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.
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@Madinjay: I saw on Reddit that from the day you fax in the paper work. That it can take 19 days to update. I also called the dept for cp63 and was told it can take 14 days to review the info. So that makes sense.
@Madinjay: if you get a Cp63 and fax in your return. I saw on Reddit it can take 19 days from the date you sent the info in for them to send a DDD. I did call the number and was told it could take 15days. So that makes sense.
@Leemassalone: I’m wondering how long before they update 971 I had to fax them as my 2022 was rejected due to identity theft I had to send them my return via fax. Transcripts show 3/10 hopefully they release today
How is everyone tonight I hope everyone gets good news about there refund asap.
Hey everyone, I filled 2/21 accepted same day , this sat yesterday wmr updated to ddd for 3/12 and it’s been pending on cash app since Friday, cash app said it’s pending waiting on the funds to be released to them so not sure how much longer still waiting but atleast I see something.
Filed/accepted 1/19. Never got PATH went to 60 day review, may get letter. Transcript had 570. Called in, they said something didnt match on my w2, checked my w2 and found out employer sent updated w2 after I filed, had to upload paystub, I filed amended return 2/22 this finally showed on my transcript 3/8, with 977/971 related to amended return, Cant get a TA until they lift the review. But how can the amended return be processing if the original is in review. I was told they wouldnt touch the amended until that was released. I am so over this, that job let me go in November and I am in the process of suing them. It almost feels like this was intentional to mess with me.
In my transcript everything is blank and it says no return has been file but only have one bar
@Whywhywhy: Whywhywhy: I just verified Friday I gave them the account number on the return. At the end it said I so I’m guessing it was alright .
@mickey m: that’s what I thought too but on our return it does say IRA direct then Refund transfer direct deposit. I can’t get them on the phones I tried calling that 1040 number just reroutes me. Still blank transcripts . Same job, same dependents , 20 years same accounts I’m using idk why such a hassle this year !
I’m wondering how long does it take for code 971 to clear up?
@Whywhywhy: I always thought it was the account number used on your return , very few people no the account number to a third party bank.
@Whywhywhy: yeah I’m sorry that happened to you. When I did mine I went back and checked my return because I had more than one account as a possibility. I guess my forgetfulness helped me out. This definitely sucks. I hope they clear things up for you swiftly.
So I wish I knew that ID verification I was supposed to put HR blocks account direct deposit in and not my account so that’s why it’s taking forever ! Filed 1/27 verified 2/12/25 blank transcripts
@Nene: It seems to be taking about 3 weeks after submitting the information to see an update.
@Michelle34: No, it’s not normal. You might need to call.
https://igotmyrefund.com/talk-to-human-at-irs/
Accepted on Jan 6 and still no movement. Is this normal?
@Sheila_33: thank you
@Hopeful: The account updates the day before the Wmr. Unless its late at night and then it will update the day after.
@Frost87: I would verify online as well. And like suggested get a TA Or you can wait to see if you update 2 1/2 – 3 weeks after verification. I requested a TA it takes two week to be assigned. My two weeks will be up this coming week. 570/971 codes on my transcripts.
@Frost87: I would contact a TA before I do anything else.
Was wondering if anyone knows if my WMR shows updates on Tuesday mornings when would my IRS account show updates? I tired of checking every day and getting frustrated.
I filed on January 29th and was put into a review days later I didn’t get a letter until last week. I called Tuesday and he said everything was good to go after I verified. Today I looked at my transcripts which are still blank and saw that my as of date was pushed back into the 24th. I also saw that the need to verify notification is back up on my account. So, should I just leave it as is and see if something happens or go ahead and do the online verification as well???
@Nene: I’m still waiting. I uploaded my 1095A, 2 weeks ago and I still have no transcripts and WMR 1 bar and says processing. I asked this question also and was told it takes about 3 weeks.
I had to submit a 1095a it finally went back on wmr to it’s still being processed when should I have a date
My transcript updated yesterday with a code 840- manual refund with a date of 03.04.25 (positive amount) next to the code. WMR has not updated this morning. Is this common because the return had to be processed manually? I had to call a week ago to find out what the hold up was. I was told paper check will be mailed to me once they process it on their end.