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.
@momma3x: The 960 is the third party bank that your tax software is filed thru for your fees and/or advances. It’s to make sure they get paid first. Not all software is doing this, but I look for it to become a norm.
@Sheila_33: Sheila am I correct to say that regardless of the date shown for 846, the same day that the 846 actually populates, the irs/treasury initiates payment and when you actually get the funds is dependent upon your receiving bank (or banks with fees/advances!), but no later than the date shown on WMR?
TurboTax
Fees Taken out of refund
Filed 02/16/26
Accepted Not sure as I did not check
Bank of America
$40 fee to have refund deposit 5 days early
I Got My Refund Today 02/20/2026. I was checking my bank account balance as I do everyday and to my surprise my refund was in my account. I was only expecting my paycheck today. I never received my refund in 5 days. I’m still in shock.
@Tered: my bad the answer is yes you will get it earlier than that. Even if you have a traditional bank. I apologize for the initial response.
@Bob: don’t worry! You should update next week.
@Tered: I was not trying to be smart. Just trying to give you something to look forward to. No pun intended
@Jay Jay: Hopefully, it will, Wells Fargo seems to be moving a little quicker this year.
@Jay Jay: ok I was just asking not making a statement. Thank you
@Sheila_33: good morning Sheila and yes I got my 846 right before midnight. If it does what it did wed for my wife I should have mine later on today.
Good morning everyone! I see there are updates. Remember that your 846 states 3/9, that is the date the deposit has to be made by. Your Wmr will most likely reflect a 2/25 deposit date in the morning. Congratulations to the 846’s! To those of you that haven’t updated, transcripts update in waves, so you may still see an update. To those who look to be waiting until next week, we’re here for you.
@Tered: that’s not true. My wife has wells Fargo and she was the first of the 846 Tuesday night for Wednesday and she got her money later on Wed afternoon
Filed 2/6
As of dated changed to 3/9
Transcripts still blank
WMR says still processing, refund date will be provided when available, no further action is needed at this time.
I’m getting worried
Yaaaaaaaaaayyyyy!!!! I have 846!!! No fees to pay and mine is going to CashApp!!! I should receive it today. Hopefully. Mama’s gotta get this transmission fixed!!
Best of luck to you all!!!
Whelp, guess I’m waiting until next Friday.
Filed and accepted 1/29. No path, just single filing with education credits. Action required 2/9 with as of date of 2/23. Return verified online 2/17. As of date changed to 3/2 yesterday. Just checked and still zeros and as of date changed to 3/9. *heavy sigh*
Well Folks 2026 846 DD for 3/9/26 very odd considering my as of Date was 3/9/26 this whole time.. and now the 846 is there for DD 3/9/26 I will be back when I get my DD since last year DD was for 3/10/25 and I got it early on chime 2/24/25 im so Happy 😊
Got that beautiful 846 ⭐️ congrats to everyone 🎉
505 cycle here updated with 846 3/9/2026 congrats to everyone I have a NHB and fees was taken from my state I curious is SBTPG still going to hold my refund or will they go ahead and release this afternoon has anyone been in this situation or know anything about this
So I just got a 846 ! It’s says DDD of 3/9 so should I have it on Wednesday? My bank is traditional?
Well I dozed off waiting and just woke up to check and have my 846 finally! Fees paid upfront and chime so hopefully I will see it this afternoon!! 🥳
@Jay Jay: That is good to hear and Congrats as well.
@Hopeful: yes -Dallas here too 💁🏽♀️
I have really enjoyed this site for the last 10 years. Next year I may not be lurking for a refund date because God has enlarged my territory.. I believe I’ll be in a new tax bracket and I’ll be paying next year. This year I barely received anything and as much as I’ve enjoyed the larger refund checks, I really appreciate higher income throughout the year. I pray God will bless ALL OF US above all we could ever hope for 🥰