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.
@Taxcrazzyy: No problem 👍
@Jmichigan.: thank you :)
@Sheila_33: ok thank you
I’m also in step 4!! Accepted 1/23 step 4 on 2/2. Here’s hoping it’s in my account soon 🤞🏼🤞🏼 Good luck to everyone I know we all need these refunds.
@Taxcrazzyy: Yes, it’s got to cycle thru to place the refund code. Early cards may see deposits the 17th but most will see deposits the next week.
@Taxcrazzyy: Yessir, we have to wait until after the 15th to update because of the PATH….I’m guessing we will get it between the 17th and the 22nd depending on our banks?
Well, Just woke up to the PATH message on WMR! Man that was fast this year! Filed 1/28 Accepted 1/29 and could see the 766 and 768 codes Thursday night and WMR updated this morning 😁😁
@Amy19: Yes I am a PATHer. I will keep checking my transcripts for updates. Thank you so much. I am so glad I found this site last year, I always feel better after talking with you all!
@Sheila_33: Hii do we have to wait 2 weeks to cycle through for a DDD..I got the path msg today and all good codes on transcript
@Katherine: You are moving along nicely through your 2022 return. 05 to 01 indicates you are daily not weekly, you can update any day, congrats on that. Good codes. Are you a PATHer, if so keep your eye out for your 846, PATH lifts 2/15. As of date is a reminder to the system to get you processed or to get more info. It can push out longer if needed. WMR usually lags behind on updates. It is best to watch your transcript.
@Sheila_33: Ok thank you so much. So it seems everything looks ok on my return/refund so far then. Is it normal to change from a weekly to a daily?
@Uproar: That was “click” not lick. oops.
@Amy19: :)
@Katherine: The date of 2/27 is the date the system wants to have you finished. You’ve changed to a daily and processed yesterday 01, first day of the IRS tax week. The 766 768 are your credit codes. 806 is withholdings from your w2. You’re the first one I’ve seen this year with the 01 which gives me hope they’re starting to move these returns.
@Uproar: Once on transcripts page, bottom left, account transcript. Does it have 2022? If so lick to open. If it is filled out, look for the as of date, see if there are codes, dates. If you are a PATHer you will not see the 846 yet. Are you daily or weekly with transcripts?
@Amy19: thank you!