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.
@Fabfammamma: but my federal taxes are not affected by the state offset inhad 581 taken from my VA STATE TAXES which was my whole amount ; but I don’t have a federal offset I’ve called the line and I don’t see any offset codes in my irs transcript ;
https://igotmyrefund.com/irs-transaction-codes-and-error-codes/
@VA757pather: Thank you!
@Fabfammamma: no the offset will not show until after you return is processed. Depending on what type of debt it is you may be able to call the offset line.
@Fabfammamma: There is a link on this site that explains every code ; the link may be right above this thread if you are on a mobile device the link says “TRANSCRIPT CODES”, I think I was right though but check that link out it will explain all of them
@Fabfammamma: 150 -tax filed
806 – withholdings
Returned to
U
766- I think is EIC
GOOD CODES
You are just awaiting 846
@Suzyq85$: soon on friday
Can someone help explain my codes
Please and thank you
150
806
766
@Fabfammamma: I mines didn’t I had an offset from a city in VIRGINIA ; it didn’t show up on the irs offset line or on transcripts I’m assuming it was because it was a minor state debt
Good morning
If I had a state offset, would it show on my transcripts
Here is a reminder that if you are a secondary filer on a return (not listed first), your transcript may look different than the primary on the return.
@harrya: Normal. Have not processed yet.
Hi all, fellow lurker here. I filed January 27th. PATH, Cycle code is 05, so I’m a weekly I guess, and my transcripts are not showing the 845 code, as of date is march 3rd, processing date of feb 24th, can anyone decipher this for me to know when I may expect an update with the 846 code? Ty!
Hi all, fellow lurker here. I filed January 27th. PATH, Cycle code is 05, so I’m a weekly I guess, and my transcripts are not showing the 845 code, as of date is march 3rd, processing date of feb 24th, can anyone decipher this for me to know when I may expect an update with the 846 code? Ty!
@Sheila_33: thank you!
@Vee2021: The 18th is when you looked at your transcripts…today. The as of date right now isn’t useful because of the path freeze and nothing will change until you process again.
@confused 2025: it’s just a basic letter for your records if you need to verify with anyone that your taxes haven’t been processed; it’s normal for everyone that hasn’t been sent thru the processing yet; your taxes can be accepted and say this message until you have been processed
@Benita: that can be daily or weekly 05 is either !!!
@Benita: 05s can be daily or weekly. Check those transcripts in the morning. You might be lucky enough to be an 05 daily. :)
As expected I haven’t processed yet still. 🤞🏻for an update sometime this week.
What does “Verification of Non-Filing Letter” mean? Ty!
@Benita: https://igotmyrefund.com/irs-cycle-code/
@Sheila_33: Can you tell by the cycle code whether you’re weekly or daily ? My cycle code is 20250705.
still no changes, no update wage tran still no record
Does as of date 2/17/25 and
Request date 2/18/25 and
Respond date 2/18/25
Mean anything ?
@FreezingInOHIO: southern97 same for me in 2020 Ive been an 05 since then as well and I updated that Wednesday to ddd 2/26 for that year as well