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.
@Amy19: Yes all good codes…thank you! I’m not sure why we switched to daily this year. We have always been weekly
@Katherine: Congrats on switching to daily! If your codes are all good, you are finished just waiting for the PATH to lift. Watch your account transcript for your 846.
@Amy19: Hey Amy do you know if I updated to PATH message on WMR, does that mean they are done processing my return and I will get a date as soon as path lifts or could things still change after path?
Good morning everyone! Just wanted to give an update in case anyone else has same filing/timing as me
I updated from a weekly to a daily this year. Filed 01/31. Accepted 02/01. Transcripts updated 02/04. As of date 02/27. WMR updated to PATH message this morning.
Since my wmr updated to path message does anyone know if that means they are finished processing my return and they are now just waiting on the path to lift?
@hellpppme: You could go to your local IRS office, have your proof of documents with you.
@hellpppme: You can report fraud activity with the Irs:
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/how-do-you-report-suspected-tax-fraud-activity
And this link can help you find the right department to call and report:
https://igotmyrefund.com/talk-to-human-at-irs/
@Confusedaunty: There may be a separate section of this website for specific state refunds that may be helpful to you. I know the one for my state isn’t super active but you may find some help there’
Hawaii. State refund has a release funds 2/3/2023 . But it’s hasn’t been deposited. The website says something about it could take 2 weeks to show on my account????
@Sheila_33: Yes Sheila but I got my refund on Tuesday the 31st but it was for February 3rd I have the go2 bank card I actually watched my transcripts change on that Monday the 30th into Tuesday the 31st.
@Stillwaitinginfairburnga: Hey. It did the same to me then the next week everything filled in and I got my refund on 31 January vice February 3rd I had the early card. So I guess this is the norm for now. So hopefully Monday into Tuesday you will update unless you are a weekly. I am a daily.
Good morning I’m sorry I was suppose to be commenting on SC state page.
Lol I understand. My daughter still hasn’t updated since 1/23
Not at all confirmed but it’s looking like a common turn around of approximately 8 days.
It’s officially the first stressful time of the year. Second being Christmas.
@noidea: h&r block is easy I get one every year
my husbands ex wife filed married filing jointly with his info too.. how can she do this?? And what can we do about it??
@Shay37: when did you file? I’ve been processing for awhile now
Where is the easiest place to get approved for refund advance?
Any particular disqualifiers or tips to get approved?
@Stillwaitinginfairburnga: mine is the same way. I’m thinking we will update fully this coming Friday, at least I hope! You’re not alone.
@HRBLOCKHEAD: Same thing happened to me. I got a 1099C after I filed also. So I am going to amend after I get my refund!