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.
Has anybody already been approved for there tax return
@Heavenly: Look up my name, and I have directions on how to remove!
@IGMR Admin: do you know when the Disaster Distribution form will be cleared and why it’s on there.
@Melly: I know me too but I saw people getting their refunds days before and we were sitting waiting on SBTPG. I’m good I just paid upfront this time.
@Vicandy321: yes, some people told me that they already received there advance right before they was accepted so I guess it just depends on your refund amount and your past years refund amounts for them to go ahead and give you the advance.
Does anyone know if I claim my unemployed adult son living with me as a dependent would that cause an issue with his aca premium insurance? He has to file due to it and I’m wondering if my filing claiming him would suffice
@Billybob1: For many people there isn’t usually a delay and it’s received on the DDD, but sometimes there is an issue with the third party service that takes the fee from the refund, which can cause a 1-2 delay.
@mommyto6andcrazy: thanks
@Billybob1: no, you just won’t get it until the day WMR says because of this. Whereas those with prepaid cards get it earlier when paying up front
So if you have your fees taking out of your refund it will take longer to get your refund?
@Quaineylovesme: You must delete the head form. Scroll up and you’ll see several attached. Once you delete that one…no more will generate.
@Jenny: I used to pay up front, but then I felt like I was missing out on being able to track the status aside from WMR and the IRS transcripts. For example, once SBTPG set up my info, I was able to go to the site and see when the money was being sent. Lol I’m a mess. 🤷🏻‍♀️
Good afternoon everyone, I filed 1/11 got accepted 1/20. I am a PATHer.. When could I see an update on my transcript or WMR? Thank You
Anyone having issues filling with turbo tax? My taxes are ready but can’t file due to disaster distribution box being checked. When I uncheck it it still comes up in my review as I missed that section.
Oh and this time I paid upfront so no waiting through SBTPG this year. I was accepted in the test bath and have to wait since I’m path but hopefully in receive it a week before than usual!
Hey y’all! It’s the time again!!! So I filed the 18th and got accepted the same day but I’m a pather so I have to wait until the Feb 15th :(
Also, I noticed a goofy question, but I filed head of household for the first time to claim a family member adult dependent that doesn’t work. Anyway, it was excepted but I was wondering is that a credit? I’m asking to see if it’s one of those path credits you had to wait for.
Hey guys, so I got access and logged in to the ID me on the IRS nowadays go to see transcripts or the things that I’m looking for Updates and what not
@AB: apologies filed hers with turbotax..
@AB: I filed the 19th and got accepted the same day h&r block filed my sister 19th she got rejected 19th…due to IP pin missing resubmitted still hasn’t been accepted or whatnot
Hoping my submitted return gets accepted tomorrow.
Do you think that’ll happen? Filed 1/16.
@ Mbry0625: Goodmorning good to see you again this year. Its for sure a possibility to get accepted tomorrow and update same week. In 2021 i was accepted on Sunday and transcripts updated to 846 that Friday
@confusedboymom: I use my software for my granddaughters part time job and file. You might see if H and R block offers the same when filing online.
@Mbry0625: Cut off for weekly processing in the past, has been acceptance by Tuesday evening.
@Doughboy: Good morning to you! :)