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.
@2020 was a long year: So 27th when you were accepted until Feb 2 or 3 that’s exactly the same amount of time mine was when I got the same message and I got that message last Friday just like you so thinking it’s a delay message
@Clos: did a code like 922 or something pop up on transcript for the year you forgot extra 1099
@2020 was a long year: for me. 1 year meant wmr was updating to approved other years it meant under review cause my job wasn’t reporting my wages
@DebbieQ67: There are a number of us that are showing the exact same thing. Since you don’t know if you are in the daily or weekly cycle, I would just keep checking the transcripts on Tuesdays and Fridays and the WMR on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
@DebbieQ67: There are a number of us that are showing the exact same thing. The return is still in the processing stage. Since you don’t know if you are in the daily or weekly cycle, I would just keep checking the transcripts on Tuesdays and Fridays and the WMR on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
@Red Dawn: Your return has tax credits held by the path act.
https://igotmyrefund.com/why-do-i-have-the-path-message-on-irs-wheres-my-refund/
@Tia: That is dedication! How funny!
@Tia: lol nall she said we got our refund ma
I remember cause I was in labor. Stopped right in the middle and said “I got my refund!!”. Then she was born four minutes later.
Last year I was at 1 bar and still being processed until two days after I got my refund on Feb 17th.
Hellos my favorite tax group!! Decided to skip the madness and file later. How is the IRS treating people this year?
I just updated to the Path Act message. What does that mean?
@Shay37: Thank you
@Clos: ‘after waiting’ how long? was ur refund delayed very long afterv path lifted? This was last year u forgot a 1099,not this year?
Hey there quick question, if anyone knows!
For home business expenses, on the indirect expenses do you add up the whole year of rent and utilities and put that down or do you just put what the monthly expenses are?
TIA :)
The computer will make minor adjustments for you if you forgot a 1099 or w-2. After waiting my refund was adjusted by $500 due to a missing 1099 last year. I am weekly so when I get processed usually the next wed I will have my money. Feb 22nd will be the first day for Path.
@Walter DOG: I filed on the 24th and accepted on the 27th. The message changed on the 2nd or 3rd.