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.
@Shandra: Check the 2019 transcript and see if it has a 2023 as of date. If they’re going to take it, you’ll see movement on that transcript sooner or later.
@Vulcan1963: Big updates for dailies is late tonight into tomorrow. But they can update any day.
@Bajjard74: they usually post early
Does anyone know why my account balance does not show for 2022 ? all other years have $0.00. My transcripts are as of date 2/13 code 150 806 768 766. Waiting on path to lift
I got a notice that I owe from 2019 so I am expecting it to be taken out of my refund. I am on path and my transcript is complete except for the 846 code but my account balance only shows my refund amount and not the amount I owe. Will they add that once the path lifts or should it already be there?
When do dailies update? I think I might be one of those that switched from weekly to daily this year. Idk. Getting irritated.
I don’t get it. Filed on 1/28. Accepted 1/29. No path or EITC. Simple return and no update on WMR. Why is it taking so long? I thought it would be 8-10 days. Always some BS with the IRS.
@esmeralda: I’d assume you are a weekly 05, if you have had 05 for a few years in a row. I have had a 05 every other year so I am a daily. A lot of weekly people became daily this tax season, they went from years of 05 to 01, 02, 03 or 04. Hope this helps.
Does anyone that banks with Capital One or Cap 360 know if they release funds early or hold them until Deposit date ?
Sorry, all – Was trying to post in another chat.
Hey! It’s been awhile since I’ve been on the site. I’ve updated my details. Can someone decipher when my refund will be sent? I assume 2/20 or 2/22? Thanks in advance!
Anyone in WI still waiting on DD? Dets below:
Filed 1/23/23
Accepted 1/24/23
Account “My WI Tax Account” has green numbers in parenthesis
Any information will help. My state usually deposits quicker than federal. However, this years seems much slower.
Hi everyone…this is my first year filling on my own….I used tax slayer…My question is has anyone here used this service before? If so ….Am I good to go?
IGMR has a projected deposit date calendar for dailies/weeklies here:
https://igotmyrefund.com/irs-e-file-refund-cycle-chart-2023/
@Sparky: Just waiting on 846 to hit transcript 16th or 17th.
20230505 path message showing as of 02/20
Processing date 04/20 thoughts?
@Dano: The same spreadsheet now says later February to Mid-March. This impacts millions of returns.
@Emily: In my experience, the amended prior year has never held up our current year.
Just a quick question if someone can help? If your 2022 is amended and still processing will still get taxes like normal this year or does the amended one has to finish first. Please and Thank you
@Stressedbutblessed: The 3rd of February? Then, PATH won’t show up till Wednesday, at least. The audit a few years ago leaning to a higher likelihood of Saturday. PATH doesn’t show up on WMR until processed.
@Stressedbutblessed: CTC alone doesn’t qualify him for Path….he would also need to have ACTC and EIC. So if he doesn’t have either of those, he is not on Path. Hope that helps!
Quick question my husband’s was accepted by the irs on the 3rd claiming child credit, wmr showing 1 bar but no path message. Wasn’t he suppose to go straight into path? He got audited a few years back so I’ve got a slight case of ptsd