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.
@Lori1985: Happy to see you back!
@MelloDello53: Where are you seeing this as of date. All four of my 2022 accounts say N/A. Are you clicking a previous year or am I looking in the wrong place
@Sheila_33: Yes. My as of date was 13 February 2023. But N/A on the return etc.
@Sheila_33: I’m a weekly always have been. No more EIC or ACTC since 2 years ago. Nothing on mine updates until Friday morning around 2 am EST… if it does everything is done all at once… Transcripts, 846.. until then my transcript says N/A but I’m gonna look to be sure.
Good afternoon everyone!
I did my sons first taxes today and they were accepted immediately. Always a little nervous when you hit that submit button, hoping nothing gets flagged and kicked out. He’s getting a check. I can’t remember if I ever got a check, ours has always been direct deposit. Not sure how long it takes for checks to be mailed. He’s excited to get a little extra money (he’s only 17 and has no bills). He’s planning on buying a ps5 and putting the rest in savings.
My husband and I aren’t rushing ours since they aren’t even being accepted till the 18th. I hope my son doing taxes and him being our dependent doesn’t cause problems. I asked a TurboTax bot person and they said as long as he’s a minor and living under my roof that it was fine. Crossing my fingers.
I don’t really have a question. It just always feels comforting posting updates here and reading everyone else’s. Glad this place is still around.
@Phillyhero64: me
@Gators352: Hey Gator! I was worried about you during that hurricane. Hope you didn’t have too much damage.
@NY-Khidd: exactly!!!
@Sheila_33: hey,hey,hey What’s happening Sheila how are you? I did my return like 2 days ago I’ve already been accepted but nothing on my transcripts as of now N/A I wasn’t expecting to see it move that quickly anyway but I do have 1 bar but nothing so far on the as of date
I’m curious about something and maybe y’all can help. Those who were accepted in the test batch last week and are weeklies and can see their transcripts on line….did you see any movement on your transcripts today? Like the “as of” date showing up on the account transcript? I’ve seen two but wondering if anyone else has.
Did my taxes Saturday 1-21 at 4 PM was received by IRS Monday morning 1-23 and accepted by IRS couple hours later same day 1-23 WMR1 bar no pathact They’re saying the 1st direct deposit date is February 3rd Next Friday Usually comes through on Wednesday though
@Phillyhero64: Sending positive vibes your way
This link is perfect for helping users understand their transcripts and what dates and codes translate to.
https://igotmyrefund.com/transcripts/
@Dior924: thank you
I was accepted 1/18.
Hoping for good news this week