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.
@Sheila_33: ok thank you Sheila!
@Lakenlondynsmommie: I Believe I have been processed I have codes 150 806 766 768 , Someone told me I’m just waiting for path to lift for the code 846 that I was done
Welcome to another tax year everyone. Has anyone reported seeing that their return is processed and waiting on 846 code.
@The waiting game: I agree with Walter. And as long as tax topic 152 is still there I think you’re still good, from what I understand
@Walter Dog
Thank you. I don’t remember ever getting this specific message and I don’t always get the path message either. I thought I was weekly but not sure.
@AllRightsReserved.
So a friend of mine received that same message last week and this week it updated to her receiving the path message. So hopefully it is nothing and you will continue to just process just fine until you receive a direct deposit date
@The waiting game: your ok that’s just a delay message bunch of us got that message couple years ago and I updated the next week so tonight or Friday morning you probably update
@shelia_33 have a quick question for you. So I filed in the 13 and was rejected in the 17 th for the 1095- c form. It was my daughter who was missing it so I submitted it and I was accepted 5 mins later. I received a 1095-C in the mail for me and I was told that I wouldn’t process because I didn’t submit the form for myself. My transcripts filled in completely on 1/22 with all good codes and a as of date of 2/10. Am I good to go and just need to amend after I get my refund or will they catch it when my transcripts update again? I’m a 04 daily btw
@ Sheila_33
Should I be concerned if my WMR updated today to
We apologize your return has gone past normal processing timeframe. Please check back for updates. Tax topic 152
Filled/ accepted 1/23/25 should be path message
I don’t currently have access to my transcripts
@AllRightsReserved.: sounds like I’d verify you can google irs id verify online and try to verify if it says we’re unable to provide assistance then so far that’s not it but if it lets you then you have to wait on letter for control number
@HuntingtonBeachmomof4_notsignedin: my as of date still shows a 2/10 but my transcripts are completely filled in with all good codes
For Anyone who can answer, filed 1/27, WMR has “need more info, Letter sent” message, 152 code, no bars and transcript no info all zeros. Never had this before. Does this mean there’s an issue?
@Angieeeee: The date was placed the same time as the 846. That is your direct deposit date for a standard bank. Luckily, your bank (chime) didn’t hold the refund until that date.
@Sheila_33: so was the 846 placed before the date of 2/22/24? because that is the date listed on my transcript.
@Angieeeee: Because when the 846 was placed, it triggered the treasury to send. A no holds bank will deposit as soon as they get that notification.
@JW: same here all my information is updated at ssi office but I don’t have any codes my transcripts are blank
@Amy Spence: But there are big update days right Tuesdays and Fridays?
@HuntingtonBeachmomof4_notsignedin: Same here .
Sorry I have another question. So I checked my transcripts for last year which would’ve been 2023 I received my 846 dated 2/22/24 but I received my direct deposit from Ira treasury on 2/16 from chime. How was that possible?
@Samiam: Yes, it’s standard. 150 is usually in reference to your return being received.
@HUSKER222: Those are your credits and your tax liability. Your refund amount is 6289. You are held by path so you are waiting for it to lift. The 04/15 date is the end of tax season and it’s how all credits are dated.