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.
@Mike: any idea on it?
@Sheila_33: 15th and my wmr changed this morning to still being processed a refund date provided when available I still have my bars and everything on the side ,my wmr usually updated Saturday morning
@UhhKakis: This might help describe the differences between weekly vs daily:
https://igotmyrefund.com/daily-weekly/
@KYMAMA22: Yes mine was exactly the same as yours
@KYMAMA22:
@Sheila_33: my wmr usually doesn’t change until Saturday morning
@KYMAMA22: my Cycle says 20230405 does that mean a date for April 5th? I have CTC I’m new to this and I never really was interested until I found this website. How do I know if I’m weekly or whatever
@Sheila_33: Also I checked my wmr and I have my bars but it changed to still being processed a refund date will be provided when available
@UhhKakis: I believe that just means you’re a daily. Your transcripts will update on Fridays and wmr app will update in Saturdays usually
I was finally able to see my transcripts could someone explained to me about the cycle codes mine ends in 05
So my account transcripts for 22 updated around 6 this morning, others are NA. The account one shows an as of date for Feb 13th, but no Amount. Anyone else? What does this mean?
Good morning, I woke up to account and return transcripts filled out and says processing date Feb 13, I’m 0405 cycle and I’m a weekly done processing. Filed on the 7th accepted the 19th,paid fees upfront and I should update to path in the morning. If not at least I know I’m done processing lol I wish good luck to everyone else that’s still waiting.
IRS seems to be processing returns much faster and efficiently than previous years.
Trust me from past experience, I know how frustrating it can be.
I had to wait over 5 months for a return 2 years ago when they were so back logged.
This year I filed on 1/23/23, was accepted the same day. I am a weekly, so my transcripts updated last night/this morning.
I have a 846 code this morning with a DDD of 2/1/2023.
Refunds are coming!
@Sheila_33: Good morning,I was accepted the 15 and I’m weekly and both my return and account trans are still NA,don’t know what’s going on
IRS seems to be processing returns much faster and efficiently than previous years.
Trust me from past experience, I know how frustrating it can be.
I had to wait over 5 months for a return 2 years ago when they were so back logged.
This year I filed on 1/23/23, was accepted the same day. I am a weekly, so my transcripts updated last night/this morning.
I have a 846 code this morning with a DDD of 2/1/2023.
Refunds are coming!
@Mamatrilogy3: mine too I filed 3 days ago & I’m still pending
Filed 1/23
I owed money this year…
I’m a weekly and my transcripts are processed and my return has been totally processed when I checked this am…. so things are really fast this year…
@Sheila_33: I filed and was accepted 1/23. I’ve never not updated the weekend after opening day so now I’m nervous. I had a baby in 2022 but this is the only change. I’m always in the first round. I’ve been weekly for years now.
Transcripts update all day today.?I don’t think mine update til night time.
Fast year! Filed Monday 01/23/2023, accepted 01/24/2023, on WMR 01/24/2023, Transcripts updated today 01/27/2023 with an 846 code and DDD 02/01/2023. Single/Head of Household, no dependants
Filed through TurboTax
@VaGal07: It’s possible you could update today. Updates usually come in waves so that’s what I’m hoping for. When were you accepted?
Checked transcripts today as I have been a weekly for years and only two are showing for 2022- Wage and then Return. My return transcript has 0’s but As Of Date of 2/13. Does this mean they are still updating and could possibly fill in today?