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 on January 26, 2026.
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 IRS no longer publishes an official tax refund cycle chart. It has been eliminated and replaced with IRS FAQ. Since then, dozens of versions have popped up, some better than others.
That’s where we step in.
Get the dates, skip the guessing.
Each year, we compile the most accurate Refund Cycle Chart, built from IRS manuals, payout trends, PATH Act release dates, holidays, and real user updates, so you don’t have to guess when your refund will hit.
Check the IGMR Refund Cycle Chart and see when your money’s coming.
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.
@HereIgoAgain2024: I just looked because I never follow up like I should, and there’s a list of reasons why on their website. We filed a few of the forms listed so that prevents us from being eligible. You can find it in their Q&A!
They didn’t offer me an advance either!
Will there be any explanation this year about the new IP PINs the IRS offered this year and how they may affect returns for pathers?
@Amy19: Hey lady! Nice to see ya. :)
@@TexansTaxesInTexas: man I really hope the best for you I don’t think I can dive any deeper into this man
Hi everyone! Happy New Year! Taxes this year stunk! Both kids are over 17 so no big refund anymore. Thank goodness I don’t really need a big refund. They are just nice to have.
This is the first year TT didn’t offer me the advance. I wonder if it’s because my refund was so small? 🤔
Anyhoo, here’s hoping to no glitches!! Sent them tonight. Maybe I’ll get lucky in the test batch!
Welcome back, regulars! And welcome to any newbies too! Everyone can compare notes, opinions, share their experiences… as long as we all play nice. May this season go smoothly. fingers crossed.
@TexansTaxesInTexas: HUB testing started today. People have been accepted.
@@TexansTaxesInTexas: been with this page for over 10 years now. This just isn’t true and it’s beyond unhelpful for the other members here. Support or sit it out
I truly hope the negativity and conspiracy theory junk goes away. It’s already starting here.
@Drblute: “plus what would someone gain by “ promoting” a tax service lol”
If you’ve been here long enough you’d know big tax companies hire people, LIKE YOU, to prey upon less seasoned folks to make them go with them.
How? By promoting a certain company or making another one look bad.
@Sheila_33: Good evening! I hope you are doing good. I’m praying for a smooth sailing tax season for everyone here. Thanks again for all you do here, it’s appreciated.
Filed 1/8/25 IRS just accepted my return 1/15/25 6:45 pm EST . TEST BATCH LEGGO . I’m in NY state used turbo tax
@TexansTaxesInTexas: plus what would someone gain by “ promoting” a tax service lol last I checked using what ever service people use is for their specific needs also cost. My 12 years of files are with turbo tax just makes it easy for me judging by your comments of “bait” your def new to this just relax and let the irs do their thing man
@TexansTaxesInTexas: I use turbo tax last 12 years iv been doing my taxes guy. You really need to just chill my dude like someone said before if we could insert screenshots I have no issue showing
@Sheila_33: I filed with free tax usa on the 7th or 8th
@HereEvEyear: TurboTax I filed on the 8th. Paid fees upfront also didn’t sign up for refund advance, I want my whole refund at one time 😊
@Pleasehelp1: As of now, I think you’re fine, but you might check that transcript once a week until your 2025 processes and posts. :)
@Sheila_33: it says as of date Nov 2024
@Drblute: “@TexansTaxesInTexas: clearly you don’t tho bud years past usually freetaxusa goes first then TurboTax watch and see”
Lol. So promoting FreeTaxUsa. Like I said, bait.
@Drblute:
“@TexansTaxesInTexas: clearly you don’t tho bud years past usually freetaxusa goes first then TurboTax watch and see”
Lol. So promoting FreeTaxUsa. Like I said, bait.
Those of you accepted today and tomorrow, would you please say when you filed and the tax software/company used. Thank you
@Pleasehelp1: If you’re not seeing any dates and that doesn’t change, you may be ok. Is your as of date on the 2024 a 2024 date?
@Pleasehelp1: Most likely won’t see a change on the 2025 until it processes. Check your 2024 transcript and see if there’s any codes with the 2025 dates beside them.
@@TexansTaxesInTexas: clearly you don’t tho bud years past usually freetaxusa goes first then TurboTax watch and see
@TexansTaxesinTexas: FreeTax seems to be the only returns we’re seeing being accepted and yes, myself and others have been accepted and one rejection.
@@TexansTaxesInTexas: considering a moderator on here was already accepted, I’m going with yes, they are. They do this every year 7-10 before tax season officially opens. Honestly no need to be negative
@Drblute
Far from new. I know what is true and what is just bait. But, believe what you want.
@TexansTaxesInTexas: you must be new around here lol. A lot of players that been using this site for years don’t lie man
So far I’ve only seen FreeTax returns get early acceptance. Hoping that changes throughout today and tomorrow