I’m a pather. Isn’t that a code that’s already past date? I have an as of date of 2-16 with no change today yet
We believe tonight they may update late evening into Wednesday morning but usually its early mornings after midnight, sometimes later
@Miami Dade 305: Wmr has a new format this year. No 152, but you can click on a little box explaining refund statuses.
@Sheila_33: 05
@Bubba Hick: Whats your cycle code?