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 began accepting tax returns this year on January 29, 2024.
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 official tax refund cycle chart published by the IRS has been eliminated and replaced with IRS FAQ. Refund cycle charts are now published by independent websites and vary slightly.
A good reference to use is the When To Expect My Refund cycle chart that is published early each year by the College Investor.
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.
NOTHING AGAIN
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@TisTheSeasonOfTorture: Yep
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@Gi: The cycle number is the date you posted to the master file, year 2024, week 14, and 05 day which means you’ll most likely see any changes on Friday transcripts if you’re a weekly processor. The 766 is a tax credit, possibly actc, education credit, etc.
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@Finally: me to! Do u have to go tru sbTpg
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@Gi: good void and you are a weekly
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@Not in a rush-but kinda: ADP by chance?
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@Lilla_Dilla: id give it a week if they said they’re processing If they don’t need anything else from you. When state is processing, it goes pretty quick.
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@TisTheSeasonOfTorture: Here’s the thing, my employer used a company who apparently screwed up royally. They are in the process of trying to rectify, because there are hundreds of employees affected, but it is at a snails pace.
I figure it can’t hurt to fax over whatever I’ve got.
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I went through the verification process and everything went through but when I was told to hold on so they could finish up while on hold the phone hung up. Will I have to do it over even though it t was completed?
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After being asked if I verified my return the call dropped. I went straight to google and Reddit to see what I could find out. Followed a link, logged into my account and the option to verify isn’t there. I am so confused.
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@Not in a rush-but kinda: you’re better off to get an appointment at your local office. Physically had them the documents so they can’t play like they haven’t received them in a couple months.
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Anyone got a fax number for records to be sent?
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Today is probably the worst day to call the IRS since it’s tax day. Calls will drop when the voip system is overloaded. It’s not just them. All government offices use voip systems and they are unstable when beyond extremely busy.
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NOW I’m being asked if I verified my return. WTF are they doing?!? All the calls keep getting dropped as well after waiting an hour to speak to someone. I just want my money
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I know this feed is generally for Federal Refunds, however, I’m hoping someone could help me with a PA State Refund question. My return was accepted 01/26 by the state and I have been checking the path refund tracker. At first it said it would take 12-16 weeks for processing. A couple weeks ago it changed to 8-12 weeks. We’re on week 12 now, so I called to see if there were any hiccups or anything further they needed from me. I was told that they started to process my refund but they’re not complete yet. Does anyone have an idea of how long it should take to issue a refund (so long as there aren’t any variables) after it starts processing? Reallyy hoping to get a deposit this week to help with some unforeseen car troubles.
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@TisTheSeasonOfTorture: just cp05 from 3/18 this letter not online just says you need to do nothing we need 60 more dayshas no number to the letter
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The IRS is strictly in the business of pissing people off. I called this morning, like I do every Monday since February. Was told this morning that they have NOT received the documents I sent in February for wage verification AFTER I was told last month they had in fact received them and AFTER I was told a couple weeks ago that the agent didn’t have the capability to see the documents. This morning when she told me that and then stated the process starts all over again, I lost it. Then I was hung up on. This is unf^ck!ng believable at this point. Idk what else to do at this point, I don’t know what to believe and I don’t know who to go to for help.
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@Harry a: I’m assume you didn’t have any notices on your online account? What letter did you receive?
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just got my mail letter was we need an additional 60 days what a bunch of bs like 75 days wasn’t enough
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@Starr: I know finally! But I still had to amend so I’m hoping I magically update and get it before they start processing the amend 😭
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good morning I have a cycle number 20241405 with a 152 code and 766 what does this mean?
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so why no notice on transcript?
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no notices on transcript but i see i have letter in mail today from kansas irs
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@Harry a: I am right here with you… and good morning!
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day 75 with nothing processing date 3/11 this sucks
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@Gin: 4-22-24
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@Gin: keep watching it mines did the exact same thing I checked Friday & Sat no update, all of a sudden this evening I have an 846 for 4-22-44, the IRS so weird this year
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@Gin: I amended
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Filed on 2/13 verified id on 3/4 then I get a 570and 971 sick of it my as of date is 4/15. Anyone else even if I have to amend it. I don’t have the money
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@Red Dawn: that means you are put back in to processing!!! Fingers crossed for you for next week
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@Harry a: day 72 for my boyfriend. No codes. No noticed. No nothing. IRS keeps telling him it will be April 15th or else he will get a letter. No eic or anything. Just the solar panel credit. Wish someone could advise on what he can do. He really needs it to help with his dad’s medical bills.
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