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.
@Yes it’s tax time: I got it on the 17th. No I haven’t updated.
Santa Barbara Bank count your days.
Definitely paying fees up front from now on.
Has anyone had the 60 day hold? If so are you still waiting or how long did it take for you to get your return?
@Jenny04: yes, you will receive it tontor tomorrow if you haven’t already…I used HnR block with fees taken out and the offset said paid 2-25 but I received mine around noon with chime
@Adultxmasday: Congratulations 🎊 that’s interesting because I filed on 1/19/26 and 846 2/20/26 wmr DD is for 2/25/26 to my chime and still nothing to my chime..and im on the Path.. did you pay your fees up front?
@Annoyed@theIRS: from the irs: The IRS typically places a 60-day hold (often via a CP05 or CP05B notice) on a refund to verify income, tax withholding, or tax credits (like EITC/ACTC) when they do not match third-party records. This review protects against errors or fraud, with common causes being missing information, discrepancies in income, or suspected identity theft.
I guess call to see what they are reviewing
Filed 1/27, was on path act, got my 846 code 2/18, text message saying funds was sent to my bank on 2/20. Deposit hit my chime card 5pm today 2/23. WMR says DDD 2/25.
@TaxTimeBaller: same here with Navy Federal. They will hold it to the day of the 25th
I got a letter today from the IRS stating that they put a hold on my refund for 60 days, but when I go check my transcripts there’s no codes. Is that a bad thing or good thing?
@Newmoneynewlevels: Yes finally, mines is saying it to when I call the number. Website still says unfunded. Thanks for the heads up
@2blessed: yes they just won’t let us be great for 2026 lol hoping you get yours soon
@SCAr: exactly they’re on some Bs lol like wth
Call the number mines just said it was sent to my bank when I call but the website still saying unfunded ddd 2/24
@BrownieFS: BOA is absolutely never early…if the DDD is 2.25…it will be that day…anywhere from 3 am to 9 am likely.
@Tykillaa42: mine says the load was repaid on 2/19 but also unfunded, so I don’t understand where’s my money!!!
@Tykillaa42: Thanks. I hope it does come tonight or early morning. I’m just ready to get my refund and move on wait on my state next.
@MSRazorbackPhD: Same. My deposit has always been the day before my DDD with SBTPG. However, they are such a mess this year so who knows. But it’s always been the day before for me too.
@2blessed: yes please do Luv because I think this is wrong..something told me to check on santa barbara website to see when the irs sent it to them last year so i can compare this year.. and these fools had my money since the 21st smh im going to make a tax envelope with my sinking funds.. so that way I have the money for next year.. I hope you get your money later tonight before tomorrow Because technically your supposed to have it by now… we know how chime works
@TaxpayerQua: it says by 3/01 so most likely I won’t get it till then? That’s a Sunday tho so idk. It’s going to Netspend which is a NHB so idk when it will be in. I called sbtpg on Friday and the automated said what I’m getting and to check with my bank and when I called today it says it hasn’t received my refund yet so idk what to believe at this point
@Tykillaa42: You are absolutely right. I called them earlier and spoke with an agent, and she said they have my refund and even told me the full amount once the fees are taken out. She said it will be in my bank account tomorrow, which is my ddd 2/24. And had my refund since Thursday, but just won’t release until the day of. I think I’m gonna pay fees upfront as well next time.
@Jenny04: So your refund date is the official date to expect refund by regardless to an offset. On your WMR before you see the bold wording if you don’t receive by etc give us a call, the wording states when your due date will be, right before that next sentence.
That has nothing to do with your offset, the debt will be deducted and the remaining paid out to you. The only hold up would be SBTPG as they’ve had our refunds for a few days to a week now.
They are going by their own rules.
@Chloe: The chances be slim when dealing with the IRS and certain tax payers anticipation on any advice regarding their refund be way too high, it’s better to give them a more realistic outlook. Although transcripts could very well update in 5 days the likelihood of that happening are not positive. I just say expect it within 21 days that way when or if they get sooner awesome! Then if not they are still well within the window frame before panicking.
Irs transcript login giving anyone else an error? Had an offset but not for my entire amount praying the rest comes tomm.. over this madness!!
@Big ben: I wanted to give a different opinion than the person who said at least 14 days. I am subject to PATH and for the past four years I file between 2/10-2/12. One year I got it 5 days later. In general, it has been 5-12 days since I stopped filing in the beginning of January. You could update this week. If not, as long as you’re not red-flagged for human review such as being a dollar or more off on your math, ID verify, etc, it’ll likely be by sometime next week at latest.
@TaxpayerQua: ya that’s what I’m being told… supposedly have a date for 2/24 cause I had an offset that is being paid tomrrow so idk honestly 🤷♀️
@GAfootballMom: no I’m using Netspend like I always do every year so never know…🤷♀️
@TaxpayerQua: In the past it’s been a day before for me.
Hey everyone! Hope all is well.. Im from Jersey! And i just wanted to put this out there for anyone who is dealing with TurboTax and Santa barbara bank like me . I dont think I will be having fees taken out of my refund again ill just pay!! I looked back at my refund for last year and my DD was for 2/24/25 which I got it on that day Friday on my chime card smh chime is supposed to be 2 days early!! Well the Irs in fact sent santa barbara the funds on 2/21/25 so they held my money until the day… smfh and this year my DD is for the 25th Wednesday and I bet you they already got the money but refused to release it.. im so done
@Deano: snow storm here and bank won’t do it over the phone
@Big ben: It will always be the same as if you had no credits, up to 21 days now since oath lifted you just will now skip the patch act phase but must wait at least one cycle which is up to 14 days.
Tax Act — 05er Republic to Greendot bank
Small irs offset. Amount listed on WMR DDD 2/25
Email from tax act at noon.
Deposited in my bank hour ago.
It’s coming!
@Brandy21: Definitely depends on the bank, I have had my daughters refund deposited into my account for the last 5 years no issue whatsoever. However certain banks will reject it.
@Jenny04: SBTPG will not release until the day of your refund date and it won’t be until the afternoon. They are moving slow this year and don’t seem to give a care in the world normally they have been a day earlier from what I’m use too but I guess many tax payers opted to use them or they systems and humans are just not up to parr this year.
@BrownieFS: most major banks post deposits between 12am-6am , I have chase and they post 3am
@PepperAnn: I was wondering if anyone else got that message. I was appalled!!! 😬
Hi is anyone familiar with BOA process? My DDD is 2/25 with fees taken out (used TurboTax) this is my first time using BOA after 10 plus years with NETSPEND.
@2blessed: single, married, head household, any dependents?
@Jenny04: If you have CK you may see it tonight or in the a.m. I had an offset to and it usually doesn’t slow down my refund
@GAfootballMom: idk honestly. Had an offset that was being paid on 2/24 and such so I didn’t really get a ddd. All WMR says if nothing by 3/01 to call so idk
@Rubicon46: thank you for the reply and the positive info also!!
@Tashaaa. We id verified on 2/17. Got our deposit on 2/21 (early deposit WF bank). Don’t think it will take 9 weeks but that’s what they told us too. Good luck
@PepperAnn: I saw it too. Really don’t understand what it means.
If I were you guys, I would stop using sbtpg.
@Big ben: my transcript state zero is up until the 18th filled in with 846 issue had my refund by 7:30 p.m. same day I have never had that happen my DDD date is Today 👍
@PepperAnn: If that message is true, they will lose customers.
@Deano: thank you very much
@Big ben: Yes you’re fine it might even come back cuz all zeros for a little while but it’s all normal no worries
Do you guys see the message sbtpg has posted on site before you log in ! Ig they’re tired of ppl asking about their refund ! But why hold folks money for days and not send it! Just collecting interest!
@LonelyWaiterNoTaxes: Yeah I saw that too. Not sure what that means.
@Jenny04: when is your ddd?
Hello everyone we filed on the 14 and have several children typically we fall under path. How does it work since the path lifted the 15 will our return process as normal and when do you guys think we should receive our refund? Any help would be appreciated. The transcripts also say no return filed but the irs already accepted everything
@Brandy21: Please find a way to get your name on that bank account at least until you receive your refund 🙂
@Morris: Ok Thanks
@NotTheMomma: fees was paid from my refund.
@Morris: Did you have fees
Tashaaa I id verified on 2/17 and got my deposit on 2/21 (early deposit WF bank). Don’t think it will take 9 weeks but that’s what they tell you. Good luck!
@Brandy21: Cab you have your mom put you on the account? The bank may reject it. They aren’t doing any paper checks anymore so if it rejects you will need to contact the IRS or whoever prepared your taxes to update that information
Just got an email from TT saying refund is on the way and saying about sbtpg… does that mean that sbtpg received it and sent it to me??? I normally don’t get that email till my refund hits and nothing hit yet and still no inform on sbtpg website at all… so confuse now. Any ideas??
@LonelyWaiterNoTaxes:
That’s Correct 👍
My refund hit cashapp at 11:34 am this morning was dated for 2/25
I tried checking SBTPG refund site before I could enter my info a message popped up saying IRS FUNDING UPDATE! Says IRS notified then they will be sending 40% of entire tax returns in the next five days and they will not release till day of deposit given by IRS
@Brandy21: if it’s not your name on account her bank might reject it. Hopefully it go thru
Folks The automated system will tell you what’s been sent and what’s been paid at Stbpg
Meaning advance or any fees
If going to your card / bank account it’s not instant it took me
Having Jackson Hewitt serve card from approximately 4 pm till 730pm to receive my refund
@Carrie305: Call this number and when you hear the automated start to talk, press 5. 1 (800) 779-7228 They will give you the option to wait or they can call you back when an agent is available.
@Rickjames344: so u had an offset and still got ur refund like u were suppose to?? I had an offset that’s suppose be paid tomrrow and mines going to sbtpg for fees taking out and such and no refund yet. I honestly don’t know what’s going on..
@WhereIsMYSTATE: I was wondering same thing
I sent my refund to my mother account deposit date 2/24 we have the surname. Will it go through?
I got a letter dated for the 17th saying I was under review with a code 570 on my transcript. Has anyone had this happen and how long does it take?
@TinaR: that not over yet hun
@2blessed: its a miracle you were able to get through, I haven’t gotten anything but the stupid automated system
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