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.
Good morning everyone. So I filed on 1/25 and was accepted immediately. Nothing has updated for me yet though. I’m still on one bar, no path message and no transcript updates. I’m definitely a pather. Any ideas?
@rhgn23: what did wmr change to
I just received my refund !!!
@IRRATATEDTEXAN210: well this is rude because it’s not wrong with people asking questions and if u have a problem with it it’s something you need to deal with in your self and the people who keep asking the same questions over and over again have the upper hand
Morning. I just checked my transcript and I have 846 for 2/13. I filed on 2/3 and there was nothing in my transcript yesterday but this morn I had 846! Im a daily. This was my fastest turn around ever!
WMR nor transcripts changed overnight. not sure what is going on
Good Morning. I filed on 2/5/27. My transcripts are populated. As of date is 2/27/23. I have EITC and ACTC. So no 846 code.
@Mike: Hopefully I’ll receive it before they open, if not I will call .
@Benita: I would call netspend when you can and verify if they received it or not or if they see it coming
@Benita: I’ve had the same bank account for like 10 years and always get my tax return Wednesday morning when I wake up never fail Maybe if you had a different bank last year That might hold it up so they can verify
@Mike: Yup, I don’t know what’s going on.
@Benita: That’s crazy I would have expected you to get it before I did
I have an IRS account because I had to pay back one year. They took my federal last year to cover the remaining balance. I log in from time to time still. I just notice I have to do the verification. I went through it then realized I don’t have the letter they say I need. I hardly ever check my mail so I guess this is a reason to do so today.