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.
@Dentonj88: People who were accepted last week, along with those that are accepted tomorrow may see transcript updates this week. All depends on how well the systems are processing.
@Dentonj88: If you’re registered, you may be able to recover your password. I will do some checking on my side of things.
@Sheila_33: I tried to and it says I’m already registered?
I filed on the 18th. How long do you guys think until it’s accepted?
If you haven’t yet, please consider registering for IGMR. Its a great way to keep track of how you processed this year, and a reference for next year. And you get to pick a unique user name. https://igotmyrefund.com/registration-for-igmr/
I’m posting this in case anyone is experiencing the same issue. WMR updated with “received status” before TT updated to accepted. WMR first was say my info didn’t match. Then it stated that I exceeded amount of status checks even though it was my first time checking. So if you are experiencing any of these, I would just check the following day which is what I did and everything worked well so don’t get nervous or stressed.
@Kris: Hi I just have a question for you maybe you can check and answer me bac.k I filed on January 15 got accepted January 17th as well filed with turbotax fees coming from refund. Turbotax deal with Santa Barbara log in for 2024 account unavailable but log in for 2023 I can see that information from last year. Is it possible for you being that you have almost like my tax situation can you check Sbtpg.com to see if your information is showing for 2024 thankyou very much.
Would test batch peeps still see transcripts and cycle numbers prior to receiving deposits?
@MSRazorbackPhD: ohhh! Ok! I’m not submitting until the 27th since that’s opening day…I just didn’t want to use TT if I wasn’t getting any advance…I’d rather try out free tax this year.
@Dentonj88: Yes you can get a refund advance, but the remainder of the refund comes at normal pace.
@New to taxing in PA: Correct, but you won’t know if you are actually approved for advance until AFTER accepted by IRS!
I wouldn’t rely on tax software for accurate acceptance status this year. I would check WMR because it’s been showing as received way before tax software acceptance status. Just a heads up!
I didn’t apply for it this year, but I’ve been wanting to ask this out of sheer curiosity – do people that apply for refund advances and have EIC/CTC/things of that nature still get their refund advance early?
When applying for the credit karma advance through TT…do you have to submit before you find out if you’re approved?
Just found out my return was “accepted” by the IRS on 1/17 but TurboTax never sent me an email or a text message. I’ve always got text updates in the past. Their system must be down or backed up this year.
Anyway, Got the 152 on WMR. Waiting on the PATH. I got my deposit on 2/16 the last two years and 2/17 the year before that so I’m crossing my fingers for the same time frame.
@Dentonj88: System may be updating. You can also call the Where’s My Refund number. And in the future, just in case you get locked out after 3 times, the phone number is another option.
@wade123: Chime and a few others.
https://igotmyrefund.com/no-hold-bank-nhb-or-traditional-financial-institution-tfi/
@Bun: Some last week. Today will be zero because of holiday. Hopefully tomorrow!
Has anyone been accepted?
And were back! Just filed through tax slayer today, hopefully smooth sailing this year!
Is anybody else getting the exceeded daily inquiries message on WMR even if you haven’t checked it at all today? Is it because it’s a holiday?
@wade123: Yes that is very true. I’ve been using chime for the past 3 years. Using them again this year also😌
@Mbry0625: Hey lady and NOPE!
@GodLovesUs: Mine has no difference from last year…