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.
@Gators352: I remember when they tried the filing by phone. That was not successful 🤣
@Gators352: yes, I tried to explain it to my kids, they thought I was crazy!!!!
@Bri_843: yes that’s what I’m surprised about but if you don’t update I’m for sure you will update Friday morning around 2 or 3am.
Some of y’all aren’t weeklies anymore lol
@Elswick7376: I was last year and probably this year because of ID verify. I just want to go back to being daily!
Nope, beer is gone and still can’t get in….
@Txmomof3girls: keep checking I’m weekly 05 and mine just updated. 2-24
Remember guys when we or some of us had no ideal when refunds were coming we had to just wait until that brown envelope that came on a Monday from the treasury my my how time have changed
@LWBOSS: before this update, did you update on a Friday? I’m an 05 weekly too & just checked my transcripts but still no 846
@Txmomof3girls: I usually don’t update until the wee hours of the am. Activity starts on here and then usually 2-3 hours later I can check and see my updates! Keep the hope alive!!
@lori1985: I’m an 05 I updated today sometime, I been a weekly for years
@VaGal07: Same here. Got all excited for nothing 😂
@Jenny04: it means too many people trying to check theirs, it’s overwhelmed the system.
Updated with DDD 2-24
I finally got in and no change on my transcripts. All good codes, just no 846. I have be an 05 for years so wasn’t expecting an update until Friday but would’ve been nice. Congrats to all you 846’s! 🎉
Yayyyy 2/24 for me! Fingers crossed for the 5 days early release
@Txmomof3girls: I am an 05 weekly every year, I updated with the 846 and ddd 2-24 so keep checking
@Gators352: i have credit union get my works checks 2 days early and i paid tt for 5 days early
@Harris: wrong bout DD lol
846 2/24! I was right! I told y’all!
Transcripts not coming up. Saying unavailable now. So I can check mine rn
Grr.. looks like I’m an 05 weekly 🙄 I hate this.
@LWBOSS: 🙏🏻