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For all the people impatiently waiting on tax refunds.

A grapevine for taxpayers, by taxpayers.

Ask all of your tax refund questions.

The most frequently asked question we have is when will the IRS WMR update and what day are tax refund deposits. Use our calendar to find out what day you can expect to receive your tax refund.

Tax Refund Update Calendar
When does IRS accept tax returns in 2021?

The IRS will begin accepting tax returns on February 12, 2021.

When Can You File Taxes in 2021?

Most tax preparers will allow you to enter and submit your tax return beginning the first week of January 2021.  You don’t need to wait for the IRS to start accepting tax returns to start, but you must have the proper forms and paperwork. Some forms are not available until mid January and some even later.  When you submit your return before the IRS begins processing, it will sit in a “queue” and be held until the date that the IRS will officially accept tax returns.  If you e-file early and it sits in queue, your return may be sent to the IRS early in a test batch. This has resulted in early direct deposits in the past, but also major glitches because they are tests after all.

Where is the IRS Refund Cycle Chart?

2021 Refund Cycle Chart
The most recent tax refund cycle charts have already been published. The official IRS tax refund cycle chart has been eliminated and replaced with an IRS Information Guidelines for the Tax Preparation Community publication and the IRS says the best way to check the status of your refund is using the Where’s My Refund tool. However, various websites with refund calendars for the 2021 tax season (2020 tax year) have been updated with 2021 direct deposit and check mailing dates.

When to Expect My Refund?

IRS Refund Schedule Charts typically show that early filers whose returns are accepted before the end of January can anticipate a tax refund direct deposit as early as the first week of February.  The day that IRS deposits refunds varies but we notice trends that help you determine the time and days WMR updates and when your tax return is processed.  This is an explanation and FAQ about when the IRS updates WMR and Transcripts.

The refund calendar by the College Investor is a good reference which has been updated for 2021 here:  When To Expect My Tax Refund.

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What Others Are Saying

  1. CatO3440

    @momof4: our as of date changed from March 1st to May 10th yesterday. It has always been March 1st. Filed 2/12. Hoping we get a date soon. I think when it jumps forward they’re working on it.


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  2. Maria.p

    I Am In The Same Boat I Filled Early And Got My Taxes Early And Since March Iv Got You are eligible for the payment. Once we have your payment date, we will update this page.

    We will deposit your payment to the bank account below.
    April Is Almost Gone And No Change Nor Date Of Third Stimulus Payment I Did My Taxes With Tax Act I Got First And Second Stimulus What Is Going On Why Are We Dtill Waiting For Why Is Everyone That Has Got This Message Still Waiting On Dates This Is Just Not Right And Irs Have No Answer Ok So Who Can We Contact That At Least Can Give Us An Answer


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  3. Sg123

    I called the IRS yesterday. When I finally spoke with a representative they asked me a ton of identification questions which they’ve never done before. I’m wondering was this a verification? I’ve been in errors department for 8 weeks. No notice, no movement nothing! Tomorrow is 10 weeks!!!!


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