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.
@OkGirlMom:
My transcript says unavailable
@Honeybee82: I think that depends. I am an 05 weekly and i updated this morning to an 846. My as of date was 2/16
@Sabrina Rae: Hey boo
@Graciousgambino: if you are a 05 weekly, your WMR will update on Saturday 😊
0505 ACCEPTED 1/26 Pather here QUICK question
When will wmr update for us ? I have no access to transcript!
Plz help thanks!
I am weekly but trying to log into check my transcript it says currently unavailable.
Finally got through to check my transcripts for the day….I’m a weekly so I really wasn’t expecting to have my 846 yet but was just checking….I don’t have any new codes but my as of date changed from 2/16 to 3/2.
And I know I’ve seen this answer in the discussion
But what is the as of date for?
Is it that they’ll process it before that date?
@Chicagohound18: they held mine for 5 days last year
@Needmymoneynow: Hi are you a weekly on path did you check yours thankyou.
@ASDMamaBearnotloggedin: thank you inwas an 05 last year I see now 03 this year
@Seersucker: Im an 03 and mine updated last night with 846. Typically Tuesday into Wed but you are a daily and can update any day.
@Trinitydestany1: mine was deposited the 21st last year with the serve card
Just wanna make sure bottom on transcripts left side has 4 codes bottom code is 846 that means my refund is approved correct?
@Chile: that’s not nice…. And the site has been around for a very long time. Doubt it’s going anywhere anytime soon! Many people are helped here by the support of peers and those running the site. Not sure why you’d say something like that?
@Seersucker: my cycle code ends in 03 does that mean my wmr can update which day most likely ?
Has any pathers gotten refunds from H&R Block yet?
@Tax time is not for the weak.: that most likely means they are attempting to check something about your return – it could be something simple like verifying your filing status or dependents or job, or they could be trying to reconcile something from a past year. This doesn’t mean you’re going to be delayed or have codes – it could result in a code but not guaranteed! Last year and the year before mine do something similar and everything was fine, no delay and no change to my refund just hang tight!
@SimpleLife: I figured that out bottom left it has 4 codes but last code is 846 with the amount right side of page
@Seersucker: have to pull up account transcripts
@Tax time is not for the weak.: In reference to the first message I am not able to view 2025 transcript either or 2022 all the other transcript s has a as of date for 3-2 2026 please check
@MzB81: Thanks for the info
Refund issued 846 3-9-2026 yayyyy!!!
February 16, 2026: The legal hold required by the PATH Act is officially lifted, allowing the IRS to begin processing these returns.
February 18 – 20, 2026: The IRS is expected to begin funding the first “batches” of PATH-related refunds.
February 21, 2026: The IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool is expected to update with personalized, projected deposit dates for most early EITC/ACTC filers.
March 2, 2026: The target date by which most early filers using direct deposit should see funds in their accounts. Some projections suggest a window extending to March 6, 2026 for all early filers.
@MissShea: for your State. If it was for your federal you would see your federal amount. What State you live in?
ATTENTION all weeklies that are on path all of my years as of dates say as of 3- 2 2026 the only one not saying it or letting me view is 2022 tax year anyone else.check now please.
@Ebk on tax time: the 3/09 ddd is a glitch?
When I went on IRS it says they are doing maintenance to try back Sunday. So it maybe why people can’t see their transcripts.
@Sheila_33: Sheila please take a look at your transcripts for every year your as of dates say as of march 2 2026 for all of them the only one they not letting me click on is 2022 tax year let me know if you have the same thing thankyou.
@Valerie1997: nope didn’t work
When I pull up refund transcript where will the codes be located? Ex 846 ect.
@Ebk on tax time: Sure Goob
@Valerie1997: shucks, trying it for me did not work. on my home page its telling me there is an system update until 2/19 and to come back there. it will not allow me to pull my transcripts since 12 am today, 2/18. I know I am a weekly and paid my fees ahead of time. I am a pather, too.
Checked transcripts at around 5:45 AM and just now at 12:52 CST—no 846. :(
But I’m not going to sweat it too hard because either last year or the year before, I received my money without an 846 and an update on WMR. I still think it will be the 19th or the 20th.
For comparison:
Cycle 0505
Turbo Tax—fees taken out
Pather
Accepted Jan. 26th
As of: 3/2
Processing date: 2/23
I’m on PATH and finally got into my transcripts. I have codes 150, 806, and 768, but still no 846. Do any other PATHers have transcripts with no DDD?
@Chicagohound18: Last year, I received my funds to serve card within hours after seeing they got their funds. Hope that helps!
Accepted 2/7 I have only first bar and I can see 2025 account transcripts but it’s blank. Is this normal?
Dear Tigerlili, where are the deposits? Lol
I don’t know if anyone else caught this but if your transcripts aren’t pulling up and loading in English ; do them in Spanish ! I got mine to load and pull up to see if I have my 846 code and it worked.:)!
@Yandy00: I came across a bunch of comments where people were saying don’t verify online, verify on the phone.
According to their anecdotes, everyone that mentioned the phone verification said that they received their direct deposit in a week
Whoopsie. I’m living and learning for next year.
Cycle 0505. Can’t access transcripts. Doh! Plus there is maintenance on the 19th 😩. I took the refund advance too from TT. Last year I didn’t take the refund advance , 5 days early I did and I got it 3 days from the 5 they give ya. I was accepted 01/23 . Anyone know what DDD i may have and if I’ll get it on that day or before ?
Anybody else’s transcripts not loading fir past 2 hrs?
@Yandy00: i just came across a subreddit where everyone was saying don’t verify online, verify on the phone because it almost always processes faster and they got their DD a week after verifying.
I’m living and learning for next year.
@Laci: I know I can’t believe updating to ddd of 3/9, that seems far out, I would think the date would be sooner
@Laci: Your Wmr will change tomorrow to 2/23. The date beside the 846 is to make sure you get your deposit by then.
I’ve been moonlighting as a Covert Narcissist Buster for 40 years.
Rule #1: don’t give them the supply they’re looking for 😉
I don’t know who needs to hear this.
Does anyone remember how early deposits was last year for us who file with JH and use serve. I feel like I got it a couple days after transcripts updated even with my ddd being a couple weeks out.
am I really gonna have to wait till 3/9 I got 846 this morning 😭
Hey you guys. First congrats to everyone who revived their 846. I did as well and for the one who haven’t. It will be coming don’t lose hope. My question is my ddd says 3/9. I filed through freetaxusa and bank with chime. When should i receive?
Today is the first day my 2025 transcripts have been viewable and it won’t load for me too lol
@Yandy00: Hey there, friend! I always appreciate you chiming in to let me know we’re on the same page 🙏
I’m fairly certain I’m a weekly, but can’t confirm since my account trans hasn’t populated yet.
Hopefully Friday shows us…uh…
Anything 🙂
Broooo there are so many bigger problems….just take a few to breathe…it’s easy to feel triggered by ANYTHING right now. Really, take some deep breaths and move the tension in your body to somewhere else….even if it’s just going to the bathroom, just do something to move and breath for 30 seconds…Im waiting with the 05s.. WE GOT THIS PEOPLE! SENDING LOVE ❤️
@jemar707: I’m cycle code 0505 updated today with ddd 3/9 I was on path
@DiddlySquatter: 🤣
@Momof1: Thank you for sharing😊
@mc559672: Hey how are you?Same here..I called to make sure my online verify went thru lol…Hopefully update this week.Good luck to you and everyone 😊
I’m hoping the same little internet fairies that start showing me ads for fiber supplements 30 seconds after I googled “is my dog constipated”, also flit around the IRS servers and can see I’ve verified my return and there is no reason not to immediately process my return. 😉
@Sheila_33: I know last year I checked the Santana Barbara website it couldn’t find my information. My refund was sent to the cross River Bank but like you said unfortunately there’s no was of checking to see if they have received it. I do remember it showing up in my account around 5:30. I also opted to have it come 5 days early. I was surprised it showed up that early. To those who is wondering if it will come today it’s very possible that it will but if not it’s definitely coming soon. Good luck to all.
@Ineedmy$$now: February 23
Which cycle codes updated today? Hit me with them.
@ErisedMai: 😬
@jemar707: 4 of each and a nap?
I’m trying to figure out how many Redbulls + Celsius = stay awake for WMR
Chime is not chiming, that is what’s happening.
It’s all good everyone. Let’s move on. I just zap the whole conversation. Tell me something else that’s happening.
Wooosah Miss Jelly
I have a job that I can multi task
@Chicagohound18: I think they hold on to it until the day before or day of. They wait until the funds are actually there and then do everything.
@FROOT7: since path is over you should get all the codes at once.