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.
@orianasenoj: I filed the 10th, immediately accepted. Account transcript populated a few days later (not the fourth one), return showed only letter of non filing. I had zero movement other than processing date moving back and forth until they populated Wednesday night with 846.
@mickey m: I dont have any messages nor a tax topic just says still being processed refund date will be provided when available, this is all crazy
@Sheila_33: this is my first year filing a w2. Is the date beside the 810 code the day it was issued or a future date?
I have fees coming out from HnR block, I think.
When I look at my paperwork, the Fed and PA have my Chime account n routing #, but my NJ state has a different account and routing number. Does this mean anything, or will the fees be coming out of the Federal?
@TinaR: if you already have your 846 on your transcript WMR will update tomorrow
@TinaR: yea im in the same boat smh im freaking out
@ceeeteeee: I’m in the same boat I got an advance and I’ve been funded since Wednesday evening however no dd, I figured since I always get them a day early and the ddd is for a Monday then I would get bit today but I also saw where 1 person said they didn’t get it until the day of on the 20th so 🤷♀️ also someone said Santa Barbra bank will put a tracking number in the box title amount paid to you next to your date 🤦♀️ hope this helps
@GG: trying to figure out the same thing except my wmr says that are reviewing and if they need more information they will let me know.
My WMR says still being processed with one bar? Do I need to call the IRS? I filed 1/27 with TT with refund 5 days early.. should I be worried or wait it out another day or two?
@RichinTheBurbs354: I had Dd 25 it came yesterday in chime 12:30p cst
@DeLectable2U: this is crazy I’m trying to see if there are many people that filed between 01/27 and 02/04 that are having the same issue
@sharonchennault: hi what bank and any fees?
Hi yall! Yearly lurker here.. How do i speak with someone at the IRS? not sure what prompt to use
Filed 1/26
Accepted 1/27
Never got path msg but claim same 2 dependants
WMR says “still being processed”
No verify message on irs acct
Transcripts blank 0.00 have not updated in 2 weeks, as of date 3/3
What’s goin on should i be concerned???
@RichinTheBurbs354: as long as you have no fees coming out, you will definitely get it today since Chime is a NHB 😊
I just received my 864 this morning around 1am for 2-26. I bank with chime. What are the Odds of ot coming today?
Yesssssir I woke up to the amazing 846 code!!! 0505 and PATHER! Now to wait for SBTPG to release! Good luck to everybody and see you next year!
@mickey m: I’m in same situation friend. :(