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.
Jus checked finally have 846
0605 panther
3-9 date
Whew it’s been a loooong wait
Finally got that 846
Not expecting my deposit until 2/25 but I’ll be pleasantly surprised if I get it before then
Hello everyone! I filed 2/13 got accepted 30 minutes later. Received and email 2/18 at 5 am just checked transcripts tonight and 2035 account transcripts finally popped up with all zeros and states no return filed. Should I be worried or will the transcript be filled in soon?
Got my 846 finalllyyyyy!!! 0505 🥳
@Chicagohound18: I hope you do! I can’t check my transcript so I hope I updated
Yessss. 846 just posted. I am 0505 and in California. It is only 9 pm here.
@VaGal07: SBTPG is trash. They always in the middle playing games.
@ItsMyMoney&iWANTitNow: Yep, and I’m NEVER using them again!
Guess I will see it sometime Monday with sbtpg to CK
0505 weekly in California just got 846
Filed 1/15
Accepted 1/16
0000s
Path message for 2 weeks
846
@Cookie crust: yesterday I saw quite a few people on the IGMR Facebook site saying they got theirs on the Walmart card early – same day they got their 846!
They moving quick. Weekly with 846 3/9 date
WOOO! Just got that 846 baby! 0505 826 for credit transferred out and 971 for notice issued hit at the same time as the 846! AND before midnight hit! YES!
Wow already updated got my 846 hope everyone updates
Hi I’m a weekly just updated to 846 3/9/2026 I bank with Walmart money card..Has anyone received early deposits with them?
@Silentwatcher26: I used JH and I haven’t gotten mines and they got my refund on the 18th and took their fees out so I am hoping tomorrow I will get it
Just updated to 846
0505
Alright yall! This weekly got her 846 DDD 03/09 transcripts just updated for me after being down all night!
@RuthBaby: actually I think im about to call it a night. Ive had enough of the rollercoaster ride of emotions for the day. See ya 05ers in the morning.
Good luck to all my weeklies! 🙏
Im gonna go play a few games of pool to help make the time go by. See yall in a few.
@TheMadness21: 🤣🤣🤣🤣 the 1st 0505 i see update with 846, im checking. Or at least that’s what im gonna try to wait for
Tuning in for that good ol 846 party🤗 505 lets gooooooooo!!! good luck to all! even if you’re not an
505 if you’re transcripts haven’t updated yet, I pray that they update tonight let’s get it😁🙏
@Mj69: that’s funny 😂😂 cause I was thinking the same. Its 11:43 here in Virginia
@RuthBaby: 12:01🤣🤣🤣