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.
@mickey m: you should up date in the next 1-2 cycles with me!! I will be here to see you update! Hold on! End of March smells like money ( FINALLY)
This is a crazy tax year filed 1/29 accepted the same day. Return not processing told I had the ID verify. Call Pa they said the letter was sent 2/25. Received verification letter 3/7 verified online same day said it was successful call today still not in the system that I verified I have to call to verify . And even then it can still take 9 weeks. What is the purpose of having the online option if sometimes it doesn’t register as it being done.
I filed and accepted Feb 27.. I had to ID verify in person on 3/3/25 and my status on WMR updated yesterday to we have received your return and its being processed ..( before that it said pretty much still being processed) but again that changed yesterday.. what can I expect as of now! Is there a general time frame they say 9 weeks but that’s crazy ..
Hi. My transcripts updated overnight to show a DDD of 3/19. My refund is going to a Green Dot card and they advertise getting your tax return early. My question is does anyone have any experience having their refund loaded to a Green Dot card and what is the earliest I could possibly expect to see my money? Thanks.
Verified on 3 Mar – weekly, Transcripts finally updated last night with a DD of 3/19
@Ambo: trust me it’s been a long journey..I was you until last night so keep manifesting it 🤞🏻 my WMR still on first bar though. My story — I verified identity online on 2/26..letter was dated 2/20 I claimed the EITC and CTC. Transcript showed no tax return filed this whole time until last night. Chime bank. No dd hit yet.
@Ambo: yeah my fate was pushed back to 3/31 as well 🙄
@Frost87: they switched you to a check and it will be mailed next Friday. I wouldn’t be looking for a direct deposit
my cycle code is 20250605. where’s my refund has only updated once, im getting just a little frustrated b/c i filed January 29th… someone please give me some insite into what is going on.
@Frost87: congrats! I’m still waiting :/
Hang in there to everybody still waiting. I got my 846 code on my transcripts dated for 3/21/35 refund issued! If wmr ever updates it should be Wednesday at the earliest. I don’t care if it does as long as I get my DD!
My as of date was just moved from 3/10 to 3/31 at 2am est. still have not started processing it yet though. I’m just being patient atp. It is what it is.
@Ree: no I didn’t have to ID verify. But I did have injured spouse…
@Falysha Lynn: I filed January 30
@Whenizitcominggg: yay for you! I’m hoping for the same soon. What’s your cycle?
Finally got Code 846 for 3/19..I have chime..will keep updating… Don’t give up checking.. This happened to me after updating from still being processed to “being processed” this morning
@Ree same. Had to verify did so in person 3/5
Just now.. As of date changed from 2/10 to 3/31 and wmr changed from still being processed a date will be provided blah blah blah to we have received your return and it is being processed. Fingers crossed
I filed January 21. I was accepted a day or two later and I ended up going into still processing status until I verified on March 4. Just updated last night with being processed instead of still being processed. Hopefully DDD soon
@Grateful(not Logged in): when did you file if I may
@Grateful(not Logged in): did you have to verify?
I just checked my transcripts and have a 846 3/19/2024
@Ted: Did the same thing around the same time. Still waiting for ANY type of movement.
@Ambo: Fingers crossed all is well and everyone who’s been waiting gets their 846 🤞
Okay.. someone update with the first 846 code please
Major updates tonight. Glowing everyone gets a step closer to their refund!
Anyone have an issue where someone filed and they sent me an id verification letter and I called and verified it wasn’t me then mailed my return but it still shows the return that was accepted fraudulently so I’m not sure if I’ll be able to view my printed return and my transcripts say call the identity number for this year’s information so I don’t know how bad it messed up but they didn’t receive the refund I stopped it in time any insights?
@Ted: 4/4 it was mailed to me and still nothing in the mail. IRS sucks
@Steve88: Me. I have had 570 since 2/7. Am also a weekly. No 971 or anything. As of date changed a few times but the last one changed to 3/10 about 2-3 weeks ago and I haven’t updated since then. The date next to my 570 is 2/24 and has not changed. I am really hoping for an update tomorrow morning. I too called IRS and was told the same thing that it could be up to 120 days.
What is the Fax number to send w2 + paystubs to verify the income? I can’t see where to upload in online account. Thank you
@Nickp1: yes they do , it may not have mailed they day they stated. I was told I had a verification letter issued 02/21 the letter wasn’t mailed until 02/25 and was received 03/07
@Ted: I am also a weekly ID verified online 03/07 still haven’t seen a change either same message you posted they claim 9 weeks I hope it is sooner
Has anyone been getting the 570 code but no 971? I’m a weekly update. How long have you been waiting and what’s the soonest it can process? I called the irs they said it’s just a general review.
I verify my identity last week Tuesday 3/4 my status as not ups yet still saying We received your tax return and are reviewing it. If we need additional information, we’ll mail a notice with further instructions.
If you’ve already received a notice, please follow the instructions.
If we determine no additional information is needed, we’ll continue to process your refund.
Pls what’s going on
I was mailed a verify letter on 3/4 and still haven’t received it. Do they use pony express
@Montana.NotSignedIn: Hello once I go on my id.me and log in.what will I need to verify my id.it said take a picture of front and back of id.is that correct. Do I need to put my tax amount etc
@MorgyDoodle: no I called because it was taking forever and she told me some people need to call so just call the same verification line
@DeLectable2U: I finally woke up to a status that says they have received my tax return and it is being processed versus the long message before that my return is still being processed…sounds like nothing to some but The fact It finally says the return was received…. I’ll take it! Now just need the bar to moveee
Anyone still here that filed well over a month ago & “still being processed”? I sat in the jungle for 20 days before moving to current status.
Congrats to those receiving refunds; hopefully, we’re right behind you! :)
@Kara: create online account and see letter then follow steps to verify
@Waitingforever: you will update Saturday with DDD 3/19
igotmyrefund.com (IGMR) is not affiliated with any government agencies. The information we provide is purely speculative. We derive our information from personal experiences and comments from users. We attempt to maintain the most relevant and accurate information available. However, we are neither responsible for false information nor the timeliness of refund status and delivery. DO NOT post the amount of your refund, account numbers or social security number. By commenting you agree that IGMR cannot be held liable for what others may do with your information. We allow comments subject to our sole discretion. If your comment is held for moderation please read How We Moderate Comments HWMC. The links on our site are affiliate links. If you buy something after clicking a link, we may make a small amount of money to support the cost of maintaining and improving the site. This website is owned and independently operated apart from advertisers and is only an affiliate to the companies displayed in ads.
Privacy Overview