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 tend to lurk behind the scenes each year, but want to give an update and ask a question.
Pather
20240504
Took about 20 tries over a period of 2 hrs, and about 5 mins to circulate through all of the screens the final time to get to my transcripts. (Perserverence pays off 🤣). 846 ddd for 2/24. Am on the east coast.
Anyone with Spruce through H&R Block know when I can expect my DD? Sorry if it’s been answered already.
Also, keep trying! First tried yesterday around 10:30ish pm and didn’t have the 846 then.
@Toni: they use Sbtpg
If ddd is 2/24 and I had fees withheld and using chime for deposit, any idea when I will see it?
@singlemomto4: im going to guess later on in the night or day..i can’t know for sure because I’m not sure what bank turbo use for the fees..i did the same.. Chime..5 day early refund and had fees taken out of refund
This year is definitely different with weeklies…I usually get my 846 btw 3-6 am eastern time. Hopefully it will appear if not then I’m a true weekly and will see it early Friday morning.
It’s officially broken now. So no more checking tonight for anyone
Got my 846. Date says 2-24. Is it possible to still get it 5 days early if I opted in for it with TurboTax?
@Jersey girl: not me
@Uncle Sam: that’s my cycle date as well I am meaning the as of date
Service outage now for transcripts
@Wasstate2442: February 17
@wade123: I’m going to keep my fingers crossed that it’s something small and the IRS clears it up without to much delay.
@Confused in ohio: yes today
@Yourfavgirl: Yes, fingers crossed. If not it will be Friday.
I’m a weekly 0505 so been keeping an eye on transcripts tonight. Checked 30 mins again no 846 still as of date 3/3 just checked still no 846 but as of date changed to 2/24 …. For you who got 846 was your as of dates similar? ????
@Jocelynn: Ok, so 2 weeks of waiting. Got it. All I’m going to do is wait. I am not giving those bastards one second on my sanity. Either give it to me or they don’t.
@Jaynsyncere: yes weekly
@Toni: so any idea when we might see our money? It seems we are the same. Fees from refund and chime etc
Pather
Filed 1/25
Accepted 1/27
Transcripts been updated for a week
846 just now
DDD 2/24 🥳