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.
@Sheila_33: You are such a gem. I would hand deliver any kind you want if I could…dd, Publix, Walmart, Krispy Kreme.🥰
@Kim: The 14 digit number used to ID verify is not located on the transcript. It will only be on the letter you will get in the mail.
@Mike I, All signs point to yes but you just never know until you see the 846. Hope you have a smooth update this week!
@Mickey M, They will manually review something on your return or your entire return. This is often done in a couple of weeks without anything needed on your end. They say 45-180 days if they need anything from you. Keep an eye out for your mail and consider contacting your (free) taxpayer advocate to help streamline the process should they need anything.
Morning, i filled 1/24 and accepted i have codes 150 806 766 768 path act message topic 152 . My question is am i fully done processed and waiting on ddd code 846 only
Good morning, Can someone tell me where on the transcript is the 14 numbers to ID verify. I don’t know where to look
im just reading, but i don’t understand. this is therapy?
@mickey m: they might be able to fix it without sending a letter. All accounts say no return received until it’s processed and updated. Yours will update after its reviewed, or they will request more information
@mickey m: My daughter has the same. No 2024 transcript and received a letter she’s in the errors department because of information not matching what they have, to what she has on her return.
@mickey m: it sounds like they need information to process your return. When you receive the letter, follow the instructions and then it should process.
Can someone help please I don’t understand how my it’s account says I haven’t filed a return but wmr says:We received your tax return and are reviewing it. If we need additional information, we’ll mail a notice with further instructions.
If you’ve already received a notice, please follow the instructions.
If we determine no additional information is needed, we’ll continue to process your refund. Could someone please give me some clarity?
@ky606gurl: Anytime and you’re welcome!
@WeirdYear: Because turbo tax uses an estimate based on when you file, its not usually accurate.
@NYkhidd: check back tomorrow night I believe and hope for an update for a ddd of Friday!!! My processing is 2/17 with my as of date 3/10.. I don’t think the as of date matters as much as the processing lol
Good morning, I was wondering why tubo tax updated with an estimated refund date but where’s my refund tool hasn’t budged?
@RichinTheBurbs354: my processing date is 2/17 (today) … but my as of date is 3/3 . I’m weekly I’m just waiting til Friday I guess
GM, this exactly what my wmr is saying my transcripts still have all zeros and am usually a weekly update this morning wmr says the following:We received your tax return and are reviewing it. If we need additional information, we’ll mail a notice with further instructions.
If you’ve already received a notice, please follow the instructions.
If we determine no additional information is needed, we’ll continue to process your refund.
Does anyone know what these means should I id verify my IRS account does not show a notice as of yet.