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.
@Sheila_33: what would happen if it shows up as unreported income would irs fix it? I know the enrolled agent said our tax liability wouldn’t change and that it goes in 50 dollar increments
Here’s some helpful information for those who might be worried their refund will be offset by the IRS. This is for only IRS offset. I spoke with an IRS agent last year, and I was told that as some others have said here tonight to contact an advocate. Along with that, you need to request a hardship as well and prove there hardship to them and they will work something out to where you will get your money. However you will still be on the hook to pay the money back on a payment plan
@basketcasemomma: There must be races in every state this weekend. They have races in Daytona Beach FL today too. It’s a mad house there. Traffic not moving.
@Frank Garrett – Southpark IRS Agent (aka buckey12): SBTPG doesn’t send notification until they’ve finished with deductions.
That’s notify ACH when they release the funds, which is the day before the IRS settlement date. That’s why early posting banks, get it the same day SBTPG et al, updates and the traditional banks stick to the actual settlement date.
I don’t know why SBTPG can’t just be honest about it.
@Ank: yes option two will give you the amount deducted from the refund as well as who intercepted the refund.
@INeedmuhFunds: There are a few still having a similar issue. You’ve most likely been resequenced and you’ll have to try to cycle through again. Hopefully, this is your week. :)
@Help me: did you have any offsets?
@Big boy: It could possibly show up as unreported income but if that amount doesn’t change anything as far as your tax liability then it won’t matter.
I filed 1/28 wmr was on 1 bar now no bars and still processing msg with no tt transcripts top 2 N/A bottom 2 name and addy all 0s and as of 2/20 then switched to 3/6 i called irs they said nothing is wrong anybody else in similar situation
@Ank: If the offset line is saying the debt is paid, as of that DD date, then the debt most likely as been taken from the refund. Wmr is reflecting the transcript since there are no offset codes. The code may update later on the transcript after the balance has been refunded.
@Michigander80: From what I understand it is the amount of the debt any difference should be sent to you.
@Sheila_33: thank you just really frustrating
I have a question when you call the offset line and they give you the amount, is that the amount that was taken? Or the amount you are getting after that offset is taken?
@Patientlywaiting1987: Hopefully then, you’ll see an update this week.
@Help me: You can contact your local advocates office and they may be able to help.
@Frank Garrett – Southpark IRS Agent (aka buckey12): so youre saying theres a chance.. 🥹
So I updated this morning ddd 2/23 when I did my taxes I was expecting $9000 after checking wmr they said I was get $0.56 I never got a letter nor didn’t anyone contact me I had plans with that money now I’m stuck I’m sorry just venting
@Frank Garrett – Southpark IRS Agent (aka buckey12): thank you! It will be Weds then.
@basketcasemomma: I’ve used them the last three years, and it’s been the same every year for me. The IRS sends the ACH notification to SBTPG a few days before and SBTPG also sets up notification with your bank; in my case, FNB is notified that funds will be arriving for X amount of dollars. What customer service at TPG has told me is that they follow the day the IRS gives. If your bank chooses to follow the notification before the funds arrive, that is up to them, but TPG doesn’t change the date.
@Sheila_33: yes I have called and they stated no issues just delayed
@Michael: which day? the 22nd or 23rd? Lol. i know it’s one of those, but I’m trying to figure out if it’ll be the 23rd which is what WMR says or will it come 22nd,?
@basketcasemomma: if your talking about Sbtpg then it will be the 22/23
So when checking mine, it says, “test redline message from I18nJson also. My transcripts are all 0’s and says my 2022 has not been processed. What does this mean? WORRIED
@Minnie11
@Sheila_33: Miss Sheila are you able to give any insight to those who have the two bars but no DDD on how to confirm an offset has been taken? I saw others saying they called and that option 1 sain no offset which makes since if it has been paid since issuance of the 846 but that option 2 for payments stated amount paid… I am not personally familiar and don’t want to speak too much on something I myself have not experienced. @Angeel needs some information if you or anyone is able. Thank you!
Have a quick question. I currently go to a enrolled agent and he is saying he might decide to amend my return due to me getting a 1099 int for 2.17 cents. He at one point said he wasn’t going too and now is saying he might if he gets time. My question is if he decides fully not to amend the return for the missing 1099 int will it cause problems for me. It won’t change my tax on the tax tables. Has anyone ever been through anything like this where they didn’t amend for a 1099int for that small. Should I expect any letters or anything
@Sheila_33: It was a zoo here this morning! It looks like it has settled down. Enjoy the thunderbirds!
@Ank: i got a letter today from the illinois comptroller telling me they took a part if my state refund . I did get direct deposit yesterday for my reminder left. I call off set number and it says i have no offset or debt as of today