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.
Good evening. I just have a quick question. If my 2024 transcript is blank (I have no codes) does that mean I have to wait for the letter to verify my information?
Is anyone noticing subtle processing differences from last year? I’m Path. This year, there’s some subtle differences. Im seeing date changes happening in middle parts of the week. That happens on only Friday. This morning, my account still showed that + sign for balance next to 2024 and the usual no return info, which is normal because that never changes till after Path lifts. That was until tonight. Now my balance is 0.00 and when I look at 2024, it no longer has the + sign. It has the 0.00, which tells me usually they’re done with it. Makes me wonder if that Jackson Hewitt post on their page from the chief finance person was correct: will release 17th, early eitc / actc filers will be funded by irs 19 and 20th.
@Stillwaitinginfairburnga: oh, ok. Sorry about the advance TT emails. At least we’re not too far away.
@Mandie: never mind turbo tax just sent another email like 5 minutes ago saying they sent me the wrong massage so I don’t think I will even get the advance
@Lost in Space: it was accepted by the irs on feb 4 and I got the email from turbo tax today
@Momof3lewis: I do but I believe it will change because my transcripts aren’t completely filled out at all, and they updated this morning. The Account transcript just has the as of March 3rd date and $0.00 and no cycle either
@Stillwaitinginfairburnga: when you say accepted, im reading it as accepted by TT. Not the IRS yet. So, that email you received from TT is just outlining that once you’re return is accepted by the IRS, your refund advance will be funded by TT for the amount approved.
For everyone else, have you seen what JH tax services is claiming will be Path Act payments? Seems like they’re making stuff up for sake of gaining filers.
@Stillwaitinginfairburnga: We got ours maybe 15 minutes or so after we got the email that our return was accepted. You get a credit karma money card but you also get a digital one that you can use right away and you can transfer the money to your main bank if you want.
@Stillwaitinginfairburnga: If your return was already accepted by the irs and you were approved for the advance, you should have gotten an email from TT saying that your funds were available.
Hello I have a question I filed and was accepted on feb 4 and I applied for the advance first time ever I just got a email for turbo tax stating that once the irs accept my return the advance will be released can anyone please explain this to me
@Introvert_taxtime: lol thanks….wow
@Momof3lewis:
I filed 1/31
As of 2/24 but nothing else on transcripts.
One bar on wmr
Usually a daily
Am I the only one that’s has a “as of “ date march 3rd.. filed Jan 29th one bar on WMR.. transcript filled out as of this morning.
@Mommy_3:
https://igotmyrefund.com/irs-update-calendar-for-transcripts-and-wmr/
🤷🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️
@CrazedinGA: that is true the code is right under the 150 code tax return filed ! Hope that helps
@Harrisongirl: i have not received my ky refund yet
@DebMom: didn’t receive letter yet but its saying no new debts because it’s already been paid from our tax refund coming on the 12. It was a VA bill that I never received.
Are transcript updates Wednesday and Friday?
@DebMom: thank you!
@2blessed: welcome my friend no I’m not to worried just different this year with as of dates jumping around
@@blessedmama6: Did y’all try TT? refund advance?
When are the big updates this week coming up?
@Tax25: I’ve heard there is a 14 digit number on your transcripts that is the number you will need to ID verify. I’m not sure if this is correct, but worth looking into.