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.
@Sheila_33: I hope so!
@Shanshan22🩷: not yet hoping so tonight🤞🏾
Got my email from TT, DD 2/25 SBTPG 800 number says funded but the web doesn’t. Should be tomorrow everyone!
Did anybody update from the 570 code??
Sbtpg site says not funded but 1800 number says funded ig it will hit sometime between tonight & tomorrow
@Sheila_33: hello do you know when 04 cycle code updates on transcript ? It’s blank I filed February 20 my as of date is march 16 !
@TS!: also hit at 4:57 am
@Ichigo435: it will be on the actual date I thought I would get mine early with chime I got it today which was my DDD..Last yr I also got my refund on the date it said it would come on not before idk whatsup with them telling us 5days early but hey at least I have it still no state..
I just got email from tt at 9:51 saying my refund is on the way ddd 2/25 sbtpg says funded.
@MamaBear83: if that transcripts states 03/09 even if you paid your fees upfront that traditional bank most likely won’t deposited until on that date,,, I’m sorry 😞 but those traditional banks when it come down to a Refund I wouldn’t use them. Chime is to wait for me.
I’m a with chime no deposit yet ddd 2/25 sbtpg says funded when I called praying everyone gets it soon.
@804VAGoodvibes: I’m SORRY it’s 877-908-7228
I called SBTPG the phone service says my refund has been sent as of 2/25/2026 !!!!!
The phone number is 877-907-7228
They will prompt you for your social security number as well as the zip code on your return
The sbtpg online tool hasn’t updated yet but when you call the system
It will tell you if it’s sent !!!
Good luck to everyone we are almost there!
@MamaBear83: you should have it tomorrow and to be honest most of the people who paid for 5 days early didn’t get theirs until the DDD either so TT is going to have to refund the majority of those fees
@MommaLee89: thank you. I’m a weekly but if I hear something I will let you know as well.
@Matt7650: I sure will
@MommaLee89: let me know if you do please. 570 last 3 weeks as well as review on wmr. 3/2/26 next to 570 as of date 3/9/26.
@Sheila_33: even tho I have the 570 code and review I hope I update to something good tonight 🤞🏾😩
@MamaBear83: it will be the wmr date. Some banks say they are no hold but for whatever reason their communication is slow and they don’t see that ACH until the day of. Mine used to be that way until this year, and that was because they just did a system upgrade.
@Sheila_33: I was 03 2 years ago 04 last year I hope I update tonight it’s driving me nuts
I hope I get my DDD tomorrow. I called sbtgp they said it will be in the morning. DDD2/25 🙏🏽
I feel like I’m being punished by TT for not paying for 5 days early. Traditional Bank claims they don’t hold. WMR says DDD is by Feb 25 but call if not received by Mar 2. My 846 code says 03/09. I’m confused help. Also I’m an 05 paid fees in advance.
My just hit hrb date for 02/25
OK, I called SBTPG And it says my payment was sent February 25. I hope I get it right in the morning.
@Honeybee: I called SBTPG and yes it says that my money has been sent to my bank on 2/25! Praying it hits tomorrow. Thanks
@PassingThrough: Usually, those notices show up around a week after you’ve been notified they’re coming.
Daily 03 transcripts updating tonight! Good luck everyone! :)
I wonder how much longer after the tt email will it actually drop in bank acct ?
Did transcripts update last night?
@Stillhere: emerald just hit!! Check your acct!
@Silent lurker forever: when did you file? I filed on 14 and nothing on where’s my refund
Hey guys, HRB just hit!! — pather, fees taken out, and DDD on WMR is for tomorrow 2/25! NY state is still processing… I’ll peek in to give an update when my state hits. Sending good vibes and $$$$ your way!! 🙌🏽
Emerald just dropped have fun yall
Just got email from TT ur refund is on the way my ddd is 2/25th im a pather i got approved two bars on wnr no activity on stbg site not holding my breathe for them i got cahsap(sutton bank) gdluck everyone
Finally funded on SBTPG! 😁 I’m betting I’ll wake up to my deposit in the morning! Fingers crossed we fund as we’re supposed to tomorrow! 🤞🏽
Called SBTPS and mine finally says funded with date of tomm.. I’ve been going crazy here with this mess.. so glad its coming.. Just a big thank you to all of u guys who help in so many ways with just real and reliable information .. hopefully it hits tomm ..
Hello all, I am a chimer, DDD of 2/25, havent seen a deposit yet. Anyone know when chime will hit or will it actually be tomorrow? been waiting for this like we all have
For those waiting on SBTPG, call their automated line. 1-877-908-7228
I’m a 2/25 DDD through CK and have NOT received the TT email everyone’s talking about on social media. However, sometime in the last 30 minutes, SBTPG did update my account, but it’s not showing that change on the website—only through the phone.
Praying all of us 2/25’ers wake up to $$! We’ve waited long enough!
@Sheila_33 Good Evening, hope you’ve had a great day so far. Would you happen to know how long it usually takes to receive a return verification letter?
@Walk the path:
Same!! I will never use Emerald Again!!
@Honeybee: thanks for letting me know . I have Cash App that my refund is being sent to. I haven’t heard anything from Free Tax Act saying anything about my refund.
@1Momof5: try calling. When I called a few minutes ago it says they received my payment and sent it to my bank but on the web page, it still says unfunded.
SPTPG phone line just told me my $$ had been sent! 2/25 here. I had just called 30 minutes ago as well. lol.
Now I’m just waiting on CK. Sigh.
@Stillhere: this was terrible going through emerald card, i will not be doing business with emerald again. Next time ill pay upfront and take no advances. They’re terrible!
@TXBAMA: Yes its just that darn santa barbara bank holding our money hostage lol
@1Momof5: mine is saying the same thing. Im also ddd of 2/25 and I have ck
@1Momof5: Based of the people who received their refunds the last few days SB will either show your refund sometime after midnight pst or when you call the line it will say it. Depending on your bank you’ll receive it on your DDD overnight in the early hours, around 7-8 am, or for people who used CK anywhere from noon to the late evening hours.
@1Momof5: lots of us same issue there apparently was a glitch and that it would start updating soon I have dd 02/25 with chime and nothing yet
Hey everyone! So I filed with Free Tax USA this year with my fees taken out through Santa Barbara Bank. IRS says my refund will be sent to my bank account by tomorrow 2/25. Still not showing that my refund has not been sent to Santa Barbara for the fees to be taken out, and Santa Barbara app is still showing unfunded. Anyone else seen this? I’m wondering if I will get my refund tomorrow or when? Any feedback back would be helpful.
Hello all, I am a chimer, DDD of 2/25, havent seen a deposit yet. Anyone know when chime will hit or will it actually be tomorrow?
@HauxFaxxxx80’sBaby: I hope tonight:)
Emerald card deposits yet? DDD 2/25
@Stillhere: wondering if we’ll get it tonight
Where is my deposit? My bank is like we don’t have it! 😢🤦🏻♀️
@Rrd0825: I’m thinking tonight. I usually get a deposit the night before the ddd.
H&R with 2/25 ddd are we receiving ours tonight or the morning?
Waiting for my TT email my DD is 2/25
@Tykillaa42: I just got that same email! I Bank with SoFi.. hopefully I see my deposit in the morning.
Hnr blocker too. Ddd 2/25. Filed 1/5 accepted 1/16 still nothing yet. Getting super pissed off! Been waiting a long time alot longer than most, alot of others filed in February and still got theirs way before me. Totally bull crap! I haven’t gotten my fed or ny state
Turbo Tax just emailed me my Refund is on the way! Mind you my DD is 2/25/26 Chime
What’s next:
Santa Barbara Tax Products Group (SBTPG), a TurboTax partner, will process your federal refund and state refund (if applicable) by deducting your TurboTax and related service fees from your federal or state refund (whichever comes in first and fully covers your fees) and sending the remainder to you using the delivery method you chose. If you have already paid, please disregard the information about fees being deducted from your refund(s).
You can start checking your account tomorrow to see if your deposit has posted. Note: Some financial institutions may take 1 or 2 business days to post your deposit.
@Fla omega: I’m hr block deposit for tomorrow too. Nothing yet.
Any hnr blocks yet my date is 2/25
@Taxtaxtax: Yayy! It’s almost our turn! 🎉
@VaGal07: me toooo
@TNSW: I did not pay fees upfront
Just got the email from TT stating my refund is on the way from SBTPG, DDD 2/25.
SBTPG probably crashed cause so many people are in there trying to track their money!
@ProblemAdult: I wish I could be as optimistic as you ..I have to try..
Yea im geting a gateway timeout error
If I had to pay last year would that make me a weekly this year?
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