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.
@vannyy: but on the account balance on top of transcript are the same on code 766 768
@Frank Garrett – Southpark IRS Agent (aka buckey12): I dont have an amount near 150 is that bad
Hey, anybody who has the blank account transcript, did you have any address changes? Because mine still says last year’s address. I’ve read over and over that that means were starting to process but it also makes me nervous ha
@Vannyy: thank you
@SoConfused: 150 means they’ve finished processing your return, and that is the amount of tax due. 766 is a credit and 768 is the EITC. Since you’re a Pather, you won’t see the 846 code for the amount of your DD until next week (likely 17th). Path lifts on 15th.
@Walter DOG: Hey how are you?I lm so happy you updated today. Nothing has changed for me. I’m still at the delay message and the lovely 570..no other codes beside it…I’m thinking it’s the lottery ticket. Can’t be anything else..Again Congrats
I tried to scroll but there are so many comments.
Transcripts updated today. The account transcript shows codes 150, 766 and 768. What code is it we look for? My cycle code is 20230405. It has a processing date of 2/13/23.
Anyone have insight?
@Azluckyfish: at 12:01 AM on the 15th it lifts. @Sheila_33 posted it earlier. Also, the language they used at IRS for Path was not before the 15th or earlier than the 15th… I posted an IRS link.
@Jenny04: I filed the 19th of January :(
Why are people saying path lifts at 11.59pm on the 15 don’t it lift 11:59 going into 15th not going in to 16th I’m confused
@Jenny04: You’re at where I’m at now…2/27…blank account trans and blank wage…my guess is we’ll update next friday and hopefully still pick up DDD for 2/23
@Miami Kei: did you have eitc or actc?
@BEAST55: I hope you can find out why your refund is less. Things happen and nobody is near to give an answer. I was needing them $2000 but I can’t even tell you why they took it away. I hope you get a letter at least. Wishing all goes well for you.
@Gwen: from what ive read no after the 15 which could be the 16 or 17 we will get the 846 and ddd
@$tepher: no need to worry. I’m in the same boat. I was accepted instantly on the 3rd when I filed. I’m weekly and really wish I filed on the 2nd since the 3rd was the start of a new processing week. If you’re like me, most likely our returns just started processing today and will finish up next Thursday. Yay!!!
@Kee: Its very possible. It’s almost like they’re a week behind on some of these returns.
@Tigerlili_1: thank you me to so stressful I’m at Walmart now buying some grey out for my hair
@ChelleB: yes ma’am!
@Jenny04: I filed 2/3 and mine did the same exact thing. All my transcripts were N/A until around 7am this morning. Then my account transcript for 2022 showed up. Mine is still blank with an as of date 2/27. Is your account transcript blank as well?
No update happened today. I guess next friday then.
@Walter DOG: I’m glad you updated today!
@Sheila_33: Thank you!
I’m wondering if I possibly got resequenced. Filed 2/1, still no movement other than account transcripts last Friday showing all 0’s and no return filed.
@Sarah24: when did u file? I filed 2/01
@Walter DOG: I hope so! I’m hoping before the 23rd I’ll have my taxes in but very doubtful tho. Idk just hoping and wishing right now
@Sheila_33: thanks girl! That sounds promising right now! Keeping my fingers crossed 🤞
Hello everyone!
Glad to be back this year! I thought I’d just throw mine in the mix if the info is helpful to anyone:
Filed: 2/6 using TurboTax, standard deductions with some education credits and deductions for my final year of grad school
Accepted: 2/6
Just checked transcripts today, which are available!
Refund date: 2/15
This has been the SMOOTHEST year for me. I hope it is also as smooth for you all!
@Jenny04: mine done the same thing last Friday and then today I updated to good codes so next Thursday night your good to go