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.
😂a whole month
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@Amy19 hopefully this coming week I see a change. I will keep you posted
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@Waitingonmines2: Darn! I was hoping something else changed. I am glad last week your as of date pushed out and did not snap back. Hopefully this week something else changes.
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@Amy19 No nothing yet as of date still the same. My 180 days up Sep. 27
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@Waitingonmines2: Any change on your as of date? New codes?
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@Jennyc: Awesome news! Congrats! Hopefully this next tax season is a breeze for everyone!
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After 9 months I had already given up two months ago, looking at my transcripts and today I finally received my refund!! Just in time to pay all of my bills just in time to go school shopping for the kids and for my move that I’m making God is good
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at this point, I consider it gone…. NOw it will be my turn to delay them if anything is needed
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Truly think it is lost and they will not admit it due to it shows received. Tried calling but all they tell me is “no update”
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Filed paper March 4th, still waiting as of Sept 4th. No updates. Nothing.
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Still waiting on a check that was originally sent on 8/1 (I think or 2nd) and they made me wait nearly 3 weeks before they would reissue (IRS) AND then finally file the form that they need for you to get a new check sent and get told by your advocate that it could take 30 to 45 days!!! I’m sooo irritated I feel like I’ll never get it at this point.
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@Sheila_33: Good morning! I hope you are doing good.
Finally a few people waiting since January received their refunds. More still waiting! It is horrible to be in limbo so long.
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@Amy19: Morning Amy!
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@Amy19 Thanks got my fingers crossed only check it on Fridays tho.
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@woem Thanks for the motivation! No lie from winding out about this website. I’ve been able to cope with it better.Seeing I’m not the only one experiencing this
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@Waitingonmines2: Hopefully your new pushed out date is a sign of positive movement. The new date shows they are trying to resolve something by that date. Keep watching and see if any new codes show up.
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@GarbageTank: Do you have a PATH account set up? https://www.revenue.pa.gov/OnlineServices/mypath/Pages/default.aspx
Have you tried your local PA tax department?
Hope one of these help.
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It has been almost 23 weeks since the PA Dept of Rev has accepted my tax return and I still have not received my refund. I spoke to a representative around week 16, and the representative told me there were no issues with my return and I just needed to wait.
Does anyone know a number or point of contact to get further details on my return?
Thank you.
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