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: your welcome
@Coldinpa not logged in: sorry 😞 looks like it,,, It’s a freeze,,, however it could just drop off well you hope so,,,
@Kells Bells: oooh!!!!! weeee!!!! Kells whatcha you gonna do girl whatcha gonna do,,,, 🤣 congratulations 🎊🎈🍾
@Gators352: that’s normal
@Cman504: they are still processing your returns that normal processing,,, your returns are not processed as of now
S
ry its as of 3-9-2026, and all zeros and no tax return filed in lower left corner… But all the normal things are on the transcript they just lack the normal amounts
Files February 16th, but transcripts have all zeros with a as of date of 3-9-3026, and the account transcript say no tax return filed? Anybody can help explain?
Got my CK deposit at 4:30 pm Central Time.
Seems like CK has really put folks through the mental ringer this year. God forbid we have a smooth tax year lol.
CK hit!! Good luck everyone!
Finally yall! 5:30pm! I’m out until next year ✌🏾
I wonder if the 570 codes means I have to wait for an actual agent to look it over?
CK just got deposit. However, chatted with a rep and she told me she didn’t see it and to check my account information. Once she ended chat my money was deposited.
Finally my Credit Karma deposit hit , goodluck to everyone who hasn’t gotten theirs and have a beautiful year😊
so i decided to log on my laptop and chat with ck. they just told me my refund hasnt been deposited yet. im livid! never again!
@Taxtaxtax: same here
Don’t forget to donate to IGMR if you’re able to ✌🏽 The team does so much to help us out.
https://igotmyrefund.com/donate/
@T-Bo: sad but true unfortunately
@Gators352: Thank you!
My DDD was today and I got my email last night from tt saying my refund was coming and still nothing is in my account wth is going on with turbo tax and Credit Karma ugh
It’s been a pleasure chatting with you all again this year.
CK hit at 12:34pm EST
See yall next year ✌🏽
😫😫😫 CK is 💩
Almost 5pm & nothing!
CK finally hit!!!
@Gators352: did he have fees taken out? Or paid up front? I to filed 2/13
Received CK deposit at 3:32. Received an email the money was deposited 🎉 I’m in Virginia if it matters.
@New.mom.and.grandma: thank you so much!! It doesn’t help that I’m impatient.
@Relief2020: Yes, from what I understand. The transcripts update before wmr. There is a chart on this site that shows the days that both update.
@VaGal07: congratulations 🎊🎈
@Taxtaxtax: No,,, be patient it’s coming
@Jennyb: A lot have dropped recently with ck. You should get it any time. Praying!!! Hope you all have an amazing evening!!!
Still nothing 1:10 ck come on!
I give up 😢
@PathCanKissMyASS2026: I’m sorry. I know it sucks to wait when other deposits are dropping. It’s definitely coming, stay strong! Hoping yours is next! 🤞
My son said his refund just hit his Chime and the WMR still on 1st Bar he said tax were filed in February 13th
@VaGal07: Bruh! Congrats! I am stressed and full of anxiety! I can’t wait until this is over.
@DebMom: did your transcripts have any codes or WMR say you were getting a letter?
I remember like 10 years ago a tax return meant a new car or vacation or shopping spree. Now it means grocery shopping once or twice without having to tally as you go and gas money. Times have changed. Lol
CK just hit. 3:36 PM EST for DDD 2/25. Filed with TT advance and fees.
I am truly stressing. Today’s my son’s birthday and I just need my refund already so I can take him out. How is it 3:30 est and no deposit yet! CK LETS GO!!!
So letter received, 8962 corrected and all faxed to the IRS errors department now I get to sit and wait. Days 6 to 8 weeks but if I remember correctly it was 3 weeks last time, still I’m done.
Just curious so daily’s can update any day on WMR and transcripts?
@ProblemAdult: I’m waiting too! CK can deposit later through the evening and night. So it’s coming, at some point. A couple of years ago, I got it around 9 pm. They deposited my state this year at 1230 am.
@the1andonlylyric: man I thought maybe by state but nope! lol
@Penni Wize: It’s not a new law, and it involves a form given from the custodial parent to the non custodial parent to claim the dependent only for CTC. There is no “legal” way other than this for two people to claim the same dependent. The only thing new is now two people can claim the same dependent if the second one who tries uses an ID pin, but the IRS is likely to audit both and then decide who actually gets to claim them.
just curious….is sbtpg sending out by last names…my last name starts with a W…just curious why so many random drops
CK finally hit! 2:09 CST here. IDK why it took so long, but it’s coming folks!
Hey y’all, I too am waiting to see my 💰. Deposit date of 2/25, through TurboTax and CreditK. Santa Barbara site says it’s been funded since early AM but nothing yet.
Impatient is an understatement at this point. I’m about to throw a tantrum that would embarrass any of the tiny kiddos I work with. 😤😂 Who’s with me!?
Mine just hit CK at 3 on the dot! I’m in VA. I was Patch act too. It’s coming yall !
Hey everyone. I hope everyone is doing well this year. It sure has been a while.
@Taxtaxtax: they told me they dont even see it and I told them I knew that was a lie because it was sent yesterday by sbtpg. Watch it will be posted at like 9 pm tonight. If you look up their deposit policy, its not luke it used to be. Vlosing my ck account after this tax season.
@PathCanKissMyASS2026: I feel the same way like what’s taking it so long to post?!
@PathCanKissMyASS2026: I would say don’t worry. Last year I didn’t receive mines until 5:50pm. I’m in Virginia. It’s coming
Call me impatient, but why do I feel like I am not gonna get my refund???? it has never taken this long! Last year my deposit hit my CK account at 1:14pm. It is almost 3pm! WTF!
@Jusamom: this is a new level of crazy! I thought I was all alone
Damn! I haven’t been in here for a while! 😂
@Penni Wize: My kid’s stepdad claimed them before we were married and one year the irs said it wasn’t allowed since he didn’t have actual custody. I guess the law changed and he had to pay back the credits from the previous years when the law had allowed it.
JUST HIT CHIMING FROM MICHIGAN . SBTG STILL COULDNT FIND MY INFO . IRS SAID DDD IS TODAY. I HOPE EVERYONE GET THEIRS. BE BLESS AND SAVE CAUSE THE PRESIDENT SAID THERE WONT BE NO TAXES NO MORE FOR NEXT YEAR…AND THAT A MAYBE.. LUV
@Yes it’s tax time: me too
@Sheila_33: ok thank you
@Penni Wize: I believe the shared claim is only for parents with a written agreement but could be wrong since I just googled it. Lol
CK is sending me today. Why is it taking so long. Just push the button for the love of chicken nuggets.
@Coldinpa not logged in: 570 is a review of something. Most of time its wages reconciling or could be a review of a credit you claimed. Id verifies don’t have a code. They like to sneak up on you.
My sister and nephew lives with me, she let me claim her son. I filed with an ID pin, was accepted and two days later freetax says he was already claimed. A law from 2024 let’s two people claim one dep. I have the highest AGI but don’t mind removing him through amendment. Any advice guys?
@KimmyKimmie: same here I filed 2/15 accepted same day WMR one bar says the same generic message we received your return it is being processed transcripts blank only can see as of date 3/9 I’m a weekly so I’m praying to update tomorrow. Last year I got it 2/20 but I did file 2/2 last year. So I’m sure we’ll update this week! I always get my Deposit with chime the same day my transcripts update with the 846
CK just hit 10:50 AM PST.
AS of date 4/15
Processing date 2/23
DDD from WMR 2/25
GOOD LUCK!!
Praying that everyone with a 570 update by the end of the week!
I filed 2/13. Nothing changed other than dd acct numbers. Still same EIC/ACTC. No offsets. I usually get my refund by 2/24 for the last 13 years. I have nothing but received and accepted on 2/13 on WMR. I checked my account transcripts “0s and No returned filed.” It hasn’t even been started yet. I checked to see if there is notice, amount owed etc.. Nothing. I just got off the phone with IRS rep. “I cannot see or do anything until 21 days.” Rep read the script and I could not get anything out of the rep, just kept repeating .. I am getting very upset. Fine I have to wait, but why isn’t it even started yet.
@Mmmmm: Same trying to hold it back but it’s erupting 🤯🫨
@Ichigo435: yes two bars approved
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