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.
@Sheila_33: gm Shelia it’s our time to shine 🤑
@Basketcasemama: Congratulations and see you next year!
@Sweety16: That would be Friday of this week ALL day weekly updates FRIDAY/RUNNING INTO SATURDAY 3:00AM
Well, tonight/early morning is our time and turn. Good luck, everyone.
@Nia_1028: It will slow it some but if you don’t amend, it will take longer
@Miami Dade 305: me too 🤑
@Jersey girl: shiiii I’m ready
Weeklies 0505 we update later tonight who is ready to see that magical 846??? Last year I updated at 12:20 am eastern time. Good luck everyone 🤑
@Bama91: Congratulations 🍾🎉 If you had CHIME you refund WOULDVE posted in your account March 2nd CHIME RELEASE REFUNDS 5 DAYS early if your refund is coming straight from the TREASURY and not a 3rd PARTY
Any 0805 updated yet?
Wells Fargo hit
Till next year ! 🩷
@Morris: gm they are 06 dalies that updated overnight.
Shelia_33 question for you…we id verified on Tuesday 2/17. First year filing married jointly. 2024 we both were 20240405. Nothing has changed since we verified. Only account transcript still says no return filed. Is it possible we might see some movement soon?
@PassingThrough: letter should arrive 7 to 10 business days then verification Once you get verified it may take up to 1-4 weeks to process the return back into the system common question they normally ask for security reasons like mother maiden or father last name the state you were born in
@Stephanie: mine saying the same 3/9. DDD
Are we all updating late tonight ?? 0505? Will we finally be seeing our golden ticket number 846??
DDD 3/9 with navy federal.. wmr 2/23 waiting on my account to say pending so I can early release lol
@JenIsMyName: ok thank you for letting me know so hopefully we will see a different date
@Miss Dallas: we’ll we’ll YOU GOT FUNDS,,, congratulations 🎈🎊 💰 💴
@Nia_1028: unfortunately yes it will because they now have to adjust. It may add a few more weeks to your wait time
@Nia_1028: Same here! I am about to Amend and add my 2. But do I amend it via TurboTax because that’s how I started my taxes or through the IRS like how do I do that? This is my first time doing it. So any help is appreciated.
No paper Checks
Per the IRS if your account information is incorrect or account closed there will be no paper checks you will have to contact them to make sure everything is updated or correct.
@Sheila_33: just wanted to wish you a great year! I’ll be back next year lol. Thank you for always being so helpful & kind!
Was revisiting past transcripts and noticed that I have an as of date of 3/2/2026 on my 2022 transcript. Can anyone explain what this means?
@texas77: I’m 0505 as well and nothing, nada. Guess we’re just waiting. I’m a weekly 😔😔😔😊
@Tab: that sux lol I get my pay check early I was hoping I would get my refund early lol well technically I get my check the day of bc I get it late night into the day of my check date 😂 so idk if I can say that’s early or not lol
The IRS is processing taxes backwards. 0505 comes before 0605, right? Why are we seeing 0605 updating before 0505?
For some reason my as of date for my 2022 transcript is 3/2/2026, why?
@WASTATEGIRL24: I haven’t. Here with ya girl!
@Sheila_33: Hi Happy Friday Eve.. I missed two w2 and got a 570/971 codes and spoke to a rep he confirmed i missed two w2 and i need to Amend it and update the two missing w2’s.. will this slow up the process? My wage transcripts do not match my reported income. Thank u in advance
@Tab: ugh day of 🤣