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.
@Cynt_outspoken35: I filed and accepted less than 5 mins on the 27th also. My transcripts are done all good codes. And my transcripts only took 4 days later to be filled in. I used to be weekly for 10 years. This year I changed to daily. Maybe you’re weekly and just gotten resequenced a couple of times. That happened to me last year. But, I still got my refund I believe around 23rd of 24th of Feb
@Stillwaitinginfairburnga: The PATH Act requires that the IRS not release refunds to taxpayers who claimed either Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until February 15 or later. For taxpayers not claiming EITC or ACTC credits, refunds will not be delayed.
Yes. You’re part of the Path ACT
@pineapples: hello I update on my transcript also today the same code also one bar with we have recieved your tax return and it’s being processed i file January 27 accepted the same day
@Claudia: hello if I have EIC will I be on path
No pather that’s a weekly will update tonight or tomorrow with a 846 code. Just look at the past forums. Only Daily panthers will update this coming week, M-TH with a possible 846 code with DDD. Sorry. It’s not going to change. Same as past years since the PATH act started. Don’t believe me. Look back.
@Tia: It’s like I am looking at my tax twin. Hellos!
If I have EIC Credit will that make me a panther
@Frank Garrett – Southpark IRS Agent (aka buckey12): I hope so! I really need this refund before the 24th.. I’ll be holding my breath! Hope we update and make the DDD of 2/23
@Sarah24: I filed the 1st of Feb
I thought I might as well put my 2 cents in. Account transcript updated today with only as of date (Feb 27th) & 0$. I’m a pather & I filed/was accepted the 7th. Everything else is blank.
@IHATETAXTIME: 150, 806, 766, 766, 766, 768, .. yes I have EITC, and CTC. No 846 code yet
@pineapples: I never receive the path message either I always get the tt152 message
@pineapples: what are your codes? Do you have ACTC or EIC? Is there an 846 on your transcripts? The 846 code is refund release, which is when you get the 2nd bar on WMR
@pineapples: yep. Transcripts on Friday, WMR on saturday morning :-)
Question? If you request your refund will that speed it up or will I mess something up
Sooo I checked my transcripts today (that have said NA and 0) for two weeks and now they actually show the codes and the credits. I have dependents but I dont have the PATH message. I have 1 bar; just check to see if anyone else has had this to happen today. I always update on Saturday mornings; but who knows. Could it be possible that I will get that second bar tomorrow?
@nzxomx: check to make sure it’s not id verify
@Chris: thank you stressed for nothing I really do believe their just behind on a lot of returns and I read where their extra checking to make sure those who got monthly advance child payments qualified for them
I also Received 846 code on my transcript.
Does Anyone think we may see an update tomorrow? I always remember waking up on a weekend morning to a 846 on my transcripts.
I just wanted to update my status. My refund was filed on 1/27 and accepted on 1/30. Transcript was showing N/A until this morning. Received the additional dependant credit not EITC. Showing a DDD of 2/15 for credit Karma. Deducted TT fees out of refund. Currently awaiting deposit.