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 will begin accepting tax returns in 2025 on January 27th.
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.
Filed 15 mins ago via Free Tax USA, EIC, ACTC, and was just accepted. I know about the PATH act, when will we start to see any movement on the transcript?
@Mbry0625: Absolutely!!!
Maybe later or tomorrow.
I will keep you informed of any progress 😂
@KYMama: Oftentimes it shows on that same screen. If not:
Sign in to TurboTax and open your return by selecting Continue or Pick up where you left off
In the left menu, select Tax Tools and then Tools
In the pop-up window Tool Center, choose Delete a form
Select Delete next to the form, schedule, and worksheet in the list and follow the instructions
@MSRazorbackPhD: where do I find those at?? I’ve tried looking and I can’t seem to figure it out which forms is what lol
@NinaRoss: Yeah looking like TT again isn’t first pick lol. A lot of free tax usa I see
@MSRazorbackPhD: Yes, all is well. glad to not be walking PATH lol
@Mbry0625: still waiting patiently!!! Filed with TT on January 6
@KYMama: Certain forms aren’t available. Look and see if certain forms have been attached to your account. Happened to me!
@Sheila_33: I use free tax and I was accepted today just letting y’all know
Has anyone had this happen? Tried filing with turbo tax and it’s says
“The option to pay for TurboTax fees using your federal refund isn’t available at this time. To use this option, please return to TurboTax once your federal forms have been finalized”.
What does this mean?
@Mbry0625: I don’t blame ya! Hope all is well?
@MSRazorbackPhD: ahhh I know. I hate using them but they gave option to waive ACTC for $211 I didn’t want to get held up lol.
@Sheila_33: ahh good. I went with them this year. I was only getting 211$ for actc and it give the option to waive it. Please keep it lol
Hi again all!! Happy 2023 TAXmas!
Filed TT 1/12. Not accepted yet in test batches going around. Fees taken out of return, walking path regardless.
Here’s to hoping it’s a smooth season!
@Mbry0625: A few the other days, but none I’ve seen today. We know how TT works :/!
@Mbry0625: Yes definitely. One Tuesday evening and a few yesterday. Haven’t been keeping up today.
@Sheila_33: Hey hey! Any people with TT accepted yet?
anyone with TT get accepted yet?
@Walter DOG: Happy to see you back sir! Hoping for a smooth tax season for everyone.
@OU812: No, I filed 1/17 not accepted.