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.
@TheMadness21: no they were not it was all zeros and blank
@MomOf7Sons: I have the same info as you: code 0505 is – Processing date of 2/23 – as of date 3/02… But not 846 tonight!!
I just got my 846 as 3-9. I checked last year’s 846 said 3-10 but it got deposited 2-20. So we may get it Friday!
I’m a pather but mine updated for March 9th. Since when did it occur so late ? Also I looked at previous years and it showed refund issued for March on those but before it showed February dates
@Deano: was your transcripts filled in before tonight?
Mine updated to 846 but direct deposit date says March 9th
@Devylwahaylo: im 0505 too. Friday will be our day to update. Not unless you’re a 05 daily. Which I thought I was cause I updated on a Friday & the last time I updated it was on a Wednesday. But oh well, Friday it is.
@TheMadness21: I’m pretty sure the weekly folks is going to occur like it did tonight
@TheMadness21: I’m daily
@Deano: are you daily or weekly I’m a weekly unfortunately lol
@Duke Devlin.: for weeklies yes
@Champagnepeach52: the date shown on your transcript will be reflected on WMR… but usually once the 846 is posted to your transcript, and you have zero fees and a no hold bank… your DD usually hits within 24 hours… never had to wait until actual DDD. However, I’ve never had my DDD so far out. 3/9🤯
@Deano: oh wow that amazing I’m hoping I have your luck but I’m weekly and I only have my account transcript and wages transcript so far but it’s been like that since last week. My account has zeros so I’m not yo hopeful
@Kimberly90: well it looks like we’ll ride this wave together then. Im just halt to see some weeks updating!! Go on! Get that money!!
For all the folks getting 846 for a 3/9 DDD….. last year my DDD said 3/10 and I got my deposit the same day as it issued the 846 which was 2/17 I believe.
Should I be concerned, I don’t have an 806 code but do have all good codes. Processing date is 2/23 and as of date is 03/02. Do have all the other good codes.
Ugh it is going through SBTPG. I checked their advisor and it has all my info and they hold our money FOREVER
@Devylwahaylo: that Is my cycle code too AND nothing. Wonder if it could still update tonight or that was it AND we have to wait for the next update
And nothing..
Where’s my refund will not update until tomorrow night or maybe even the next night
@Kay: Believe me we all are not going to have to wait till 3/9 More realistic February 23rd or sooner
@Champagnepeach52: WMR should update Thursday
@TheMadness21: My transcript populated today also received the 846 code refund issued
@losttttt: no, my processing and as of dates were 2/16 and I have a DDD
@Champagnepeach52: Where’s my refund probably won’t update till tomorrow trust me it won’t take till 3/9 to get your deposit More realistic most likely the 23rd or sooner
@losttttt: fingers crossed that we Will still update at some point tonight
@Champagnepeach52: mine says path message still
What does anyone’s wmr say for anyone who got 846? I used up all my attempts:( I got 846 for March 9th, but want to see the real date.
@Deano: cool beans. I know last year I didn’t update till like 4-6AM so im just trying to see who was dropping! but jut checked FB group and it seems sooooo random! the IRS just KNOWS how to keep us on our toes 😭😭😭
@Duhh_itsme: I have the same cycle code but nothing yet
@losttttt: my as of is 2/16 so no
@CrazedinGA: i hope this happens. So happy for everyone but i want my money too
Is there another update Thursday night?
@Kimberly90: last year… everyone was updating but me, and finally I updated around 8:30am on a Wednesday. It can still happen.