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 âqueueâ 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.
Thatâs 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 donât have to guess when your refund will hit.
Check the IGMR Refund Cycle Chart and see when your moneyâs 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.
@Momof1: what state you in?
Everyone on this page it’s gone through Santa Barbara tax group call the phone number I don’t believe their website’s going to update till tomorrow but the phone number has up to date info And again you can find it on this page somewhere down in the messaging congratulations to us all
And btw – my SBTPG site still says âunfundedâ. Here is the number to call if you want to check your Serve card to see if itâs deposited: 1-855-431-6040.
And here is the number for SBTPG: 1-877-908-7228.
@ErisedMai: Social Security took 2,635 for some reason. I don’t even receive SS benefits. Oh well. Guess I’ll have to just deal with it. Grateful for the $$ I did get.
So happy for those that got their 846 and their money! Meanwhile Iâm still living in weekly land, but Friday will be my turn!
@Silentwatcher26: only thing they did was pay my advances back and I called the number n said released my funds
@Honeybee82: no seriously!!!! Now Iâm hoping Friday they release them to those who will get the 846. Iâll remain optimistic lol
@Cheyteeee: Yeah I didn’t do any 5 days early.
Has anyone received their refund that didn’t do 5 days early?
@PAPatherPlus4: lol they sure are!! I was thinking it would be a miracle if they released our funds on Friday instead of Monday – but never in a million years did I think weâd get our deposits the same day as our 846. I think this might be a first time ever for SBTPG! đ€Ł
Regardless hopefully the rest shows up.
@Momof1: Did you use the 5 days early deposit option
@ASDMamaBear: I know that if its been taken, you have to select a different option or it says no offsets..i just cant remember what option it is or how to do it.
@ErisedMai: nope, I checked.
@LootieRGV956: Do yourself a favor and call the phone number and it’s all over this page I don’t remember it off the top of my head
@Momof1:
Yes, Congratulations, what state are you in? My son has wells fargo, nothing for him yet.
@Honeybee82: so Santa Barbara is releasing early this year? Please say yes! Lol
@PAPatherPlus4: Yes I did then on my card about 22 minutes ago or so got to 8:46 code this morning about 2:00 in the morning and already have my refund My direct deposit date was Monday the 23rd so it’s 2 days early
@ASDMamaBear: The offset line doesn’t list anything?
@Deano: you paid fees through Santa Barbara?
@Ughggghhhhhhhghhg: call the +18007797228 I got updated info. Doesn’t show up on website
Im so mad about my DD lol. I missing a chunk of my deposit and there’s no offsets or notices or anything to explain it. Went through JH and have serve.
@Honeybee82: congratulations!! Im still waiting
@Deano: does it show on sbgtpt website?? I use Jackson Hewitt and have serve I didnât get my deposit đą
@Miss Dallas: mine is pending for 2/23 in Navy fed
My refund is on my card from SBTPG Jackson Hewitt serve card
đđđđđ
@Honeybee82: yay congratulations!!!!
My deposit just hit! This is literally the fastest Iâve ever seen SBTPG release fundsâŠ.ever! đđŸđ°
Tax Preparer: Liberty Tax – diy option
Date Filed: Jan-29
Fees: from refund
Bank: Navyfed
Bars:1st Bar
Date Accepted: Jan-29
Transcript: Online
processing date: 03-02-2026
as of date: 03-09-2026 (changed from 2-23-2026)
cycle: daily
cycle code: 02
Able to access transcripts got my 846 code, nothing in navy fed yet
@Blessed2bme89: I did a few moments ago. I’m missing approximately $2600 for some reason and it wasn’t my fees either. Gotta make a call to jh tomorrow.