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.
@Tonicmo88: Yes, at least for me this has been the case.
@87 manemane: hoping mine comes soon then, DDD 2/24 waiting on chime
@Morris: ya you would think
@ImCASHINout🤑: what was you DDD?
They have mine but the phone number says the money has been added to my emerald card but for 2/25
Hoping it still posts today
I received my refund 20 minutes ago from chime. DDD 2/24. I was rejected for 5 days early. Fees taken out. Best of luck to you all.
@Sheila_33: I’ve been daily the last 3-4 years. Hoping to see movement today since I’m still stuck on 2/24 as of date. Any thoughts on being stuck as of 2/24? Still seeing verification of nonfiling
@wade123: I know, that’s why I believe an advocate is gonna be the best way to go.
Does sbtpg always show a tracer number before you see the direct deposit? Mine has been funded since Thursday so was just curious.
My niece, PATHER had a DDD of 2/24 and her WMR is still stuck on the second bar. She got her refund today already in the bank.
It finally came guys.
@mickey m: I’m not sure I am still waiting on a letter I guess, and it’s been over 15 days and it just says not processed on my irs account about them needing more information… I did speak with a live agent and showed her my documents 10:30am Central Time so, I have done the ID verification for ID me and it allowed me to log into IRS website. I have no transcripts because they have done nothing for whatever reason. I had no action required status on mine so, I’m not even sure I will get a notice😮💨
@Sheila_33: Wow this employer got me good. It’s easy enough to prove I was an employee; it’s just the hassle of it the delay it will be.
@SamfromMA: You should’ve gotten yours already since u are 2/24. Look for it to come today though.
Anyone with a DDD of 2/26 using cashapp get theirs yet?
@Sheila_33: I did that already last Tuesday. Still waiting for them to contact me.
DDD, 2/24, H&RBlock, Cashapp, fees taken out, and DD just hit my cashapp🥳
@Morris: I’m 2/24 and still waiting on chime :(
DDD 2/26 fees paid on Friday thru republic bank filed thru tax act. Called chime because what’s the point of two days early if it ain’t guaranteed I hate that they don’t have anyway of seeing a pending deposit of anything but he told me my best best was to wait until the 2/26 . Like no! Guess I don’t have a choice . Not using them next year
TT-
Chime
Denied for 5 days early
Fees out of refund
Received my deposit just now-9:38 in Cali!
@Farmergirl: Under the “amounts paid to you”, you should be able to see the trace number under it once the funds are actually sent.
@wade123: I think a tax advocate is going to be the best bet at this time. If you haven’t sent in an advocate request form, I would get one submitted as soon as possible.
@Chelyn: I dont have a trace number.
Where does the tracer number show up at on the sbtg page?
@Missty: I see that “Holding Party” I did not RSVP for!
DDD 2/26
NHB
**Fees paid upfront
No deposit still
@Morris: when did you get a trace number?
DDD 2/26
NHB
Still nothing….
Daily processing today, hoping to see some movement on transcripts tomorrow. For those still waiting on their returns to process, good luck!
Finally, my deposit just hit. Chime DDD was 2/26
@SamfromMA: I saw a few just now with chime finally come through.
@Stephrod101: SBTPG gives a tracer once they finally release the deposit but they are having a “holding party” this tax season
What is a Tracer number and who supplies it?
I have a ddd for the 25th I bank with Bank of America I’m guessing they are holding it til tomorrow the date of my deposit