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 began accepting tax returns this year on January 29, 2024.
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.
@KYMama: no delays or anything
Report comment
@ARGH: I had the same form attached, see prior posts, and once I deleted…all is well. However, you must delete them all. You’ll see that particar form, but scroll up a bit, and you’ll see it’s part of several others. Delete the main one!
Report comment
@ARGH: That’s the most ridiculous thing I ever heard. I got the RAL and the IRS doesn’t hold path longer than usual. It’s Feb 15th that’s the law!
Report comment
@Sheila_33: Still not accepted (or rejected). I don’t recall any time where we didn’t make test batch so when IRS officially opens so you think I’ll know that day if I have been accepted or rejected?
Yes, I know I’m freaking out, but we’ve never done our own taxes. 😁 Seemed silly to keep paying a ton when ours is pretty straightforward. We get EITC/ACTC
Report comment
@Stephhaze: Hey, how ya been?
Report comment
@kaedeezy: 1/19/23 ;)
Report comment
Just got accepted early this morning (1/19/22). I’ve never filed this early before! I’ve always been a weekly but last year I got my return VERY quickly so does that mean I got moved to a daily?
Report comment
Heeeeyyyy everybody! Missed y’all lol Sheila where you at??? 💜
Report comment
@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.
Report comment
@Jersey girl: no delays or anything?
Report comment
@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.
Report comment
My 2023 transcript with star is gone anyone knows why??
Report comment
@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.
Report comment
@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?
Report comment
@KYMama: I did 2 years ago and had no problem with getting my refund
Report comment
hey guys! anyone have to file form 8862 with your tax return? if so how did things go as far as getting your refund
Report comment
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?
Report comment
@kadeebug123: thanks so much
Report comment
@MaryB: That would be great. I’m 02 daily….Good luck tonyou as well
Report comment
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.
Report comment
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?
Report comment
hey guys! anyone have to file form 8882 with your tax return? if so how did things go as far as getting your refund
Report comment