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.
@curt: i should have mentioned that my transcripts have not populated and i am a weekly
Update:
filed on 1/30/26
Received verify letter on 2/27/26
Verified online 2/27/26
Wmr changed from still processing to processing on 3/5/26
I just filed last night. Im usually here much sooner with you all. May the odds be in all of our favors. Seamless every other year for me. This year is a much larger return for me … fingers crossed 🤞🏾
@MommaLee89: yes same here
I guess I was on the wrong night for updates on transcripts so I’m guessing the update is Thursday night into Friday morning I don’t know why I thought it updated Wednesday of last week
Tax returns verification letter that was sent out dated the 4th of February I received it February 11th and I verified on the 12th blank transcripts and wages 7 days later w2 and wages got updated the following Friday transcripts and approved updated then the next Friday refund funded to my account
@KDub444: mine says the same thing and mine is pending in my bank account as of today!
So I know it’s still within 21 days, but I recently filed on 2/19, accepted the next day. The last couple Fridays my transcripts were unavailable, but as of today they’re available but blank. Should I expect an update Friday?
@Saysay: I think we might have filed the same or around the same date and I have the same as date so we might see an update tonight , definitely tomorrow
@OhioBred87: we’re in this together 😪
Anyone have any updates, the first week after identity/return verification cleared or know if that’s a common processing occurrence?
@froglover7m4:
Did you need to do identity verification?
When did you receive your ddd?
@Coldinpa not logged in: yep
Anybody get their Michigan State Refund that has a todays date.
Transcription will update tonight for some. Good luck to those who do update tonight with 846 code
@OhioBred87: do you have a 570/971 also?
@Sheila_33: hi I have cycle code 05 filed 2/20 and accepted,pat her with blank transcript and as of 3/16 when can I expect an update . Turbo tax reg deposit and going to chime thanks so much
@Coldinpa not logged in: same been like this for 2 wks now with a 3/9 date next to it 🙄🤦♀️
@Shanshan22🩷: Nothing and this ish is starting to get annoying!
@Sheila_33: ok thank you. But what does the 3/16 as date mean ! Do you know?
@Ale: Hoping that alot of you are processing today and will update tomorrow. :)
Anyone having issues logging in to view transcripts?
Hey are there any updates on nys state refunds??? Filed 2/2 accepted same day
filed and accepted 1-28-26 , 21 days no update
no changes in WMR no updated transcripts
I called 2-20-26 They said they sent
out letter 12c on 2-10-26
I had to fax my 1095 insurance
for 2025. I had no bars no update but I updated
today with one bar and a message that says….
“We apologize, but your return processing has been delayed beyond the normal timeframe. You can continue to check back here for the most up to date information regarding your refund. We understand your tax refund is very important and we are working to process your return as quickly as possible.”
that money is on the way BABY!!!!
@IGOTMYREFUND!!: yes friend I just got the email from TurboTax saying they deducted there fees and that I should get by end of day but sbtpg still saying my information is wrong and when I call the number you gave me it keep telling me to enter my phone and ssn once I put it in it’s saying my information is wrong also
@Stillwaitinginfairburnga: I didn’t realize you were the comment above you! I’m glad you got it friend money should be there any minute! Some get it 30 minites after email or a few hours. I got my DD at 5 am and got my email lastnight so since it’s day of you should get them funds friend!! Haopy spending
@Stillwaitinginfairburnga: they might just send the email today friend I’m sure you will get it by end of day. The comment above you says they just got there email.
@IGOTMYREFUND!!: hay friend I just got the email from TurboTax
@IGOTMYREFUND!!: I never got a email from TurboTax and everyone I call that number it tell me to enter my phone number and ssn number once I do it it just hang up
@Stillwaitinginfairburnga: Make sure your putting in your refund amount BEFORE fees are taken out. There is a number you can call that will ask for last four of social and zip code you filed with. Yesterday online for me it said unfounded but when I called it said money will be sent to my account March 4th and I woke up to deposit in my account. I got email from turbo tax around 5 on last night saying refund on the way. Here’s the number friend 877-908-7228
@Sheila_33: good morning I have a question I got a ddd for 03/04 and sbtpg is still saying my information is wrong is there anyway I can contact them
@Sheila_33: hey Sheila, I saw an update on my Acc transcript not codes yet last Thursday and a as date for 3/16 what does that mean? but nothing nothing since then, when do you think I’ll see a new update? Tia.
@KDub444: Your Wmr will mostly update to a 3/9 ddd tomorrow. The 3/23 date is to make sure its deposited by that date.
I file on Feb 14 and just checked WMR and it says that my refund is taking longer to process. I then checked my transcript and it said I had the 846 code with direct deposit released 3/23/26. I’m confused. Am I getting my refund? And how long should it take?
@Coldinpa not logged in: wow that is ridiculous
Tax advocate service can’t help until November 1st. Was told 60-180 day review, but expect at minimum 180 days, probly longer.
@Shanshan22🩷: I pray so cause I can’t wait another week for BS
@Coldinpa not logged in: This sucks @MommaLee89: maybe will update later today
@Shanshan22🩷: nothing for me😩
@Shanshan22🩷: yeah, to a notice mailed
Anybody update from 570??
03 cycle
@DeeBlock: Everyone including me that had that has or is getting a letter mostly i d verify, they are doing that more this year than ever
@DeeBlock: Mine is showing this on where’s my refund but my trancripts have an 846 refund issued code with as of 3/23/26 date.
971cp 005 notice issued😪
@Proudmama385: Any update? I also have ddd of 3/4, nothing showing yet. I sent refund to Chime though
@DeeBlock: mine said that and come to find out I had to do a identity verification.
@texasmomof3: correct.
Your tax return is still being processed. A refund date will be provided when available. No further action is needed from you at this time.
@DeeBlock: Do your WMR Also so ddd given when available, with the bar still showing?
Man what’s going on? I filed on February 14th and as of today it says it is still being processed with no info of course on the transcripts. Why is taking so long?
Hi everyone. Quick question. I have Chase and my paycheck is always deposited 2 days earlier. My ddd is 3/4. My sister has the same bank and her ddd did deposit two days early. Does anyone else have Chase? Should I be concerned or is it just my anxiety and I should just wait until tomorrow like a normal person?
@mommyto6andcrazy: Otherwise I’m not sure I would like to think it would go to your new address
@mommyto6andcrazy: Did you file with your new address that is the best way to get the IRS your new address?
Hey Guys
Question on amended returns because I amended my 2023 return due to missing out on the education credit.
Transcript show complete, 846 code with the refund of 3/16 but also a notice being sent the same date (just the we made adjustments to your return blah blah blah)
With the 846 code, will a check be mailed or will DD be used? I only ask because we moved since that return meaning a check would go to the old address
Thanks
@Sheila_33: How are you? I hope all is well. Have seen any Michigan people saying that there state is “pending review”
800-779-7228
@Mommyof3: Lol. Hey lady. :)
Wuuuuuuwhhhhhooooo @shelia_33!!!!!!!
Happy New years!!!
Any 03 with 570 update yet?