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.
@Ashinil: nope! CTC isn’t under path
@MaryB: Hi can you tell me when you were accepted by SC state. I’m currently wondering when mine will be sent. Thanking you in advance for your help.
Cycle code 20230404, guessing I’m a daily.
MFJ with one child. Didn’t qualify for EIC but got CTC.
Am I affected by PATH?
I have not started on my taxes for this year, and probably won’t until the next week or two. I am still waiting on an appeal they told me almost 5 months ago, to give them another 60 days. No clue how much longer it is going to take either because I cant get anyone on the phone in that department. UGH!
I have been a daily processor for years. But could having PATH credits this year kick me to weekly?
@Westing25: Some people are familiar with the patterns.
@Mike: oh sorry. I usually get a DD on Saturdays for the following wed. Transcripts aren’t updated yet, just saying NA.
@Big guy: Yes, owed to you. If you don’t have the 846 refund code and you have a child tax credit that is held under the Path Law, you won’t see a refund date until after Feb. 15th.
SC state deposited today.
@KYMama22: It helps if you fill in your filing details so we have some more information. Do you have access to your transcripts online? Do you know if you are usually a weekly or daily? If you are weekly you can expect to see the Path message on Saturday on WMR. Daily you could update any day.
Hey guys! Haven’t been on in a few days, busy with work. I see some have got the PATH message. I don’t see that yet. Should I be worried? I don’t remember about the timeline that I got it last year.
@Sheila_33: thank you. Due to me is what you meant correct? Will that transcript populate with a 846 then?
@Yandyy: Kids are taller than me, except the youngest and all teenagers but the one. Driving me crazy but in a good way, lol. Always nice to see you!
@Big guy: The 806 is your federal withholdings and the 766 is a tax credit. Both are negative which means they are due you. 150 is return received
@Sheila_33: Yes your right.Its a little kool here in Orlando tonight.Stay warm lol…How’s the family..I see me and you still here after all these years 😆
@Sheila_33: thanks, I checked them out and it really didn’t make sense to me