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.
I filed and accepted 2/3/25. Had the 1st bar in WMR. Updated to 846 on transcripts yesterday morning with a DDD of 2/20/25z Woke up to 2nd bar on WMR this morning and my DD was in my Wells Fargo account.
Happy Saturday y’all! I posted the other day about having nada in regards to transcripts. I filed January 30 accepted same day, 1 dependent and not on path. kept checking for transcripts starting last Friday, February 7. Well I was real discouraged yesterday when again nada yesterday morning after the big update for weeklies. Well my gut instinct told me to have my hubby make an IRS account ( I only had one for years, and all of our returns were there) and boom he had the return, account etc etc all transcripts with code 846 DDD Feb 20! Crazy though he only had that one and I didn’t get it. Either way we are happy to have the good code and ddd! Hope y’all are having a great day and pathers hang tight, it’s coming!!
What are these “positive codes” y’all mention? Also what does cycle 20250604 mean?
@Single and living: yea also wondering same?
@Sheila la: oops I mean HR block
Question if he block approved my refund anticipation loan , I got a portion of my refund the day I filed … is that a good sign that my refund should be approved without issues ?? And within the estimated time frame ?
@blessedmama6: Yes ma’am, the amount goes away.
@Lisa in Atlanta: when path mesg shows up is it normal for refund amount to go away?
@6 years in this blog: When the path mesg shows up does your refund amount go away?
@singlemomto4: I had the same thing….my as of date was 2/17 and changed to 3/10 this morning. I still have all good codes, so it’s just because Path officially lifted today…so our as of dates got pushed out like they’re supposed to. My WMR has the Path Message, but it doesn’t always update to that for everyone. As long as you still have your good codes, I think you’ll update with your 846 this Friday 😊
Ok I’m confused. I had 2/17 as of date and it changed to 3/10. Transcript shows 20250705. My refund amount was there on checking my refund status and now it isn’t. Transcript shows all good codes. Can anyone explain? Anyone?
@Jenny04: I think dailies with 846s will see deposit dates of 2/24 on Wednesday. I think weeklies will see 846s with deposit dates of the 26th. If you have an no hold bank, you’ll see your refund sooner. As far as those with no 2024 transcripts like my daughter and others, I am hoping they fill out this coming week and update with others with filled transcripts. I can’t give you any definites, I’m just hoping that’s how it goes. If not, then she’ll be looking at the week after.
@Tamika J.: heeey there! I filed 1/24, accepted 1/27. I didn’t see any updates on my transcripts until a few days ago. My as of date was originally 2/17, it got switched to 3/3, then went back to 2/17, all in the same day. Earlier that same morning I went back & checked my transcripts & they had filled in with all good codes. I’m just waiting for that money code. I know exactly how you feel but don’t worry….you’ll update!
@Bellee: Stupid question the format that is showing your status prepare, accepted dates, cycle, as of date etc…. Where do I find that when I’m looking at my irs portal/account?
@MOE: 😂 I’m just messing with you man. I was Just trying to lighten the mood because the thread has been crazy the last few days. Everyone on edge.
We are all waiting on that wonderful 846 to post.
@Sheila_33: So you don’t think of a DD next week at all?
@Sheila_33: Do you know when next week at all by chance?
@MOE: you made me laugh, I needed that. 😂😂😭
I can’t stop laughing at the guy who’s screaming 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣
@shelleybeanss: I did know that I just use it sorry will not anymore.
Hello everyone what’s new??
Is there a way to check cross river bank?
@MOE: they know about it. They just can’t give you any information about it. If you don’t get your refund “up to 5 days early”, you will get that $25 refunded. Also, yes all caps has always meant yelling. It’s very aggressive
@?: Yes u are right sorry
@Tamika J.: you may see some movement Tuesday. Being a weekend and Monday is a holiday next working day for IRS is Tuesday
I was accepted on 1/27 transcript showing no return filed for 2024 and wmr showing still processing message. I’m in dire need of my refund. I need another car to get my kids to school any thoughts on if I will update this weekend. Help!