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 āqueueā 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.
Thatās 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 donāt have to guess when your refund will hit.
Check the IGMR Refund Cycle Chart and see when your moneyās 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.
So do transcripts update tonight into tomorrow or Tuesday night into Wednesday? I forget.
@Jersey girl: so are taxes arenāt processed yet ? I have codes 150 806 766 768 wmr topic 153 path processing 2/24
@Sheila_33: Hey do you know if cycle code 0405 is weekly or daily?
Sheila_33: So this question was kind of answered by another on this site, I guess I am just looking for re-assurance and consistency. I have EITC. WMR has 1 bar and says the PATH message and TT 152. That’s it nothing else. Transcripts updated overnight Friday into Saturday with code 570. However there is no code 971. Per research and what someone here said it suggests it is not bad and there is no letter or notice and may just update to 571 and then 846 Tue or Wed. Your thoughts?
@Maybe just Maybe: that was long :) So you are saying you think those of us who arent waiting for codes (except 846) will also see a refund deposit this week??
Does anyone know how/where to check the status of refund if you had a third party Pathward for a refund advance?
Thanks
I have a theory that tomorrow will update for some dailies and weeklies with as of 3/3 and processing 2/17 and that some dailies and weeklies with as of 3/10 and processing 2/24 will update Wednesday those with zeros and regular wmr will update Friday. So tomorrow weāll see if theirs any update and I honestly believe there will be. Last year path lifted on a Thursday and there was a mass update for everyone that Friday. This year it lifted Saturday and because today is a holiday then the refund canāt release until the next day which is why I believe the 2/17 processing is still in place as the refund has processed just canāt be released until tomorrow.
Pixie dust!! š§š§š§
Good luck to everyone!
@Tan: I used to have regions years ago. They always deposited on the day of the refund. I’ve never gotten it any sooner.
@FaithyinJersey: yes, you have to process again for the 846 to be placed.Good luck
I got a text message from HnR block Saturday and it said to check my status. Only thing different was next to federal refund pending I had a yellow circle with an exclamation point in it. My wmr still has tt 152 and on one bar. I called HnR block earlier ask talked to the guy that filed my taxes and he looked into in and called me back and told me that it means refund pending and to expect it in the next couple days. I was path act and I filed and got accepted 1/24
@WorriedTX: since today is the holiday and IRS isnāt open, all dailies wonāt process until tomorrowā¦.and then will begin updating on transcripts late tomorrow night into Wednesday morning.
@Honeybee82: Thought it was tonight that the transcripts update.
@Beautiful blessings: 05ās can be daily as well, theyāre not all weekly. So keep an eye on your transcripts tomorrow night into Wednesday morning. If you donāt update with your 846 then, it will be Friday š
Good day all! We are in the “closing” week! hoping for everyone’s beautiful 846 sometime this week! I know we could all use the coins. Whether it be for bills, trips, wardrobes, savings, cars…we ALL have some sort of priority we will use this money for! Blessings to you all! Happy Updating! :-)
@2442blu: yes this is really the only question left.
@Justamom32: nope
If we have all good codes does that mean we are done a waiting on the 846 or can you still update to bad codes ?
I believe that processing resume
02/18/25 at 3:00am Eastern Time
@Beautiful blessings: if your a 05 daily you will process along with all dailies tomorrow and update on transcripts Wednesday. if your a 05 weekly you will process Thursday and update on transcripts on Friday… Good luck