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.
@Kyra: When did you check?
Wow I can’t believe I just updated within the last few hours lol 😂 all good codes and the 846 says refund issued 2/21/25!
@Comeonnn: ya try. ill probably update next week for a DDD of the eek of the 24th.. of course i missed it lol
@Jenny04: Im along the ride with you, I updated to a script but its blank
@Comeonnn: maybe who knows these days. im a 05 weekly i think so ill probably update next week and have a DDD for the week of the 24th… was really hoping for next week but HIGHLY doubt that one
@Jenny04: You may have been resequenced, unfortunately you may not update today
@Jenny04: I think I saw somewhere about the Tuesday cut off.. I think you may have barely missed it which would make sense as to why you’re still blank..
@If only…: nope not yet and i filed 1/31/25 and im a pather so idk anymore. but all my account transcripts from 2020 to 2023 has changed as of date on them to 3/10/25
@Jenny04: sadly you’ll have to wait then.. it’s about half way down the page. You might still update though.. the night is young. lol it’s also possible that you’ll update early next week!! (Maybe!)
@Jenny04: oh sorry yeah they just haven’t gotten to you yet but they will
I looked up the as of dates it really doesn’t mean much other than a placeholder to get something done by then on your return in short nothing to worry about
@Jenny04: If you don’t have your 2024 account transcript you haven’t processed yet
@Angele: processing still the same 2/24 and code 150 same
@Deano: on what account transcript?? i dont have my 2024 transcript yet. nothing is showing for 2024 just 2023 to 2020
@Deano: i just checked mine to same from 2/24 to 3/3 and 3/10 so confused
@Helpmeplease: Are you weekly or daily do you know?
So my as of date changed from the 24th to March 10 just today, but my processing date stayed the same, March 3
Ffs I need this money this week after my entire 1800 paycheck was stolen due to my hacked Cashapp acct.
can anyone give me insight on why it may have changed and would I still have a chance to get it this week?
My as of date is march 10th too. But it’s been like that the last 4 years. And I’ve gotten my refund the week of the 19. No one worry. It’s just an automated date
Will the path lift tonight or tomorrow night?
@Jenny04: it’s on the right side of the page right next to the cycle code and above the list of codes
@Comeonnn: I can’t even find a processing date. I dont know where everyone is seeing that cause i cant find any processing date and i filed 1/31/25 and im a pather so…
Processing date 02/17
What is up with the as of date changed twice in one afternoon
I was 02/17 this morning and then 03/03 and now 03/10 all good with codes and path act waiting for 846
@Jenny04:same here… let’s hope it reverts back. My processing date has stayed 2/17 so.. I’m still hopeful for Ddd the 19-21 lol
Will path lift tonight or tomorrow night?
just checked transcripts again and now the as of date changed from march 3rd 2025 to march 10th 2025 on all the account transcripts from 2020 to 2023. What does that mean now??? any help on what is going on??
@Hmmm: same here …as of date always said march 3rd
@MaryB: If you file without an IP pin, yes.
@CrisOMG: thank you
I want to clarify, if the IRS accepted my return then my dependents have not been claimed?
@Valentine M: I am
@Rellik: my New York State was deposited in my bank account on 02/12. I filed on 01/27 and it was accepted on 01/29.
@Sheila_33: ok thank you. Hope you had a good day today 😊