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.
@Deano: Probably won’t be able until after the official opening date of 1/29
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Question for all is anybody know how to get a hold of ID me on the IRS login by phone? Thank you in advance
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@shelleybeanss: Hey Congrats on getting accepted I had a feeling that you would today or tomorrow
🙂
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@Joe Shmoe: Wait Social Security has updated your wages? Mine were missing for 2023 last I checked two days ago lol
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Filed with Turbotax. EITC, CTC, self employed. filed 01/20/2024 was accepted today 01/24/2024. went with the credit karma advance this year, Got the advance minutes after being accepted!!
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I managed to get ahold of the letter the IRS sent to my old address after some calls and a trip across town. It was literally a letter saying “thanks for using IRS online” so annoying
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@Sheila_33: yes ma’am! I couldn’t be more grateful for it happening. It’s been rough out here. 2023 wasn’t gentle to most ppl. Thankful for any glimmer of light
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@Joe Shmore: I’m hoping to see some good updates on transcripts this Friday.
moderated
@N: You can definitely request a supervisor. Sometimes they can even expedite after it’s been pending so long.
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SSA site shows my with holding now. I was accepted on 1/19 but no movement from IRS- Transcript’s show n/a.
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@shelleybeanss: Looks like the fingers and toes being crossed worked! :)
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@Jacky: Hey how ya doing? Beautiful day today isn’t it?
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