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.
@Secrutf5: the 24th deposit havent hit yet they are definitely running behind this week
What time does SBTPG update?
Last year, I didn’t receive my deposit until the afternoon on my deposit date. That had never happened to me before.
SECU member, ddd of 2/24/26.. nothing shown in account, SECU reps said nothing pending/ received either. I’ve never had this happened..
@Table4_5ive: they are inconsistent. Many different times, up to 830pm est (IF I RECALL CORRECTLY)
@Secrutf5: Same. Mine is always funded the morning before and it hits that evening. I’ve always gotten it the day before DDD. This year is crazy.
@Chelle90: I feel you but please don’t lol. I too was on a path this morning but, it’ll come eventually ually lol
@Secrutf5: many reports of calling and it showing funded there, haven’t tried my own yet. I’ve also heard under the advance section of sbtpg it shows the advance was already repaid a few days ago yet the refund transfer fees are not.
@Chelle90: my prediction is 430pm est.
Filed with TT 1/28
Accepted 1/29
No advance-pqid filing fee with refund
846 on 2/18
DDD 2/24
SBTPG didn’t update as funded til after midnight pst this morning
It is 2/24 Still nothing in CK account
So there’s that. I’m gonna go jump off a bridge now. Fml.
DDD is 2/25, and SBTPG still says unfunded.. In past years SBTPG is usually already funded and they hold it until you DDD. This time not even funded yet and my DDD is literally tomorrow..
@Jusamom: DDD2/24
@JustAmy: wth navy federal, you’ll likely see it this afternoon once the business day ends (after 2pm)
Good morning everyone, I’m not sure how accurate but I checked my emails from CK last tax season and didn’t receive deposit email until 5:50pm day of DD.
@Jamie sc: later today if anything, good luck it’s coming
Sbtpg makes you question, “Am I getting a refund? They need that interest, that’s why they’re holding it until the ddd. No other bank did this, I say we never use them again. I’ll try my luck with JK or HR Block.
@Jusamom: gotcha, my ddd is 2/24.. nothing pending.. hopefully tomorrow
@Jamie sc: everyone if you used ck you’re getting nothing early. It’s going to be on the DDD
@Table4_5ive: you won’t get it until the ddd
Sbtpg I and TT are awful. They false advertising early knowing they have no control of getting it to you early. 1/26 , DDD 2/25 CK. Not funded
TT,CK,5 DAYS EARLY, FILED 1/26 ACCEPTED THE SAME DAY. NOTHING, TT NEEDS TO STOP FALSE ADVERTISING GETTING THE REFUND EARLY IT THEY CANT MAKE IT HAPPEN. MY DDD IS FOR 2/25 AND It’ll BE 2/25. SBTPG IS BS AND SO IS THE SCAM TT PULLING FOR THE EARLY PAY BUT THERE IS NO EARLY PAY. SO OVER IT.
Anyone have anything from CK
TT,CK,5 DAYS EARLY, FILED 1/26 ACCEPTED THE SAME DAY. NOTHING, TT NEEDS TO STOP FALSE ADVERTISING GETTING THE REFUND EARLY IT THEY CANT MAKE IT HAPPEN BECAUSE THATS FALSE ADVERTISEMENT.MY DDD IS FOR 2/25 AND It’ll BE 2/25. SBTPG IS BS AND SO IS THE SCAM TT PULLING FOR THE EARLY PAY BUT THERE IS NO EARLY PAY. SO OVER IT.
@JustAmy: depending when your bank accepts ACH transfers, it could be sometime this morning or afternoon. In the past, my deposits always came in late the day before or early the day of, and this year it came in several days early. I’m guessing that had more to do with an upgrade to their banking system that they completed a few months ago. It used to be 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays only, and mine showed up on Saturday the 21st.
@Ab: mine isn’t even pending But I requested funds be taken from refund so now I guess wait for them
@JustAmy: I’m wondering the same thing. My deposit day is today as well. Doesn’t show pending with Navy Federal
ddd 2/24/26, credit union.. woke up to. I deposit, if anything it’s usually early.. anyone else experiencing this?
DDD is for today and SBTPG shows that they sent the money to NFCU yesterday but they don’t even show it as pending. Could I still get it today?
Files 1/26 accepted the same day. TT, CK. 5 days early, Not funded, ddd 2/25. I promise I’ll never use TurboTax again. SBTPG is B’s and I want my money back for the 5 days early SCAM because that’s all it is. SBTPG ISNT PAYING UNTIL THE DDD. The end of ddd at that if it’s going to Ck I haven’t seen one person on here say they got their CK DD early. It’s was a scam to get more money in their accounts. I’m so pissed, like dang, y’all couldn’t do at least one day early. That’s false advertisement and something should be done about it
@Shanna: No still waiting been funded since after midnight
@Shanna: My SBTG finally says funded, I’m wondering how much longer they gone be on the BS too
@Sexy: no
Anyone with CK and a DD of 02/24 seen there deposit yet?
Does anyone know what time of day Credit Karma deposits?
@2blessed: what bank
@Tykillaa42: good morning @Tykillaa42, it was for today and they funded it sometime after midnight I think cause I checked at like 10:30pm last night and it wasn’t funded yet but checked this morning and it was
@Tykillaa42: I know that’s right lol. It’s definitely on the way. Enjoy
If I’m a 03 when do I update?
Santa barbara bank has been like this for over 5 years now. They ass dont like releasing the refund until the day of. Republic bank be on their business
Did for navy federal 2/25 for a Wednesday paid fees upfront. Money been pending in my account since last Thursday. Called today and was able to release pending funds for 2/24. For all those who bank with Navy Federal
@Jenny04: Good morning when is your DD Date?
@2blessed: yes Yes im waiting on my NJ state as well .. lol saying the same thing. I always get that in March… but I can’t wait to get that Federal tomorrow big Grocery shopping..lol
My sbtpg says funded and the amount I’m suppose to get after the offset but it hasn’t hit my account yet. It’s going to Netspend which is a no holds bank so hoping sometime today… praying…
@Sexy: not yet! I was gonna ask the same 😩 it went from processing, to under review, then back to processing…
I am. I bank with my credit union in Michigan, nothing yet.