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.
I remembered my account info! Anyways, I couldnt wait and called them today. I played stupid and was just checking my status and she said I won my audit 100%. Just waiting on funds to be released and all that. Only took 8 months this year! Cheers, see ya soon
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@Stever44: she did have me send “please abate my penalty” along with my social. Maybe that was my agreeing to whatever they did. Well see, I’ll post what happens next
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Been awhile. I’m audited most years for the EITC and CTC/ACTC, including 2023. I got my 90 day letter saying I owed 3 grand and I called the exam department yesterday. I talked to a really sweet, OG lady and she had me use irs.gov/sendmyreply so she could take over my case. She said they have a ton of new people right now who basically don’t see gray area. She said she could support my ACTC based off my documentation and said she would look at the other credits. This morning my Audit shows closed on the account page. Do you think I’m getting the entire amount? I didn’t officially sign off on an agreement yet so I’m wondering if it would show closed if I was only getting a partial refund.
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Good Morning.
I just feel so discouraged. Filed 2/12 accepted 2/12.. LONG PROCESS was approved and a check sent on 8/2 never recieved said check… Tax advocate said I have to wait three weeks before trying to reissue a check… on 8/26 filed the paper work and the IRS got the paper 3 days later. Check traced and canceled. On 9/20. Tax advocate said that they already recieved the money back into the account (IRS’ account) and now just waiting on them to cut the check… starting the 3rd week of waiting on them to JUST cut the check everything else is done….I just don’t understand. 😞
Thank you for listening.. I’m so stressed. And feel like I’m never gonna get it at this point.
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Finally good news!!!! Got my 846 code with a DD of 10/2!!! I’m so excited.. been waiting 10 months for this so if you’re still waiting there is hope. Thank you guys because you have all kept me sane throughout this process and I’m wishing all that’s waiting 846 codes this week with interest! Until next year hopefully not as bad! Good luck guys
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@Motherlove If we knew the codes and dates we might be able to give better advice.
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My transcript update this morning but no 846 got alot codes but no 846 code …could it still be updating I amend my return it shows where they adjusted it any help be appreciated
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@Stressed101: Nope I’m still waiting as well. As of date just changed from 4/15 to 10/08 so hopefully that means there is movement.
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@Stressed101: No, I’m still waiting also. I filed on 1/22/24. Was accepted on 1/23/24. IRS didn’t open up til 1/29/24. So I thought because I filed early I would get my refund early. Wishful thinking 🤔. I’ve received 3 letters stating I have to wait an additional 60 days which turned into 90 days each smh.. 🤦🏻♀️ My as of date went from 2/26, to 8/26 and now 9/16. Still on the first bar with no movement. This is awful 😖
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@Mary: thank you me too!! ❤️
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@Stressed101: No I’m still waiting… amend my return 08/24 hope to see update this Friday.. got tax advocate and congressman involved still taken me this long filed and accepted Jan….so hope you up date to
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Am I the only one still waiting on their refund??
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@Eddleman23 It shouldnt be much longer and should update to sent on your transcripts maybe this coming Friday. Got my fingers crossed for you.
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