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.
@Big ben: USPS does not do anything in accordance with common sense and timeliness. Even if the address is across the street, it will still go to the main post office, then travel to a regional location, probably fly down to Dallas and then back up to where it should and take a good week to 10 days to do so. All that aside, I would say an optimistic view would be 3-7 days from when they mail it.
Hey everyone so I just checked WMR because last Friday my DDD updated to 2/28 with 846 on transcripts and WMR says 02/28/25 but there’s a message saying it’s scheduled to be mailed and to contact them by 03/282/25 if I don’t receive it by then. Any idea why they would mail me a check instead of doing my direct deposit? I filed through TT and paid my fees up front.
Hey everyone had a question wmr says that my check is scheduled to be mailed by the 28. Has anyone that has gotten a check in the past ever get it before wmr sent by date or does it actually go out that day? Also how long will it take to get it in 2 hours away from Kansas City mo and my understanding is that they mail checks from there
@Blessed2bme89: According to the IRS my verification case is closed. Maybe it was just closed recently? This is good info though, so thank you for sharing. If it takes 12 weeks to get my refund, I’m going to be super pissed.
@Chelyn: nvm I got in. That was weird.
@Chelyn: it’s saying unhandled exception! I was wondering what it was
Can anyone else not log into sbtpg ?
@naughtyrockets: I filed 1/19 accepted by IRS 1/27 received letter 2/11 I verified on the same day they didn’t close my verification case til 2/20 the lady told me yesterday check on wmr 2-3 weeks from that date. May or may not get it earlier but it can take up to a total of 12 weeks.
@POPlady83: Facts!!!
This may be good new for us with 2/26 DDD I just called the SBTPG automated line and its now saying a the “amount” has been directed deposited on 2/26. So, its definitely on the way we may even see it later on today or tonight. Please note that SBTPG website still doesn’t show a tracking number either
Ck just posted deposit. Thankfully!! 🎉
@Calamar: not everyone will have a trace number so don’t let that worry you seriously… the trace number is NOT guaranteed, many deposits have been made without receiving it
Chime just hit for dad of 2/25…I was getting worried but it hit at 1230! They are coming!
Try checking your account in a little bit I been checking since early this morning and it just came like 10 min ago don’t worry keep checking
@Calamar: at the bottom of the page where it says “amount paid to you”.
@shelleybeanss: no just a private tax preparer just kinda trying to figure out what to expect my ddd is for 2/26 I’m just worried being so those with 2/25 don’t have they money as of yet
@Calamar: on sbtpg, under “amount paid to you”, your trace number will appear under your where it says the account your deposit is going to. Usually under the word checking
05er
DDD 2/26
Anyone else have PNC? I’m hoping for my deposit to hit tonight at midnight but we’ll see. Still no trace number tho…
Cash app just deposited. I received my trace number a few minutes before the deposit.
My cashap just dropped I noticed my trace number today didn’t have that until now didn’t know what to do wit it but just checked n my funds was there that’s SBTG for finally releasing sun shih dat ain’t even yawls
@shelleybeanss: where is the trace number located?
@Sheila_33: Thats what I figured. TAS said it would take a couple weeks to get one assigned to me, I already sent in form 911. My Colorado State started processing. I just hope I at least get me State.
Chime just hit, it’s coming 2/25 DDD
Just called the automated line for SBTPG and got the DD message. Looks like they’ve sent it. Everyone for 2/25 doesn’t have any trace #. So I won’t check that again! Almost over yall! Hang in there!
@LloydChristmas: I was an 04 last year. Before that I was an 05. I just want some movement. Other people verify and they start movement immediately. If the IRS needs more info on my super easy 1040 return, I’m happy to provide it.
I FINALLY have a trace number! Geebus!
@Jaina: Is that even possible? I don’t NEED the money – but I sure would like it. Because of this AND the federal layoffs/cuts to programs that the Republicans are planning, I changed my federal withholdings so that I’m only paying in the bare minimum. This won’t be an issue next year. I hate that they have my money and won’t release it. It’s just irritating.
@AmbMI2025: so frustrating. Last year I went with hr block and had fees removed but had it sent to my Cashapp and got it like a day or two early. It’s not showing fees removed on the tracker they text you. Kinda frustrating.
@LloydChristmas: my transcripts are totally blank. I have an as of date of Feb 24.