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.
Sbtpg doesn’t show they observe Presidents day so maybe some hope
Okay so I have an update. I filed with H&R Block on February 6th. Got accepted soon after. Self employed, pather but paid my fees upfront. Pathward is the bank. WMR changed this morning from Path to the DDD is February 22. Literally didn’t think twice about anything. Just checked the Spruce card H&R Block offers and my money was deposited yesterday!! Got no text or anything but it’s there. Hope this helps.
@TheQueenofBee: if you have the 424 code on transcripts they are looking at something. Maybe the credits, I went thru this one year and I had to send in all kinds of info for my kids and my business records.
So I’m convinced it’s no more deposits coming out this time tonight …..wow
@Emily: so after on Tuesday we can get into bank account
Mine is going to Chime and still showing unfunded and noting in my account. Transcripts say 2/23 so I guess we just have to wait.
@Jessica: Tuesday morning thru the afternoon it will start showing on sbtg. I hate telling ppl this but I have been a TT user and used their products for over 5 years. The only time using TT you will get it early is if you paid fee up front and/or did not take advance.
So this is some fun new info for some of y’all ! I just called and talked to someone at the irs cuz I have the hold for further examination code , notice issues and refund freeze and she told me she can’t look up any of my info because my account is on the path act and I said ya didn’t that lift on the 15th though and she said 3 weeks ago that it was extended to the 22nd so I asked why when it was released then did so many path people get their refund and she had no clue but she did say my refund freeze is more than likely because I’m on path she said the hold for further examination could also be because I’m on a path hold and as far as notice issued she said I would have to wait to get the letter and if they require further info from me to complete that right away and get it in …. Other than that she said wait until the 22nd and then call after that ! So basically I don’t know if she could really see my stuff and was indirectly telling me or if she really has no clue so now I don’t know if I can relax and those codes are path hold or not lol I don’t think anyone else had those codes though on a path hold right ?????
But ya path has been extended to the 22nd so if some of you path people haven’t had movement that’s why I guess some folks just got real lucky and got their refund released at the first path opening
But what do y’all think do u think she could see my stuff and just didn’t wanna tell me 🤣 I always here different agents one saying they can’t see or do anything and another agent looking into it lol ! But supposedly according to her the 424 code hold for further examination could just be the path act hold
@vannyy: TT quoted me $2000.00 less than h&r or J.Hewitt hun
846 code 02/23 is that the date they actually transmit the refund?
WMR hasn’t updated yet as well
@Ladyinwaiting: It could, it depends on your bank. You should call them and ask.
@Tigerlili_1: ok thank you!! I have aspirations so they release the day that the irs releases it. As long as I see my second bar tomorrow morning I’m good. I’m a weekly.
@Clos: oh ok thanks at least I’m not alone.
@Janise: Refund has been released. So, depending on your bank, it can go in anytime now.
So stupid question I got the 846 code and the date is 2/23/23 is that the day my refund will be sent to me?
@KYMama22: oh and the irs will mail a letter thinking we are not checking our transcripts lol.
@KYMama22: did you have unemployment last year. It might be they finally changed your Agi. They offset will be taken from your refund so I would worry about that part.
Update: mine hit at 2:00pm today on chime with fee free.