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.
Heeeeyyyy everybody! Missed y’all lol Sheila where you at??? 💜
@TTOhio: I talked to TT customer service. They said I had a form 8862. I am not supposed to have that. TT is adding it automatically. There is a box where you check that none of the scenarios apply to you, when you are doing the CTC and/or EIC, but it’s generating an 8662 anyway, just by checking the box. I have deleted it, then the software prompts me to click the box, and it generates another one. The person on the phone says that the IRS is holding PATH longer than usual, so TT is hedging their bets (aka not letting people with PATH get the RAL). We got it last year. IDK if what she says is true or not, just what she told us. Anyway, I’m gonna go ahead and file. It is what it is.
@Jersey girl: no delays or anything?
@TTOhio: We pre-paid our fees, but our last form wasn’t available until today. Now, I get all the way to “Transmit my return” without the CK card option or the RAL option. We already have the CK card, and it WAS linked until 2 days ago. Now, it’s not even an option. IDK. I messaged support, but I doubt they’ll be able to fix it.
My 2023 transcript with star is gone anyone knows why??
@ARGH: I applied for it. It showed up at the very end, after I ‘submitted my order’.
I have heard it doesn’t show for everyone. I’d definitely reach out to their support. Hopefully they can help.
@anoel06: oh, wow, that sucks. I would have been really upset. Did irs request any changes on your return? Did they give you a reason why?
@KYMama: I did 2 years ago and had no problem with getting my refund
hey guys! anyone have to file form 8862 with your tax return? if so how did things go as far as getting your refund
I also have a specific question if anyone can help out before I pay a CPA. Small business owner, i file on my own every year. I have an additional company I started this year and paid myself a small W2 wage. I should be able to file both companies under schedule C, and also my W2 wages right? And I received a settlement this year from Transunion. Apparently this is taxable, however out of the total amount a decent portion was attorney fees. Anyone have any experience with this?
@kadeebug123: thanks so much
@MaryB: That would be great. I’m 02 daily….Good luck tonyou as well
Anyone have any luck getting the RAL option to even show up on Turbo Tax? Our CK card was already linked, we prepaid fees. Then, on the 17th, the card disappeared. Our last form was made available today, and we went to file, but there isn’t an option for the RAL anywhere, and our card isn’t linked, nor is there an option to link it, only DD.
Hello all! Good to be back for another year even if I am a little late to the party :) how is everyone, regulars any big life changes this year?
hey guys! anyone have to file form 8882 with your tax return? if so how did things go as far as getting your refund
@Yandyy: I think you could have your refund before the end of the month!
@TTOhio: definitely did that to me one year, TT. They told me I could get the advance, and have it put on their Debit card. Just to send me an email after submitting stating I wasn’t approved. I feel like it was a ploy to get me to get their card or something, otherwise I would have never gotten that card and just sent it to my bank.
@Michgal72: I mean documents through the state. Certain areas that need to be addressed on taxes that weren’t all together yet. I ran into the same issue but was able to submit my Michigan taxes this morning. Go ahead and file your federal and whoever you’re using to file your taxes through will notify you when you can submit your state. Also, I keep accidentally reporting your comments on accident when trying to hit “reply” so I apologize for that!!
Hi everyone. I’m a daily. Does anyone have an ideal when dailies when start to see deposits with no credits…I was accepted today for test batch..Thanks in advance
@Mrs. P (not signed in): no problem at all. Glad I could help.
@TTOhio: thank you so much!
@Mrs.P: you should be fine then. I’ve been very happy with them. Last year I got my advance deposited within an hour or two after being accepted. Good luck 🤞
@Mrs.P: p.s. I just assumed you were talking about TurboTax. I just realized you didn’t specify.
@TTOhio: thank you! It does! They told me the pre approved amount but in fine print it said it’s not a final approval so I was wondering. Luckily I already have a Credit Karma account.
@Mrs.P: they tell you immediately if you qualify and how much you qualify for. You’re not officially approved until IRS accepts your return. I’ve gotten the advance every year since it began, I’ve never been denied after my return was accepted. I have never heard of it happening to anyone, but I guess anything is possible. One important thing, you must be eligible to open a CreditKarma debit account. Hope this helps
Does anybody know how long after you file will they let you know if you were approved for the advance?
My return was accepted yesterday. I’m wondering when is earliest I could get refund.
I know that technically that they accept on the 23rd (minus the test batches) but I’m usually in the test group so it definitely is tough waiting to see if everything goes smooth. Especially since this is the first year we’ve filed ourselves. 😅 We hurry up and wait….. 🤪