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.
@Stephennotsignedin: I DID WHY
@shelleybeanss: yes on path
@Monee: any updates for you sorry if u answered Ive been trying to keep my self busy with things around the yard and house and kids sports and my wife’s grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s been a busy 2 weeks for me how’s things going
@MOE: if u opted for the 5 day early u want see ur info on sbtpg website
HAS ANYONE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH SSBT NOT SHOWING ACCOUNT
@Average Joe: are you on the path?
@Malia: the 4464c means they’re verifying your return for accuracy. A person will look at it rather than a computer
@Ahmed: what codes are on your transcripts?
My transcripts are blank.
As of date 2/17/25
Accepted on Jan 27th
Is this normal?
@Bellee: Hey my friend how are you and them kids happy to see you again
YES!! Updated to the PATH message this morning. Hopefully there will be a DDD soon.
Your tax return is still being processed. A refund date will be provided when available.
What does this mean? Thank you.
@Jenny04: Ma’am, my daughter still doesn’t have 2024 transcripts. It will be ok. We just gotta a few more days for some updates.
@Monee: if you don’t mind me asking what info did they ask you to verify? I am going through the same thing with no letters or record of letters sent.
@Jaina: my path message popped up today as well .
@Bellee: I wondered where you were kiddo. 🙂
@Bellee: Aww I love that 😂 I’m a total chicken so I couldn’t feed them the bugs they’d need😭 🤦🏻♀️
@Jenny04: way to stay positive!
@Monee: We liken it to using rusty spoons on the eyes lol.
@Qween: me too. I hope this is a good sign, maybe 🙏
My WMR hasn’t had the PATH message this entire time (since Feb. 2nd) and now as of this morning it does, so something’s going on. Whether that thing matters or not, who knows.
I’ll never update or post a refund at all. No 2024 transcripts at all but all other ones from 2023 and down changed as of date to 3/10/25 but nothing at all and i filed 1/31/25 and im a pather unfortunately. guess ill never update……. so stressed and upset here and crying…
Got code 570 on transcript and 4464c letter yesterday. Today wmr updated to the PATH ACT message is that a good sign? 🙏
Shelia I don’t know how you make it through the irs manual. You’re the mvp. 5 minutes in and my brain hurts. Lol
@HyuneeBee🐝: Thank you! They are so precious! I have 2 boys. Sammi and Felix.
Felix is 5 years old and so gorgeous.
And Sammi is 2 years old, he’s red and so radiant 😍 I love my babies so much. I tell people that I have 4 kids, 2 humans who ignore me and 2 beardies who stare at me 😂😂
@Nikki_1220: there are a few who verified without the letter over the phone. I was able to do it without the letter in person this past Wednesday. Have you tried to see if there’s an appt open near you? It took 10 minutes max from the time I walked in to the time I walked out.
Does anyone know what the exclamation point is with a yellow circle around it? I filed with h&block and it has that right next to federal refund pending. It was a hour glass until an hour ago I got a message to check and it had that
@Pather39: don’t amend yet. Get your refund first
@Bellee: A bearded dragon 🐲😆 that’s so cute!!
@HyuneeBee🐝: you’re right, I come here to joke around also and make things lighter. We are all in the loop, and I’m stressing.
I have bearded dragons to feed 😭😭