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.
570 since 20260216—as of 20260223…still here
as of date 20260309…still here
filed/accepted end of January
Path just lifted Monday.
Sure I’m a weeklie 20260505
Filed IS this year, and I’m so tired of waiting.
@Beenpatientallmylifetillnow: ya my 1099 has federal withholding of around 52k. Have a 27k refund after our farm deductions etc but our w2 tax withholding are only like 16k so the computer is wondering where the other 11k we are getting back is coming from right now. Someone that works for the IRS buys meat from my farm which I just found out and I asked them about it yesterday. That is the response they told me so hopefully they are correct and I see something mid May or so.
Capital one?
@Creolequeen5000: my brother did. His actually never said he needed a letter, it just came in the mail just before the 21 days was up. He hasnt updated yet because he is waiting on a letter. He has a 971 code.
@Matt7650: yep got it! I have 1099 as well so Im hoping you are right. I think it would be too much of a coincidence if you weren’t right but keeping my fingers crossed! The information chatgpt gave me was also similar to both you and Shelias’ responses actually.
@Matt7650: oh wow no that is not my situation wish you the best of luck
@Beenpatientallmylifetillnow: not sure of your situation….I only know that the particular 1099 I am waiting to be filed with the irs they have until the 31st of March to submit. Once that happens I’m sure it will be weeks before the system hopefully corrects itself on my end so I’m hoping by May I have results.
Hey you have any of you did the verification online with no letter and received an update and if so how long did it take before your taxes updated
@Matt7650: I believe you are most likely correct. :)
@Yes It’s tax time: They are likely done for today.
Hi everyone! Are the weekly updates finished or does it go into tomorrow morning?
@Beenpatientallmylifetillnow: yes ☹️
@Matt7650: thank you for that information, so we literally have to wait until the 31st?
Updated last night to 846 got money an hour ago in my Varo account never came this fast before
@Rick228822: Yes. Quite a few people have gotten deposits to chime the same day as their 846.
If I filed free n I got 846 last night at 11 is there a chance to get deposit on chime today. Tyty
@Sheila_33: update as I told you I would lol. So I found out a few things. Today went from 570 to 810. Reason things haven’t been moving is there is a 1099 missing that hasn’t been uploaded to irs yet and this particular 1099 they have till March 31st to upload. That 1099 has 52k in federal taxes withheld so when the computer is looking at our 27k refund it is wondering where that is coming from since our w2 wages we only paid in 16k in federal tax and have no credits etc. At least hopefully once that uploads it will fix itself lol
If you updated to an 846 this morning with an 05 cycle, your Wmr will update to a deposit date of 3/11 in the morning. Congratulations!
@Beenpatientallmylifetillnow: The 810 is most likely a freeze of the withholding you claimed. 570 is a closer review of it. If it can be reconciled from internal data like SSA, then it could lift.
@Sheila_33: any updates on the state … Ms.Sheila you always know something
Hello, are the transcripts finished updating for today? I’m just wondering if they update all Friday for weeklys, or just last night. Thanks 🙂
@MommaLee89: we’re in this together yall😥
@Shanshan22🩷: oh you have it too?
@Shanshan22🩷: me!! 😔
@Beenpatientallmylifetillnow: This freeze is crazy. Thanks for responding 🩷