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.
@Ricco624: I hope you meant 2/24, because 8/24 would be a really long wait! 😉
05 weekly been on path message since 1/24 as of dates were 3/3 on all my transcripts just checked and transcripts have changed dates as of is now 2/17 again and the other ones are normal.
@Jocelynn: I just submitted form 911 for TAS. I’ll die of old age waiting on them. Especially since there is no code 971 for a notice
@SilentLurker: I also missed the part that you’re on the east coast so my tomorrow right now is your today.. I’m on the west coast! 🤣
@Toni: I went back through the contract for the 5 day early with TT. It’s Cross River Bank they are using for that. If not the 5 day early they use SBTPG.
@SilentLurker: of course. 😊 one nice thing about having a no hold bank/card. Only thing that could possibly delay it is if you had fees taken out of your return. Then the processing time is a little slower and could take 1-2 days to hit your account.
Finally got my transcript, 846 for 8/24
well just checked my transcripts again and now they all went back to 2024 year but still don’t have 2024 transcripts. 2020 to 2023 was all with a as of date 3/10/25 and now all have a 2024 date. what is happening???
@Jocelynn: Thanks!
@SilentLurker: most likely sometime tomorrow, they release the funds as soon as they get notification of the deposit.
@StarringL: @StarringL: @StarringL: congratulations
Been tuned in since 2018! Haven’t posted here in awhile, but happy to see so many familiar users :)
Let’s see if I still remember how to do this…
Filed with TT + refund advance 1/9
Accepted 1/21
Cycle is 0505
Just got 846 code tonight!
WMR still has PATH message
Have a great ‘25, see you in ‘26
With love from New York City <3
@Stacey: I want to say yes so bad..but idk if they count the weekends lol..cause Monday is the 2/24
Hello everyone! Just checked my transcript and I finally got 846 and DDD 2-24🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
I tend to lurk behind the scenes each year, but want to give an update and ask a question.
Pather
20240504
Took about 20 tries over a period of 2 hrs, and about 5 mins to circulate through all of the screens the final time to get to my transcripts. (Perserverence pays off 🤣). 846 ddd for 2/24. Am on the east coast.
Anyone with Spruce through H&R Block know when I can expect my DD? Sorry if it’s been answered already.
Also, keep trying! First tried yesterday around 10:30ish pm and didn’t have the 846 then.
@Toni: they use Sbtpg
If ddd is 2/24 and I had fees withheld and using chime for deposit, any idea when I will see it?
@singlemomto4: im going to guess later on in the night or day..i can’t know for sure because I’m not sure what bank turbo use for the fees..i did the same.. Chime..5 day early refund and had fees taken out of refund
This year is definitely different with weeklies…I usually get my 846 btw 3-6 am eastern time. Hopefully it will appear if not then I’m a true weekly and will see it early Friday morning.
It’s officially broken now. So no more checking tonight for anyone