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.
It’s so quiet honestly because those who were the most active here were in the same boat and got their 846’s pretty much around the same time and they left. Those of us who are in limbo just literally have no info to give. Not much anyways because we’re all going through the same things. So not much can be said until we start getting some movement. Everything seems to be paused.
@wade123: call this number 866-897-3315 option 1 then opt 3 I just got someone on the phone in 3 mins or less… when it asked the reason for my call I said I received a letter then it said do you agree with this letter I said no… and then someone was able to come on the line.
@wade123: wow! I use the same method and called three times this year. (My first year ever calling) not sure. Let me try now.
Does anyone know how to speak to a person at the IRS. All your previous instructions do not work. They keep changing their menu options to account for all our cheats we used before to bypass. So, there is apparently a new system we need to use today.
@Ginger: That stinks. I’m in the same boat.
1. On Jan 17 I efiled. Got accepted instantly.
2. On Tuesday Jan 21 WMR updated to receive with TT152 and my refund amount was there. No PATH message at this time.
3. My next update was On Feb 15 my WMR updated from received and TT152 to the PATH message and my amount on WMR disappeared. I also got code 570 that night.
4. 1 week later on Feb 22 I got code 971. My WMR stayed the same with the PATH message and still no dollar amount
5. Now on March 1 my WMR updated your return is being processed and my refund amount is back. Still 971 code and still have not received the letter, but TAS said it’s a CP05, no action needed at this time and to allow up to 60 days to review.
@Just wondering: If the date is for 3/5 this SBB may not release it until 3/5, like traditional banks that hold until the day the IRS gives. It may also be they don’t show anything to discourage you from calling in and asking. My bet is, and only IMO, that it will show up sometime tomorrow, 3/5. Your almost across the finish line. Congrats.
@HiThere: Thats because everyone but 10 of us already has their money. You should have seen it 2 weeks ago. I never saw so much panic. People with 846 codes and DDD so desperate they were calling financial institutions for trace numbers, and then PIs to track it down, lol, but the handful left here are stuck dealing with ridiculous “The IRS needs more time, up to 60 days to process” codes on our transcripts.
@Nella: not yet
What’s the number to verify on the phone
@Shay1979: we are in the same boat. I filed the same day as you and no updates to my 24 transcripts in 2 weeks. The only update I’ve received was for last years return. I filed an amended return last year and they just finished processing it 2/24. My transcript for 23 does say they transferred out of my 1040 24 $211.00. I’m assuming if they took the amount from this years return it’s approved. I’m assuming it’s approved if they took money for this year.
This site used to be so much more active :(
@Just wondering: I was wondering the same thing
@Blessed2bme89: I haven’t got mines yet. Have you got yours?
What time does Santa Barbara Bank start showing next day deposits. I got approved for deposit date of 3/5. But still no update on Santa Barbara Bank does anybody know???
I filled TurboTax 02/10 accepted 2/10. No movement on transcripts or WMR. Called 03/04 spoke to tax advocate. He stated there was a message a error has occurred but could not give me a exact answer what the error is, he also said it could just be that I changed my address but could not be sure. I was told that I have to allow 6 to 8 weeks to either get a letter or for the issue will resolve itself. In all my years I have never had a issue. Fingers crossed that it works itself out. I just want my money honestly…
Accepted 2/25 just checked irs site saying it was approved but it’s say if it’s not credited to my account by 3/11 to check back or contact but on TurboTax it’s saying expected on 3/3 no deposit yet has anyone else got this on the IRS website
Received*
Anyone got a DDD for 3/5 with ck reviewed theirs yet ?
I haven’t gotten an update on my transcript in at least 11 days . I filed 1-23-2025 and accepted same say
Cycle code 20250605
Processing date 2-24-2025
@Shanae59: I filed on 2/22 and was accepted the same day I guess I’m a late filer to
@EagerlywaitingNC: my check was mailed the 28th amd it showed up in my informed delivery for yesterday but it never came and it didn’t come today either my mail man said there about 2 -3 days behind on mail in my area I hope it comes by Friday it’s nerve racking knowing my check just floating around everywhere. Spoke with post master and she stated the same thing she said I should have it by Friday and if I don’t they will investigate it. I’m over this year’s taxes. I just want what’s owed to me and my family. We’re not hurting for money but that’s not the point.. point is it’s our money and we want it now.. I didn’t do direct deposit bc I didn’t have a bank but I do now
Literally just pulled the letter out my mailbox this morning. Try to put it in online but it’s not accepting that and calling the number I’ve been hung up on twice by the automated thing since the call volume is too high😤😡🤬. I’m so ready to be done with these taxes!
Have we come to the conclusion that if we verify before or on Tuesday we most likely will update the same week?
@WheredacahAtt!!: I had this same message until a week ago transcript said noticed sent with the 570 code for additional information never got a letter then updated to check being mailed when I clearly stated direct deposit I see their are a lot people who opted for direct deposit is having to wait on checks
Filed/accepted 1/31 got message week later stating letter being sent for additional information. Finally got the letter 2/24 uploaded 1095A that was requested 2/24 and finally got this message this morning:
We have reviewed your tax return and documents that was requested. Back to having 1 bar.
Hopefully I’ll see a refund date soon. This tax season has been ridiculous.
@Butterfly01: how did u get a live person on phone for irs
@Fatou: call a TA so they can look into your return.1-877-777-4778
Filed 1/29 accepted same day. Transcripts blank still as of today with an as of date of 03/03/2025.WMR has take action no letters as of yet was told by TA letter was mailed the 02/21 then by another TA it was mailed 02/25 how long does it take to receive an ID Verify letter ? And is there a problem with the IRS system dates close to that date seem to be having problems processing. Anyone else having a processing issue?
It seems like Santa Barbara is taking her time this year. Still showing unfunded.
@Help please: same here as of 3/17
We apologize, but your return processing has been delayed beyond the normal timeframe. You can continue to check back here for the most up to date information regarding your refund. We understand your tax refund is very important and we are working to process your return as quickly as possible.
I have filed my taxes since January 30 and I still have not received my refund. My transcript is not saying anything. I have been calling at 1040 number but I still can I get through if anyone know a number that I can call and get through can you please help
@Dee: They’re working on it, processing it
Does it take the full 6weeks for a mailed in return?
@Nikki_1220: next week
@Shanae59: I did, accepted within 10 minutes.,no update besides that though
@Annoyed Tax payer: on your homepage on the irs website check if it says verify tax refund under where it says refund status .
Is there anyone in here that got accepted February 28th am I the only late filer
@Annoyed Tax payer: try to wait until after the 15th when PATH lifts to file… I always file between the 13th-20th and never wait more than 2 weeks.
Annoyed. For the 3rd year in a row my return is still processing. Same credits, same home, some children. Every year they hold on to my return. No code, no transcripts, no notices. The same thing every year. I receive it every year, but for the life of it can’t figure out why they continue to target and hold my return with no explanation. Filed and accepted on the 7th, still processing though. With no explanation.
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