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.
It worked! Thank you @Kimberly90
@Nelson35: Means you’re a daily processor. You could see your transcript update next Thursday if no issues. And you’re most likely an 04 this year.
@Janel120: Hi! If this has already been answered, I’m sorry – I’m just catching up for the first time today lol.
I got my 846 yesterday and received my deposit around 9:00 last night. I filed with JH, had fees and advance taken out through SBTPG, and the deposit hit on my Serve card last night. Definitely didn’t expect it the same day as my 846 since SBTPG is notoriously slow, but was pleasantly surprised this year 😊
@Sheila_33: Yes thank you.Last year i was 0605.
@Celina93: Then hopefully today she’s processing.
@Yandy00: You too. Hopefully it moves quick now since you’re a daily.
@Jjay86: yeah same here. It’s killing me.
@Miss Dallas: how do you find out about Navy Federal pending my deposits?
@Sheila_33: Yes true..After she told me she wasn’t. I had to call to be sure.I verified Monday the 9th…Hopefully soon…Goodluck to you tonight
@Sheila_33: she filed a was accepted February 5th and then transcripts showed up but no info on it on February 13th. So she was worried about it. Lol
@GAgal: Thats what I’m hoping.
@Cheyteeee: Yes and DDD 2/23 according to WMR. Transcript showing 846.
@Celina93: Always a chance as long as no issues.
@GAgal: 0605 should update tonight correct?
@Yandy00: I believe mc was saying they heard it was better to verify via phone. Well, if nothing else, you know you’re verified now and hopefully back in the system.
So last year I was cycle 804 the year before that I was 903 what does that mean I got all 0s this morning
So my friend wanted me to ask, last week Friday her 2025 transcripts showed up but saying no return filed is there a chance tomorrow her transcripts could populate with 846?
@Jjay86: glad to know I’m not alone. Same thing for me. Did you get your 846 yesterday? Path message gone today?
notihing
Has anyone with cycle code got their 846? Shouldn’t this one update tonight into tomorrow?
SBTPG has no account for me. I always have my fees taken out via TT and did not get the five day early pay out. What gives??
@kelvin: You both have a chance today. I’m hoping with everything going on with the transcripts that you both just got resequenced and maybe you update tomorrow.