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.
not sure if anyone asked or answered this but..what bank does Turbo use? i opt in the 5 day early refund
@MOE: If you did the 5 day early refund thing, it goes through cross river bank, not sbtpg
@Sheila_33: You think anymore updates today or tomorrow, or would they be tuesday thru friday next week?? I’m a 05 so I’m weekly
@Sheila_33: You think? I’m at a lost and was hoping for it for next week cause I really need it but looks like wont be till march, idk anymore girl. I’m so lost when it comes to irs and this stupid path crap….
@MOE: why are you yelling?? 😂
Can someone please answer my question.
@Stephennotsignedin: I DID WHY
@shelleybeanss: yes on path
@Monee: any updates for you sorry if u answered Ive been trying to keep my self busy with things around the yard and house and kids sports and my wife’s grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s been a busy 2 weeks for me how’s things going
@MOE: if u opted for the 5 day early u want see ur info on sbtpg website
HAS ANYONE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH SSBT NOT SHOWING ACCOUNT
@Average Joe: are you on the path?
@Malia: the 4464c means they’re verifying your return for accuracy. A person will look at it rather than a computer
@Ahmed: what codes are on your transcripts?
My transcripts are blank.
As of date 2/17/25
Accepted on Jan 27th
Is this normal?
@Bellee: Hey my friend how are you and them kids happy to see you again
YES!! Updated to the PATH message this morning. Hopefully there will be a DDD soon.
Your tax return is still being processed. A refund date will be provided when available.
What does this mean? Thank you.
@Jenny04: Ma’am, my daughter still doesn’t have 2024 transcripts. It will be ok. We just gotta a few more days for some updates.
@Monee: if you don’t mind me asking what info did they ask you to verify? I am going through the same thing with no letters or record of letters sent.
@Jaina: my path message popped up today as well .
@Bellee: I wondered where you were kiddo. 🙂
@Bellee: Aww I love that 😂 I’m a total chicken so I couldn’t feed them the bugs they’d need😭 🤦🏻♀️
@Jenny04: way to stay positive!