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 โqueueโ 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.
@Sheila_33: update I just checked prior years and they are all the same shortened name and address so nvm on that lol!
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@Sheila_33: ya I have an 05 I always thought I was weekly thatโs how it seemed to go
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@Sheila_33: That is helpful for me also. If all my past years ended in 05 how do I know if Im weekly or Daily? What is the significance? Thank you.
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One bar TT152. But My transcript now has only an as of Feb 12th date the rest is blank. 2023 is listed in the bottom two transcripts only at this time. Was not there yesterday. Im a 5 what does all of this mean? I forget year after year and find myself in different situations. Why was I accepted into a test batch if i have to wait for PATH? Paid fees out of pocket and DD onto a walmart card. Did not apply for advance. TT filer.
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@DrBlute: Nothing wrong with checking everyday. Being a daily can be misleading though. You still only cycle thru once a week, but it can be any day.
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@Walterdog: I highly doubt it but you’ll find out for sure when that transcript updates.
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@Sheila_33: Good morning Sheila my second return was rejected like you said hope all goes well I was just worried I just kept my return same as last year as far as my dependents and realized later my oldest made over 4700 but she not filing and with her not on my return nothing changes so I hope all is well now Iโm wondering if because I had my other return rejected if that will cause id verify donโt know as for now one bar
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@DrBlute: If your name and address doesn’t appear next cycle, then it may be another issue.
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@Sheila_33: gotcha so should I be checking daily ?
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@DrBlute: Mine is similar and I went thru the same last year. The transcript didn’t finish populating and we’ll have to wait until the next cycle to finish. We got resequenced and have to get back in line basically.
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@Sheila_33: yes but the form itsnt even fully typed in like my name and address
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@Devon: Last year I filed early too and was resequenced (I think) at least once, possibly twice. My transcripts were strange. They very slowly updated over a 2 week period but never fully updated until after I received my refund. Last year tax day opening was on 01/24. I had Federal accepted on 01/19 and receive refund on 02/08.
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@DrBlute: Is there an “as of” date of Feb. 12th?
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Quick question what does it mean when the account transcript shows but isnโt filled 100% and everything else is n/a
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No updates for me, I was accepted 1/16 with a simple return, no PATH. I’m a weekly, so I’ll hopefully see a transcript next week.
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@MoCarr2118: Same here! Praying for an update for all of us soon!
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