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.
@VA757pather: @VA757pather: Nope, no path for me
@Kristen: Im so mad i used HRB cause im going to have to wait for them to take their fee. I bet they already have my funds. Current wouldve had my accoynt updated already
Hey everyone, usually a lurker, but wanted to give update.
Filed 1/17 with freetaxusa, accepted same day. Bank Chime.
Wmr says return received tt152 no DDD.
Got email today from chime for proof of joint return. Direct deposit sent. Wmr still only says return received. This happened last year as well.
Good luck everyone!
If I file with Turbo tax and have the fees taken out with my federal refund does that prolong the deposit date?
@Sarah D: are u path?
@Candy2025: I did. I had zeros on my transcript all week until today…updated to a deposit date of 02/05/25. I was saying earlier my refund always hits the Friday before my DDD and this year was the same. I’m also a weekly so I only update on Fridays
@Kristen: did you get a transcript update before it hit @Kristen:
Update, Refund hit! hang in there everyone
My transcript had the credits showing with the credits and amount owed back but WMR and when you initially login to see your account says they haven’t processed but on the transcript you can see movement. Just not 846 code I have a processing date and as of date of 02/17/25 from 02/10/25. I applied for the 5 days early with TT but I’ve seen a lot of people not getting it. Plus I’m a PATH account as well so probably won’t get anything until close to end of February. Sucks have to wait that long especially when you have kids but it is what it is.
@Txmomof3girls: Thank u as well!
@Shane11: No worries! I understand, if you’re weekly you might not see any movement or change until next Friday, that was the case for me. i was accepted 1/21 and just today my 846 code popped up. Hang in there!
@Sarah D: Oh Ok. Thank you! I was stressing!
@Shane11: You haven’t finished processing. I think the 2/17 would be an AS of date not at DD date, which is kind of just like a book mark for IRS to do whatever they need to with your tax return by that date. You need the 846 code to populate and that will give you the amount of your refund.
@Curious: Just means that IRS hasn’t processed your return yet. If you’re weekly might have to wait until next Friday to see some movement. Mine was like for 10 days. Just updated today.
@Shane11: The 2/17/25 date is not a direct deposit date that is your as of date. That mean by that date the IRS must either process your return or have sent you out a notification (letter) of some type explaining what the hold up is with your taxes. More than likely you just have not finished processing that’s why you are seeing only zero’s on your account transcript and the others have not populated.
My transcripts updated and show the year 2024 and I am getting $0 and DD of 2/17/2025.
However, the front says no Tax return has been filed for 2024.
We do not have offsets nor do we owe the IRS. Why did transcripts update with zero money shown sending out and a DD date but also say its not processed?
Hey everyone. I’ve been here every year and this will be my 1st time mailing in paper forms. I need to file with form 4852, to replace an incorrect w2. 4852 can only be paper filed. Is there an “easy” online preparer where I can complete online and print to mail? I’ve used efile for over 15 years, so I’m really lost.
@shelleybeanss: I think so too – because normally I would of received my DD by now. Always Friday before my DDD, but nothing yet. I’ve mentioned before, but I’m worried signing up for that dumb 5 days earlier payment through TT delayed mine
@shelleybeanss: 13th, not 17th, is when I filed. But I think it’s just being slow this year
@Txmomof3girls: I filled the 17th. I had my acct transcript appear last week but nothing this week. Still no other transcripts. I think it’s all still catching up from the influx of early filers