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.
@VaGal07: Stbpg will only be updated on your IRS DDD date
Not until then I received my refund on the 02/18 and mine still saying unfunded The phone will give you the answer whether or not it’s been sent out to you and the fees and deductions have been paid That’s how I knew mine was on the way Hope this helps 🙂
@Dollbaby127: unfortunately I live in Kentucky and I’ve called prpbley 50 times and still cant get any info other than I have 1 offset and gives no amounts.. super annoyed rn
@Morris: yes I thought I was tripping but I check my refund and things from last year Sbtpg had me funded for 5 days and finally released my payment the day of my DDD ! So I guess I’m waiting until the 25th ! Never again ! Paying up front next year!
@kathyarzola: SBTPG is not updating correctly this year. Most people that have received their funds never changed to funded. I wouldn’t go by their website this year. Very glitchy.
@Janise: hey, I have been with H&R Block over ten years and I usually get it in their emerald card. Every year I get it by the evening of the DDD on the WMR. Don’t think negative, it’ll be there! lol
@Morris: it’s been odd, period.
Anyone that lives in michigan for offsets call 18003043107 and anyone waiting on Santa Barbara Bank the website is messed up you have to call
@TinaR: to find out what your offset is call 18003043107 if you live in michigan. And Santa barbara bank website is not accurate you have to call them and it will tell you if they have your refund.
@Snaps: I sure hope your right I have an unknown amount offset, my DDD is for 02/23 fingers crossed for in the morning
@Janise: yeah.
Anyone with 2/23 w/ sbtpg showing unfunded should still see funds tomorrow assuming they have a NHB. Plenty of time for them to receive/deduct/send/receive.
Has anybody with a 570 see any change yet??
@Sheila_33: thanks girl!! U are usually right on track with things so I believe u and it helps my mind to ease a bit. I’ll let u know this week tho on what happens..
Has anyone that has file an injured spouse form received any update??
My husband said the worst thing to me, he said what if the deposit doesn’t come tomorrow!? I have capital one no offsets, I called and triple checked WMR updated to 2/23. I should be good right?
@Blessed2bme1989: i hope so, i have bills due lol. OHHHH so maybe you’ll get it tomorrow too right?
@kathyarzola: same issue with me mines supposed to be tomm. I have an offset but i dont know how much its for but SBTPS still says they haven’t received my refund and my DDD is 02/23.. so stressful
@kathyarzola: ddd I mean
My dad is tomorrow but sbtg still says unfunded. Is this normal?
What bank does Jackson Hewitt use if you got an advance?
Hey y’all. Getting geared up for another week of transcript edging.
Filed and accepted 1/29. No PATH credits except for AOTC.
Transcript populated with “no return filed” and as of date of 2/23 on 2/6.
Action required notice on website on 2/9.
Received letter to verify return (not ID) on 2/17.
Verified return morning of 2/17 online.
Transcript still says “no return filed” with as of date now showing 3/9.
Hoping to get the magical 846 on Friday morning since I’ve been a weekly for eleventy-billion years. (But bet your ass I’ll be checking Tues/Wed just in case.)
Dont it seems odd that a lot of people were gettig deposits the sme day as there 846 codes and we have to wait days
@Walk the path: it’s a big possibility I have the worst ddd of 2/23 because it fell on a Friday ugh
@TinaR: it’s not u , all the systems are being overloaded with calls and login ins
@Blessed2bme1989: I’ve called that number pushed 7 to continue 1 for English then I’ve tried option 1 that will tell u how many offsets u have option 2 says for other offset information but even after following all the prompts it eventually hangs up and no info is given, im normally a smart person I feel so dumb I cant figure a way to find out how much I owe!
@TinaR: yes follow those options
@Jenny04: Yes ma’am. That’s what I think. :)
Mine says ddd 25th, do you think ill get it by the 23rd? I have chime.
@Jenny04: I dont know for sure of course, but just to ease your mind, I have always gotten it within a couple business days of sbtpg having it.
@Blessed2bme1989: well I had a date of 3/9 on transcript than I got this offset and a date of 3/1 on wmr so I honestly don’t know what my DDD is honestly
@Blessed2bme1989: I call it says press 7 to continue ( I push 7) says for English press 1 ( and i do ) after that press 2 for the option. I’ve been trying to figure this out all afternoon!
@Sheila_33: so sometime this week then, u think? Because sbtpg has the right amount minus fees and offset amount.
@TinaR: (800) 304-3107 I believe that’s it and choose option 2
@Jenny04: From what I’ve heard, thats what you’re waiting on.
@Blessed2bme1989: can u verify the offset hotline phone number i feel like I might be calling the wrong number or something
@Jenny04: my date by on wmr was 2/28 so ur ddd should be 2/24 since its a day after mine but im just guessing
@Jenny04: mine said the same until irs did another update. Then I updated ddd showed of 2/23 and my transcripts showed 3/09 as a by date
@TinaR: when CD calling the offset number choose option 2 not one and it will tell you the amount. I have jh and it going to one pay (Walmart card) jh shows a deposited amount on Friday night but one pay does not process on the weekends my ddd is 2/23 as well we should see it sometime tomorrow
@Blessed2bme1989: ya but I honestly don’t have a DDD just a date of 3/01 on wmr
@Jenny04: I would go by what wmr says I have an offset as well and they took their fees and jh as well I’m just waiting for my bank cuz they don’t process over the weekend
@MomLife: the amount they have is with their fees taking off and the offset amount taking off my refund. In their system on the call line it says the right amount on website says unfunded so I’m a sitting duck waiting on sbtpg…
@Sheila_33: so since sbtpg has it when I call them and still says unfunded in their system and they have the right amount minus the offset I’m just waiting for sbtpg to send it off to my bank? Ok so anytime this week then cause of the march 1st date wmr is saying
@Jenny04: You should have it within the next couple days at the latest i would think. It normally doesn’t take long once sbtpg has you in their system. It’s just a matter of them taking fees and sending it to you.
@Jenny04: Well, I’m hoping if sbtpg has it that you’re just waiting for them to release it at this point since they have the refund and the Wmr isn’t going to be any help during that process. My best guess would be the date of the 24th. As far as the Mar. 1st date on the Wmr, thats just to make sure you get it by then.
@RonRonJ: Your tax refund has been approved for direct deposit.
However, it may be partially or completely reduced to pay a past due obligation, such as child support, another federal agency debt, or state income tax. If so, the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS), who issues IRS refunds, will send you a notice with the amount of the debt and contact information. The details of the debt are not provided to the IRS. This application will be updated with the refund amount remaining, if any, after the debt is deducted.
If your refund is not credited to your account by March 01, 2026, please revisit this site or use our free mobile app, IRS2Go, for your revised refund status. Updates to refund status are made no more than once a day.
@Jenny04: Can you tell me exactly what the Wmr says? It’s not showing anything on my end?
@SMS14: ya me to this tax year has been crazy
@Singlemomof3: I would if I were you 100%
@El mariguas: thank u. I know in stressing and i shouldnt be, but my mom stole my identity and taxes a few years ago and it says I owe money to the state she lives in, not the one I live in so Im super stressed I just wanna know how much the offset is, im praying it wasnt my whole refund!!
@El mariguas: ya unfortunately I can’t do that on my end. If I could I would so I didn’t have to pay that offset. Well it’s a lesson learned on my end, I can tell u that one.
@Sheila_33: but sbtpg has the right amount after the offset was taking out. I called sbtpg number and found this out but didn’t get a date of deposit from sbtpg but they have the amount after the offset amount. What does that mean though?
@TinaR: punk banks don’t operate on weekends the lady’s so Monday ..give it till then
@Sheila_33: no ma’am 2/24. So after Tuesday they will update with a DDD and new amount and than I’ll know something? Like a DDD u think?
Can someone point me in the right direction to see how much my offset will be what number are you calling?? Im callings and it says I have one offset but no amount is ever stated. I file 1/23 fees and all take from TT, supposed to be deposited in my walmart money card account. I update on WMR a day or 2 ago and my DDD is for 2/23 but Sbptg shows unfunded and when I call says they haven’t received my refund. Can someone tell me where to call to find out how much my offset will be? Please
@Jenny04: reason I don’t do taxes..I give my dependent social to son so he can get my money..IN YO FACE FEDERAL RESERVE AND IRS PUNKS!
@Jenny04: Thank you ma’am. I believe you said the debt was paid off as of March 24th, so what may happen is as soon as that debt is paid, they’re going to release the balance and your Wmr will update with the balance and sent date.