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.
@shelleybeanss: From what I can remember it takes around 1 to 2 weeks. All depends on when it posts. Congratulations ☺️
So I got a CP05 on 3/10. Today I got a CP5071 identity verification letter. just completed it online.
Please help if anyone can. I have code 570 but on the irs site it shows my account as updated to what I filed and it shows my refund. Does that mean I am good to go?
@Butterfly01: did all that happen in one day?
I just received my refund on my serve card..Good luck everyone
Good morning everyone. I ID verified online Saturday March 15th.Today I just check my account and I have the 846 issue 4/2 I have serve card…Hopefully it comes early. Good luck to everyone
@Lei: I was waiting to see if you updated this week, friend. At least there’s some movement for you
@Butterfly01: congrats on the 846!
Hi Everyone My Transcript updated from 570 to 571 and 846… DD 4/2. Code 570 stayed on my Transcript for a week with 4-7 date beside it.
@orianasenoj: sorry to hear that are you going to call them again to find out what the issue is
Hey all. Haven’t been in here in a couple weeks. Hopefully things are starting to move a little for people. Last year was extra stressful. @sheila, quick question about amended returns. I cannot find any legitimate info online. After an 846 posts for the amended return, what is the time frame to receive it? Online I’ve seen where people said it takes them a month or longer after their amended 846 posts. Fingers crossed that’s not the case
@Nat Bat: Thank you
570 code this is ridiculous for real
@StupidQuestion: I meant WMR will update tonight.
@StupidQuestion: I think WMR will not update until tonight. Transcripts update 1 day ahead
The only update to my transcripts this week is that the as of date changed from March 17th to April 14th. :/
@Sheila_33: Only change was that I had some education credits but employer is still the same. Dependents were the same from last year. I get this every other year though. My transcripts: Tax year 2023 I was a daily 03 – got 846 on 2/22/24. Tax year 2022 I was 05 weekly — 846 on 4/5/23. Tax year 2021 I was 03 daily — 846 on 2/28/22. Tax year 2020 I was 01 daily but 846 was 4/5/21. This year I’m weekly so I won’t expect anything until 4/15. It just stinks.
Update to code 424 examination requested! Yay! I won’t get my money until summer time it seems. I will be back in April! I’m so exhausted and at this point need the money 😂😂. Still sending good codes and ddd vibes to everyone! Enjoys your weekend!
Update to 971 code I’m so frustrated like what now just give me my funds
@Sheila_33: no updates for me but I also just verified on Monday so I wasn’t expecting anything. I have been daily the last 4 years but that may have changed now. We will see next week!!
Finally DD 4/2 on transcript. Stupid question transcript says DD 4/2 but WMR say “still processing” is that normal.
@Nat Bat: I hate these hard reviews. Went thru one in 2018. Have you checked Social Security to see if income is matching up? Any new changes this year from last?
@Sheila_33: No. The last time it moved was to 3/10. 3/10 came and went and still no movement. Date beside 570 is still 2/27. I’ve called twice since the as of date hasn’t changed and was told both times under review, may take up to 120 days.
@Nat Bat: Has your “as of” date moved at all?
No updates for me this week :( I guess we’ll wait for next week