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.
Ok, so my next question is. I’m one of the people who paid to get my money 5 days early. Anyone else?
All transcripts have been bouncing back and forth with as of date 03/03/2025. I got all My other codes last week 150, 806, 766, 768. Pretty sure I’m just waiting on the elusive 846 at this point. At least I’m hoping that’s what’s nex
Did anyone that had to ID verify last week update last night?
I verified last Thursday the 13th around 3pm EST. Can someone provide any insight?. The only thing I see is the date on the notice of non-filing changed from the 14th to 19th.
Help @honeybee82 @Sheila_33
Good morning everyone, looks like I’m a dedicated weekly 😩 i hope we see that 846 start dropping tomorrow night like the dailies… the amount of 05 dailies was exciting to see…Congratulations to everyone that updated to that magical 846
@ErisedMai: Does it mean it’s a bad thing because I am a pather and that doesn’t seem like it lifted as my cycle code is 0505
Pather. I received my 646 with DD 2/24. Good luck everyone
@Tan: Most likely Friday deposit dates will be 2/26.
@Help1984nc: Sometimes those 570 can be resolved internally just by the Irs reconciling with SSA. It’s possible it could update to a 571 but if not you may be waiting on a delay letter or a letter asking for more information.
When do we think deposits will start hitting with Chime?
@Help1984nc: It is a hold. It could be a review, wage review, adjustment, etc.
@Relief2020: 2/3 weekly
@Pinkie: You wait for them to complete the review or you get a letter.
@MOE: when did you file and are you a weekly
First time poster I was able to look at my transcript I have 570 code with 2/24/2025 beside it what does that mean please help I’m freaking out
Got a letter under review but still no codes my as of date changed back to 02/24…. what’s next?
If we’re waiting to update Friday, is it still possible to get 2/24 DDD?
Still no changes, processing date at 2/24 no ddd
@Janise: You have good codes. You should update Friday morning.
@batgirlpa:https://igotmyrefund.com/talk-to-human-at-irs/
@Tia: you’re probably a weekly.
@batgirlpa: 1-800-829-1040. When the automated voice asks what you need say “account error”.
Morning, I updated to 846 2/24 ddc. What happens next? Fist time filing, i signed up with tt for 5days early and i do have credit union that pays me 2 days before my pay date
No update for me and it’s past the 21 days. What’s the best # to call the IRS?
Accepted 1/27
WMR 1 bar for over 2 weeks. Tax topic 152 gone. Says ‘return is being processed…’
Cycle code 20250605
Transcript codes only 150 and 806 for over 2 weeks now. Processing date 2/24 . As of date 3/10
Welp no update yet here. I only seem to update on Fridays.