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.
@Mic check 1212: ok makes since, thank you for your response!
@Jellybean: CTC and Additional CTC is based on your income & deductions etc. People assume they’ll get more for another kid. Not the case. Every year Tax Codes change. Every year you need to check your withholdings take make sure enough deductions are being taken out.
@Ghee: I made the same mistake 2 years ago. I received a paper check around 10 days later
@hmmm?: I haven’t checked today but the only one for 2024 that I have is the non-filed transcript. Filed on 1/21
@HBK6: yes
@Monee Signed Out: to my knowledge it was earned income and child tax
Aloha everyone, on Hawaii where’s refund it says, my refund was released on Jan 31 2⁰25. It may take up to two additional week from this date to receive your refund check o direct deposit.
It so not in my bank anyone else have this message
@New to this: Mine says the same thing !
Also says something about if you don’t get by 2/20 to let them know. I think we will see it sometime this week though.
@Liv: sorry lol. I meant yes they can change.
@Liv: yes. I was always a weekly then last year switched to Dailey. Now this year back to weekly.
@Newyorkgirl: did you get that information off your transcript or off the where is my refund portal on the IRS website because we were accepted the same day and it’s still only at one bar
@bella527: I can understand your situation and or frustration. I had to use HRB. Filed on a 31st. Then within 10 minutes it said it was rejected. Went back into my profile. There is nothing to correct. So now my refund is just pending. With HR B I check my IDMI account with IRS. There’s no issues there. Maybe it’s because I paid the fee upfront this time versus having taken out of my refund. Is there a way you can share some light on this for me?
Can a person go from being a weekly to a daily or are they always going to be a weekly? Thanks
Anyone from Ohio get their state refund back. Mine says :
Your refund will be direct deposited into the designated account on approximately: 02/05/2025.
We have a early card
@hmmm?: Yes!!! We filed a few days ago before you and not an update. This has never happened to us so I’m puzzled as to why.
Filed and accepted on 1/29 with TurboTax. Refund approved with dd of 2/5
@hmmm?: same! Give more time.
Hey anyone else having this issue? I submitted by taxes on the 30th. I see on WMR that I they have received my taxes but when I check my transcript I don’t see any for 2024.
Hi! Can someone tell me what could be going on?
We filed on Mon morning, we have ctc. Student Loans are on pause if you enrolled in SAVE which we did. We usually update on Sat and nothing was there not even on our transcript. Why in the world have we not updated? We always file on opening day and are approved Sat morning.
Someone please help. Thanks so much.
I am so salty 😭 soooo I have a date for my state refund and Im wondering why I see everybody getting their refund but me I go to check my direct deposit information and it’s wrong I put 309 and not 390 for my account number this the first time I ever did this how long will it take to bounce back and get a check for federal and state thank God I’m not in need but it would’ve definitely looked good in my account please help also I am in Michigan TIA
The receipt of your refund 5 Days Early is subject to IRS submitting refund information to us at least 5 days before the refund settlement date. IRS does not always provide refund settlement information 5 days early. You will not be eligible to receive your refund 5 Days Early if (1) you take a Refund Advance loan, (2) IRS delays payment of your refund, or (3) your bank’s policies do not allow for same-day payment processing. 5 Days Early fee will be deducted directly from your refund prior to being deposited to your bank account. If your refund cannot be delivered 5 Days Early, you will not be charged the 5 Days Early fee. 5 Days Early program may change or be discontinued at anytime.
Tax Act I have no idea how to rectify even though they tell you but there is no data in these fields
Personal Property Expenses Adjustment
Personal property expenses have been entered as an adjustment, but no personal property income has been entered as other income.
To determine the correct entries, go to the “Federal” tab and select “Other Income” or “Other Adjustments” through the Federal Quick Q&A.
Filed 1-13
Accepted 1-17
1-24 transcripts filled good codes
Wmr path message as of 2/10
1-27 transcripts same good codes
Wmr path message as of changed 2/17
Weekly 05 hoping DDD for 19th or 26th
I always get DDD on Wednesday.
Hello everyone. Question, does the IRS have you ID verify if you used a IP pin to file your taxes?
@Monee Signed Out: Yea trying to get a answer I think in past I get my good codes but my as of date stayed where it was and some did stay at 2-10 others changed to 2-17 I’m wondering why that is
@Walter DOG: I noticed that too, and I’m wondering the same thing.
@Jellybean: Are you able to see the credits before it gets filed? Is your income the same?
@Stephennotsignedin: Oh no! I pray whatever they are looking at is quick and simple and that she still gets her refund when the path act lifts.
Hey everyone. This year I’m filing for two dependents ( 6 years old and 2 months old) I reside in NYC I’m confused as to why they are trying to give me only 5k back for federal?? Tax proper stated it’s because I didn’t take enough taxes out during the year. Is that accurate and can anyone relate?? Like I’ve literally gotten that amount with just one kid so I’m baffled.
Hey Sheila hope your better but I’m curious don’t to much on this stuff stumble me but why is it that some with good codes and path message their as of date stayed at 2-10 and others like me with good codes and path went from as of 2-10 to as of 2-17 any idea
Just wondering, does anyone have a DDD after Feb 15th?
I just seen a lady post a pic of her wmr and it has path msg and she also posted pic of her transcripts and she got codes 810,424,and971 so I guess getting the path msg on wmr means absolutely nothing other than they acknowledge the fact you claim one of the path credits.
@Mina Mina: this is what i want to find out my still hasnt been accepted
soooo…the path message comes WITH the bars now?? That’s new…it would replace the bars previous years
@HBK6: filed 1/27…same, path message
Filed 1/6 checked where’s my refund today got tax topic 152 and path message with one bar is this normal ?
@Monee: okay, I was one that had to verify last year but I caught it opening day and I was able to go into my local tax office and verify in person. I’ve never had just one transcript update so hoping it’s not the same this year where I have to verify.
Good morning/afternoon everyone!
@Monee
When I was able to verify Friday the guy said the letter was sent the 27th but I was able to do it bc I live in disaster area. Me and you was accepted same day so I feel like ur letter was also sent same day. U can always go in person to verify it and not need the letter bc last year I went in person and didn’t need the letter. Happy I didn’t even have to leave my house yesterday to do it lol I got extremely lucky to be able to verify over the phone without control number. I’ma keep you posted on my updates please do the same and if I don’t reply here feel free to email me at [email protected]
@Txmomof3girlsnotsignedin: no. I didn’t verify last year. The second woman said if it doesn’t show up 14 days from the 27th to call back in. I honestly think as long as we stay on top of it we won’t fall far behind everyone else.
@Sheila_33: Bottom of the morning my friend happy your feeling better it’s a good question someone ask I don’t get it either I as many others have path message with good codes and as of date went from 2-10 to 2-17 but some with good codes and path their as of stayed at 2-10 any idea why
@Monee: yes I was happy to see it pop up and I’m happy yours did too. Seems like a little good news
I was accepted the 16th..account transcript updated on 22nd but was blank..on the 29th my transcript updated to all good codes, but my as of date hasn’t changed from 2/10..I see everyone else moving, is this normal to be stuck with as of 2/10 with good codes and path message?
@Monee: hopefully it’s not like last years debacle and your waiting for weeks for the letter to appear! Did you have to verify last year too?
@Stephennotsignedin: ok update. After you said yours showed i went and checked mine. I almost sobbed bc my wages are showing! It’s the little victories.
@Stephennotsignedin: so glad they finally showed!!! I’m still waiting. The good news is i ssa has it bc I called them and confirmed and they read the earnings to me. Lol. They said it could take 30 days to show sooooo…..booooooooooo. I’m glad things are smoothing out for you
@Txmomof3girlsnotsignedin: I called 2 times yesterday. The second time it was confirmed a letter is coming to verify.
@Sheila_33: so sorry. I hope you’re feeling better. Nothing has changed for me but it was confirmed that I have to verify and I’m waiting on a letter for the control number.
Finally says received this morning