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: But that’s my question. The PATH has lifted as of Saturday, it’s just the IRS lied when they say WMR updates daily is what you’re saying, so it really does not update daily, only M-F excluding holidays? This very own site says its Saturdays for Weekly accounts and transcripts can update “ANY” day. Just confused I guess as to why they say any day when it’s really not.
https://igotmyrefund.com/irs-update-calendar-for-transcripts-and-wmr
@wade123: Systems don’t process on weekends or holidays unfortunately, and since they can’t process, they can’t place the 846 to release the refund.
This is my question? We are told the PATH lifts every year on the 15th no matter the day. The PATH lifting is not synonymous with Presidents Day. The PATH lifts on the 15th. That’s fact. IRS claims that WMR updates every day, daily but usually only once per day. It does not say “Weekdays” or “Mon-Fri, excluding holidays, it says daily. daily, daily. daily, daily. I repeat that so there’s no misunderstanding. So, if The PATH lifts on the 15th and WMR updates daily, then why did no one’s WMR who’s on the PATH update to approved on Saturday and pending release until after Presidents Day?
@RefundLurker: I have never received my NY refund before my fed refund. I filed on 2/6 but I’m still processing for some reason. 🤦🏻♀️
Oh btw we got our ohio state refund last week. First time i ever gotten state before federal
Oh snap i can log in
Hello all how is everyone doing been awhile thought i drop in amd say hello
@LiftTheFreezePlz: no reason to worry because you as of changed. If you as of hasnt changed and that day has passed is when its time to start worring
@Benita I filed pretty early I got an advance.. still walking the Path tho 🙄
@RefundLurker: I filed on 2/04/25, no date yet.
@Benita: SUBMITTED the 11th of January. ACCEPTED the 21st of January.
@RefundLurker: When did you submit your New York State return ???
@WorriedTX: i dont have any. i dont even have my 2024 transcripts either just march 10th 2025 on pass transcripts
@Jenny04: What’s your processing date?
@Jenny04: True
@WorriedTX: nope unfortunately im a weekly 05 code….. so i wont update till friday maybe and wont get it till the week of the 24th maybe, idk
@grl.: They were offering a “5-day” early refund for a $25 fee.
@Creole Queen: Don’t believe it.
@grl: ugh okay I was accepted 1/21/2025 it’s coming 🙌🏽
@RefundLurker: nothing yet. i filed 2/4 and accepted same day but still no DDD for my az state.
Anyone get word on their state? Friday I got a DDD for 2/19/2025 (NY state) & I file with H&R Block; yes I’m a pather 😫 still on first bar with WMR tho..
@WorriedTX: wait what ? tt is giving refunds for that $25 fee?
I came here hoping someone had some information since last night. I have a heard a few PATHers got DDs and some have gotten a refund
When will they release taxes for people with children
@Jenny04: I’m betting you’ll update Tuesday at the latest if you are a daily.
well still have the 152 message on WMR and still march 10th 2025 on all the other transcripts and don’t have my 2024 one yet… Who knows when ill update anymore… every year its like this. they play around with my money and be like nope your not getting it…
We’ll start seeing our money $$$ next week!!!
Especially those with no hold banks:)
As for the 5-day early TT deal, we know that’s not happening. That’s why they are giving refunds for that $25.
Beyond frustrated!!!!! Filed 1/31 accepted 1/31. IRS portal ALL blank. Only showing WMR return received need more information and letter has been sent. No letter received and no letter showing on my account.
@Jaina: I got mines like 4 days after filing. Did you file after February 3rd?
@Bellee: 💕
@Starchild1111: Same in Chicago every year they find a reason to do it
i’s gots mines…….Yeah
@Keishalove33: I don’t and never have opened and account to view transcripts. I can screenshot wmr though if you tell me how to share a screenshot
@Keishalove33: well das a gd idea but I ain’t able to post screenshots up here but for the most part I’m a PATHer n sat am I had all my codes n amt wit neg sign and my cycle ends in 05 and I am awaiting that 846 code by wed an path msg is still up and amt is gone on the left of wmr site hope that helps
@FAFO: the more we get closer to our 846 we start to drop lol til next season
Mary!!! Sheila!! I miss y’all 😭