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: ok so if he does an amended return, should he do a zero dollar income on the return?
Hello everyone. Got my taxes all done! Who’s ready for hopefully a smooth tax season?!
@Sheila_33: last year I filed on January 20 with HR Block. IRS turn on computer the 24th and I receive my return on the 28th of January.
@Looking for answers: If he was denied the child tax credits, and it was me, I would consider amending for those credits.
@Gracious Gambino: If they do early batch processing, they may start the end of next week. All depends on whether the systems are ready to be tested. I have seen people get accepted and processed before opening day and receive their refund date the same week they opened.
@Sheila_33: thank u
Yall I am still waiting on an amendment I filed last year in April. They disallowed a claim due to them saying my son was not in college, and the form was literally done. They sent me a letter that said wait 60 days. I waited the 60 days and then got a letter saying they sent it to another department for the appeal process, and I got another letter saying give them another 60 days. That was about 90 days ago and I can’t get anyone on the phone. UGH!
Almost that time guys!
@Sheila_33: he was audited for earned income credit they wanted him to show proof that he made self employed income.
Ugggg…nvm, I had to delete a few forms. I apologize!
Question?! So, my husband’s W2 is available and I have started inputting the info in at TT. However, it shows me that Form 8915F-T (qualified disaster retirement plan distributions and repayments) isn’t available. I have no idea what this form is about, because it’s not applicable to us. Anyone else having or had to deal with this?
So when will the irs actually open & start accepting taxes?
@Azluckyfish: check your forms on the tax software you’re using to efile. If the form is there, then it will be included. If you’ve been claiming him for a number of years, there most likely won’t be an issue.
@Looking for answers.: If he was audited for income, and the dependents were accepted on his return, you most likely can’t claim them on an amended. Really depends on what he was audited for.
I have to file form 8332 is there anyway to attach to my efiled taxes or is it automatically in my taxes when I filled out info this form is to let none custodial parent claim my son per court order . My son has lived with me 8 years and has never seen his dad so do I still get eic or does he get that as well
@lori1985: i wish i could love this!
Happy but Mot Happy Tax season folks.Let the shananigans begin.Whos ready for weekly transcript checks?????Lol a little humor…I haven’t filed yet still waiting on Workday to load up my darn W2 come on 🙄
Quick question long scenario. Last year the children’s dad carried the children, he’s self employed but was audited , he didn’t get a refund cause he didn’t keep adequate records. Can I do an amended return and claim the children so that I can get the child tax credit and earned income credit?
@WaitingSinceApril: I am in the same situation. They received my 2021 amended return April 25,2022. Just got a 60 day notice. Since I waited 14 months for my 2020 amended, I’m assuming that’s around the time frame
Filed amended April of last year. Finally got ahold of someone today who said they haven’t even started the paper cycle yet so I have to call back in 2 weeks. For 2021?! Are you kidding me???
I want to do my taxes
Top of the morning y’all!!
Hello All!
Ready for another nail biting adventure. :)