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.
@NotTheMomma: nope, me too!! Sbtpg is downnnnnnn
Hey Everyone Am I the only one that’s getting the 504 Gateway timeout when trying to login into Santa Barbra Bank
@Sheila_33: Thank you so much! 😊
@Mmmmm: yes
@Loddy: I’m michigan. My daughters did
Hey guys just popping back in to say NYS finally updated with DD for Thursday go check those accounts happy tax season
DDD 2/25
2. Bars on WMR
Used Turbo T free and received an advance
Filed 1/13 Accepted 1/23
846 date 3/9
CKarma – Nothing yet
I know… It’s coming!🤞 Send some patience my way! 😂
Happy Feet dancing for y’all that are seeing the 💰! 💃
@El mariguas: same situation process date says 2/23 I owed an offset and fees from TT still no offset code on my transcripts and unfunded on SBTPS called their hotline they called me back but it was the business side so they transfered me to other side still on hold amd its been 45 mins
Any Emerald card deposits? DDD 2/25
@Gators352: Hey hun. :)
@Wheres my refund: Then I’d be checking those transcripts every morning. :)
My pay pal just hit my ddd is 2/25
@Dion: same here! Down to the T!
It’s coming guys…. Mine hit about an hour ago, thank god!! To the ones who are still waiting it’s coming. They are being slow this year but it’s coming!! See all of u guys next year!!
@TLJ: is your DD for today?
@Sheila_33: I’ve been daily every year I think last years transcripts was 04 year before 03
@Dion: having the same issue 2 bars approved for direct deposit but had an offset. Processing date was for 02/23 not sure wth is happening
I’m a weekly filed 2/15 accepted same day
WMR one bar
Blank transcripts only aOD 3/09
Last year my transcripts updated Thursday and I got my DDD same day from chime! Praying same thing this Thursday!! Manifesting
Hey,, 👋 Sheila33_ good day
Keep in mind next year when filling this is how I see a lot of ppl getting stuck with this STBG bank some ppl take out advances (which I understand some need income right away) then be stuck with STBG I think that’s it we’ll (SANTA BARBARA BANK) holds funds. If you don’t need advance next tax season go to FREE TAX USA only $7 for customer support or a little more for things like Audits (etc)! do your own taxes you can’t go wrong the system will help you then have your funds go to Chime as soon as you see 864 846?I forgot which one 🤣 well the TREASURY WILL DROP IT into YOUR CHIME ACCOUNT 5 DAYS BEFORE RELEASE DATE
@Shanshan22: 03s are processing today, transcripts tomorrow, wmr Thursday.
@Wheres my refund: It seems to be the pattern this year, 0s one week to codes the next. If you’re a weekly, you may see a transcript update Friday, if daily you can see one anytime.
@Son Goku: it doesn’t matter they could’ve still had money go to chime card instead of traditional banks that’s what I’m referring to Advanced or not I’m still saying use the chime card you don’t have to use their bank that stbg bank
Date for 23 Santa Barbara bank, credit karma.loan.unfunded still..anyone having this issue?
@Jennthepen: did you go an advance?
Filed on 2/14 got all zeros this past Thursday but nothing since is there something wrong or is this normal because I got my refund last year in 10 days
I’m on PATH, Cycle code 0605 and I have an offset for GA State Tax. Here are details of my experience this year. Hope it helps 💙.
* Filed & Accepted on 1/26/26.
* 846 on transcripts 2/19/26.
* Approved on WMR w/ Offset message on 02/20/26.
* SBTPG showed Funded around 4am 2/24/26.
* Deposited to CK account 2/24/26 @ 12pm.
** My transcripts does not show the code for the offset yet. WMR still says “Approved”. I did not receive a Trace Number on SBTPG. **
My CK just hit!!!!!
DD 2/24
@Jasonity: 2/24
@Idkijs: what was your DDD
CK just hit at 12:27
@Mommyof5: yes it is
Anyone seen Netspend hit yet today? That’s where mine is going..
@ShetiLynn: Never mind, I scrolled a little further and saw it. Happy spending!!!!
@Yahtzee: throughout the day
@ShetiLynn: What was your date?
DD dropped! We are at the finish line! Hopefully everyone sees a deposit soon.
Filed/Accepted 1/31 FreeTaxUSA
DDD: 2.24
Funds hit BOA around 12pm EST.
Good luck everyone, cya next year! 💵
Anybody seen any deposits hit from SBTG to Chime yet today?
Pnc just hit from sbtg.
@Son Goku: check your CK account mine just dropped
@TV: same
@ShetiLynn: oops drink sounds amazing lmfao typo
CK just dropped finally happy tax season
My CK just hit Yall DDD 2/24 SBTPG FUNDED TT CK fees taken out
@Madinjay: was your ddd today ?
My deposit just dropped!
@Son Goku: when was your ddd
@Carrie305: I hear you a drunk sounds amazing right now better yet a shot!!!!
@Son Goku: same
@Gators352: some people got advances so Chime isn’t an option
@DylanB: maybe late this evening check after 2 pm y’all with these traditional banks/ credit unions it’s okay but please get a CHIME card for your refunds next tax season you could keep your banks/ credit unions union but if you want your money before hand CHIME will make it happen
Well sbtpg says funded and direct deposit is complete as of yesterday date but nothing in my NetSpend account yet. What the hell is going on this year.,. Ugh..
Funded on Santa Barbara no deposit yet to CK card
@Carrie305: Good day,,, if I may say please next tax season stop using these middlemen banks get you a CHIME card even if it’s just for your refund your 💵 will come straight from treasury straight to your Chime card & CHIME DEPOSIT 5 days early from any Government agency and 2-3 days state agencies
Finally checked SBTPG around 2am EST time (NY) and was funded . Apparently since they run on Pacific time they start releasing funds around 2:30-4:30pm hoping I have a Trace number by then what an exhausting tax season CK/TT have GOT TO GO for upcoming tax year
@Idkijs: lol I’m going with you
@Stilllllwaiting: 800-901-6663 keep pressing 1 number when it ask for ssn and telephone number don’t put in any of your complete info then when it gives you the prompts press 5
@Loddy: I have a ddd of 2/24 with the credit union.. show nothing yet
Any Michigan residents here who had 2/23 WMR deposit date and still no refund? I used credit union.
@Yahtzee: from what I seen yesterday throughout the day.
Sbtpg says unfunded still. Also wmr says I have a.child support offset but the 800 number doesnt show one? Anyone have this happen?
Does SBTPG update throughout the day or just once?
@Carrie305: how did you get to talk to a rep?
Yesterday they started hitting around noon it’s coming! Five days early my behind!!! I’m about to go get some wine anybody need anything from the store lol
I have to laugh to keep from crying, I finally got a rep at SBTPG annndddd they have had my refund since the 19th my DD date is today and guess what….NOTHING!!! and the crazy part is they took the damn fees out of my state refund on the 2/2/26 so what’s the damn hold up now! I need a drink already
Any hnr blocker with 2/24 or 2/25 get dd yet
@VaGal07: Correct! Always the day before not day of, but new year/rules🤷🏾♀️.
And yes ONLY the advance shows paid.
I’ve had CK for over 5 years. Just checked my statements and the only time I’ve received my taxes early was when I had the option to elect for no fees to be taken out. I said this last year and didn’t keep my word but I will file elsewhere moving forward. I paid 118 in fees last year to TT and it’s 239 this year. I think we should all make it our mission to not use SBTPG and TT if you can help it. Whenever SBTPG deposits the remainder of my return it’s usually after 8pm est. One year they waited until 4:15am any other year it’s been around 9:15pm. Let’s not make the same mistake next year.
I’ve had CK for over 5 years. Just checked my statements and the only time I’ve received my taxes early was when I had the option to elect for no fees to be taken out. I said this last year and didn’t keep my word but I will file elsewhere moving forward. I paid 118 in fees last year to TT and it’s 239 this year. I think we should all make it our mission to not use SBTPG and TT if you can help it. Whenever SBTPG deposits the remainder of my return it’s usually after 8pm est. One year they waited until 4:15am any other year it’s been around 9:15pm. Let’s not make the same mistake next year.
I’ve had CK for over 5 years. Just checked my statements and the only time I’ve received my taxes early was when I had the option to elect for no fees to be taken out. I said this last year and didn’t keep my word but I will file elsewhere moving forward. I paid 118 in fees last year to TT and it’s 239 this year. I think we should all make it our mission to not use SBTPG and TT if you can help it. Whenever SBTPG deposits the remainder of my return it’s usually after 8pm est. One year they waited until 4:15am any other year it’s been around 9:15pm. Let’s not make the same mistake next year.
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