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.
Ugh…. I can’t get in to check my transcripts….😒
@FaithinJersey: How many tries did it take you? Lol
@Lala: I used to be a weekly (05) since…forever. My transcript always updated early Friday morning and wmr on Saturday. This year my cycle code changed to 02 and my script just updated. Don’t know why it changed this year but I ain’t complaining 😎
Cycle code- 02
Got my 846
DDD 2/24
Any 20250604 got an update? Can’t get in
Finally got in lol. 846 issued. DdD of 2/24!!
I FINALLY got in and I got the 846 for 2/24. My cycle code is 20250801 andI filed on 2/6. Congrats everyone!
They giving people 10 mins to check transcripts 😆 😂 the site to down
No update yet here
@Yourfavgirl: I wish I could check mine! Lol so many ppl are trying to check it that the site keeps crashing 😅 Oh well I’ll try in the morning
@Jersey girl: me too this is exciting my fingers are crossed. I didn’t want to wait untill the end of next week for a deposit
@pinkie you are under review
@Pinkie: that means that they are looking at your return. They should send you a letter outlining what they need or how long they will need for the review. You can get a tax advocate to help the process along, it’s a free service.
@Lala: definitely way more I’m trying to see if I have the magical 846🤣
@Rellyohboy: do you usually update like a weekly or only Friday transcripts and Saturday approvals asking for myself cause I’m still waiting to see my transcripts the site is slow
Is it just me or there are more 05s updating this year like weeklies then any other year. Usually when I check here and FB it’s just random but man there are post with hundreds of comments of 05s updating
I got a letter stating I’m under review, what does that mean?
CONGRATS TO THE 846ers!!! Was able to check my script. No 846 yet! Night is still young so it can still happen! Fingers are crossed and good luck to everyone!!!!
@Tia: can you post if you do get it? I have the same cycle code as you & I’ve checked 2 times & no 846
Congratulations to all and to others don’t be discouraged it is coming!
Good evening folks. This is my first post after lurking the site for a few years. I just got that beautiful 846 with DDD OF 02/24! The wait is over 🥹
I give up. I’ll check in the morning.
Finally got in. 846 DDD 2/24 will update again when chime releases my funds
Vee2021 here I can’t log in, To much traffic at IRS website to see transcripts and to much traffic in here 😂 let’s hope things start moving quicker!!!! 💰
no update for me,,,still waiting for 846,,,cycle code ends in 05
Now…how long does Republic Bank take to transfer funds once they take filing fees out? Never used them with TaxAct before.