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 began accepting tax returns this year on January 29, 2024.
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.
@Vicandy321: no, sorry, I am showing one bar on wmr but tt still says pending. No deposit yet. I’m guessing it’s triggered by the acceptance, not sure though.
Report comment
Happy Friday, y’all.
Report comment
@TTOhio: like the advanced is already posted on your ck account ?
Report comment
I filed with TT on the 11th and now it’s looking a little sketchy. I’ve been trying to wait it out until at least Monday but I don’t know. I may have to file with my usual Tax preparation service
Report comment
I saw others saying they have first bar on wmr but tt says pending, so I just checked and mine is same. I also got the advance.
Report comment
@Emily: none here either. If it shows up, I’ll post as soon as I get it.
Usually it’s quick.
Report comment
@KinFl: My brother has the same thin. TT showing pending but WMR shows they got it. No info on his loan.
Report comment
Hi everyone!! It’s been a year. I actually filed early this year, and was just accepted by the IRS. Have one bar and everything. I haven’t gotten my TT loan yet though, and TTis still showing as pending.
Report comment
I didn’t get the message that I was accepted but that is what it means if I have one bar right?
Report comment
Well I have no idea whats going on with TT. I still can not pay using my refund. It should be free bc of my income but since I am self employed they charge me. To top it off I do my brothers taxes as well and his TT says pending but for giggles I looked on WMR and it says it was accepted, I am thinking of going with a different tax company but it is so hard to break that TT cycle.
Report comment
Hello it’s that time again! Just filed mine (knowing I have to wait til 2/15 lol)! How r things going so far this tax season? Trying to figure out how I made less 2022 and my refund is less than last year….smh make it make since.
Report comment
I filed 3 days ago still not accepted just says efile transmitted on hr block wmr doesn’t have us in the system yet
Report comment
@Goodvibes: FreeTaxUSA. I filed with TT yesterday morning but ended up using FreeTaxUSA last night . My TT still in limbo somewhere
Report comment
@Mrs. P (not signed in): who did you file with?
Report comment
Have there been any TT acceptance today?
Report comment
Oh nothing just waiting on my state to be accepted.Ik I will get my state first which is cool because its a big state refund so between now and before the 15th of February i will be some what ok just accepted it Michigan
Report comment
@Chris: I submitted mine at around 130am and got a text from H&R saying mine was accepted around 11am but I already knew that cause when I checked my status on WMR it was already showing one bar
Report comment
@Chris: I was accepted about an hour and a half ago
Report comment