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.
@mommyto6andcrazy: omg yey! Thank you.
Hoping we weeklies update just like the dailies early. It should be Thursday night then.
@mommyto6andcrazy: aww Im sorry to hear that! Hopefully this will bring you some much needed relief!
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Unavailable at this time
@Waterbottle: your transcripts could be updating right now as we speak
Any other 20250603??? Any update? I got in but it says my transcripts are available at this time. Had all good codes this afternoon.
@Bama91: it came through
@2blessed: I’m same cycle code as you and haven’t updated yet either! 🤞🏽
@Txmomof3girls thanks girl! the relief I am feeling right now! I have been doordashing in this nasty weather (snow, ice, and cold) to just get enough to get by and feed my kids.
Finally got through, and got my code!!! 0604 cycle let’s see how long it takes TT and this early deposit to take
No 846 for me dang I was excited for nothing seeing all these weeklies update
04 code
846
DDD 2/24!!!
@mommyto6andcrazy: I was hoping you would update! The IRS started adding the 846 early this year, I thought we wouldn’t see them until tomorrow based on 2019 cycle.
@Chelyn: we have the same cycle code! No 846 for me either.
OMG I GOT THE 846!!! You all do not understand how badly I needed to see this with what I have been going through since last Wednesday when my entire paycheck was stolen from me. With it going to my PayPal it should hit tomorrow (as long as I have secured it fully which I believe I have fingers crossed) I am in literal tears of joy right now
Thank you to this site- been here since 2012 and can rely on it every year to keep me calm and guide me
@Jmichigan.: we have the same cycle code. No update for me either!
@Brit1111: that’s what I want to know
Yes!! I GOT THAT 846
I got my 846 DDD 02/24
Welp, MY NUMBER HIT!! That 846 with a DDD for 2/24. This forum has kept me calm & VERY informed since 2019. THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU!!
Just knnneeewwwww I wouldn’t be so lucky to get a 846 for 2/24. I’m going to bed lol
I filed on the 15th still no transcripts what so ever just last years
This loading of the transcript is driving me crazy!! Of all the years this year I need this now more than ever please
@Tykillaa28: from what I understand if u paid upfront for taxes you get it up to 5 days early, last year I paid with refund and use chime and got it on the day of my DDD so this year I made sure I paid for my taxes up front so I’m hoping to get it tomorrow