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.
@Adepa: Yes, i believe i have seen some refunds taken for students loans.
@Stephrod101: I heard my date, it said 2/25/25.
Please someone help me i just want to know if they garnishing refunds for student loan. I know it hasn’t been since covid but is it on this year?
@Sheila_33: @Tigerlili_1
Hey hows everything going.hopefully alls well in you all worlds
@Paisley: same here!
Waiting on SBTPG to release for DDD 2/25. Just received email that my refund is on the way and will be deposited by the end of the next business days. No trace number yet though.
@Clos: The one time i decided to do that just happened to be the same time the interface on TT was messed up and mislabled boxes regarding W2 info. They ended up charging my card and i was still 8 months without a refund. Everyone i contacted to see what was up acted dumb as rocks. Eventually i figured out on my own it was TT screw up on their behalf. I could have sued them for it but im not that willing. I should be but im not.
We all have our own circumstances and we deal with them but bringing added stress for something you cant control is never good. With a little preparation and patience avoid these 3rd party companies they only want your money thats it. Good luck to you all and god bless.
@LJH: yup.. been funded since Friday night but still no trace # DDD 2/26
i just looked at my amounts received and it has a date posted of 2/25/25 (tomorrow)…then it has the amounts paid to you dates posted as 2/26/25. maybe there is a chance i can get it tomorrow if that tracing number pops in tomorrow. no rush though, im just happy to have a smooth sailing tax season. praying everyone gets their refunds soon. :-)
How do you talk to a live agent at the IRS
@stephrod101: right
@nitpicker: I don’t think it’s so much about being patient, as it is we are always being told something different. If we were told from the start a certain date and that was the end of it, that would be understandable. But when you are being told to expect early deposits, some have even paid extra for an early deposit, it does get frustrating when that keeps changing or doesn’t happen. Especially when everyone really needs their refund so badly.
@SamfromMA: ok but will I get it on my ddd or after
@Benita: It doesn’t give a date just the amount and to check with your financial institution for availability.
@LJH: I think alot of us are waiting for this trace number. I have personally seen several get their funds without a trace number listed.
Ugh… SBTPG just talked to a representative she told me that won’t be releasing my refund till 2/26!! But my refund been there since 2/21!!😤
@Stephrod101: same thing it said to me and for info about a reduced refund log into the site I don’t have that
@Stephrod101: I called them also and they seem to be saying the funds have been sent already and to check with our financial institution. I thought I had read that it has to have the trace number prior to being sent, but I have seen several getting their funds with no trace number listed. It’s all a little frustrating to say the least.
@Louisiana lady: if you tried for the 5 day early then you won’t be able to check Sbtg
@Stephrod101: What date did say they were sending it out ?
I just called SBTPG and it states my payment amount and to check with my financial institution for payment availability. Seriously!? SBTPG has not even sent anything out why would I check with my bank, if you still have my money.
@Sheila_33: Hopefully, thank you! :)
@EricaChristyne: Hopefully they just get it fixed then. :)
This SBTPG waiting is insane. I am not doing this 3rd party refund anymore. First waiting for the 846 to drop and then having to wait for SBTPG to decide when it wants to release funds to us when they clearly have been funded and there is no reason for them to hold our money. On top of the that the IRS states we should receive our refund “by” the date shown NOT the day of makes it worse that SBTPG is holding. I emailed them as to why they are holding funds, I am sure I will not receive a response until after they have either released or give me a scripted email response back and we will still have to wait it out.
@Sheila_33: I received a letter, it’s telling me that I don’t have to do anything and just wait 60 days. Letter was with a date of 3/3 but I received it a while ago. LOL… Oh well. I’ll wait and see what happens. Today is the 570 date.
@LJH: I didn’t even know there was a trace number on there lol, where do I look for that?
@LJH: Yes, I’m waiting. I don’t think it will show until tomorrow. I called the Sbbt phone number and it stated that it will be sent on 2/25/25. Last year they deny it out the day before, this year they’re holding it.
@LJH: yup still waiting by ddd is 2/26
@LJH: Yep! Still waiting.
@Yaeee: who you filed with?
DD 2/25
Is anyone else still waiting for SBTPG to post trace #
This is insane
Ddd 2/26 chime just hit ! Goodluck everyone
JH filed
2/26 DDD
Republic bank Fees and advance taken out
Funded Friday said sent to bank.
Just Hit Cash App!! Finally. Cst
Why does sbtpg say no account found?
Filed with TurboTax
DDD 2/26
@Frost87: what is needed for ID verification that what the TA said I was going to get in the mail they claim it was sent out 02/21 so I don’t know how long it will take for me to get it so I’m hoping it appears on my tax account this week sometime