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.
@RJ: the head of the irs said they are already prepared to implement the change once it’s passed, but nobody is saying what that looks like. You’re probably right though. I’m guessing something like when stimulus went out. I know it won’t be monthly payments this time.
@Chris: Is this something new? I have been filing self-employed with TurboTax for the past 15 years and I always pay my fees out of the refund. So unless it’s something new this year I don’t understand
Just got email at 10:36 accepted by IRS
I don’t really see the point in waiting to file in order to possibly get the additional CTC. Even if the bill gets passed, the chances of the IRS getting their software updated within any type of reasonable time period is almost nil. I would imagine they will just send out separate payments later in the year after the tax season for those who qualify for the additional credit. I am going to file as soon as I get my 1095-A from the healthcare marketplace
Just filed this morning. Hoping to get accepted early.
@TeeDee44: it allowed me to do it. If you have certain forms like self employment or some other things it wont allow you to pay from refund.
Is something every year with TT. I tried to file on the second of January and they said all my forms would be ready by the 17th. So I get up this morning and I see that all my forms are indeed ready however there is no option yet to pay fees out of the refund. Has anyone received that option from turbotax as yet
(THIS FOR MINNESOTA PEOPLE)
Child Tax Credit
Enacts a child tax credit (CTC) equal to $1,750 per child under 18, with no cap on the number of children. This credit is phased out, along with an amended Working Family Credit, for those with incomes over $35,000 and married filing jointly, or $29,500 for other filers.
@moe: In the past few years, we’ve seen them start accepting late morning into the evening.
what time today is the Hub testing ?
@Monee Unlogged: I wanted to wait to file.
@Fldagurl: nothing went wrong. I wanted to file bc of the new child tax credit stuff that could be happening. I also had a baby Dec 29 and dont have his social yet. Google said it could take 6 to 12 weeks so my husband told me to just file it and amend later if anything actually ends up happening.
https://igotmyrefund.com/irs-cycle-code/
For those of you accepted, watch those transcripts for updates. Daily can process any day, weeklies Friday updates.
@Monee’Unlogged: I wouldn’t let it stress you too much. The bill has to pass and then the IRS has to implement it, and waiting on the government is like waiting for molasses from a tree in the winter time. My guess is if the bill is passed, then the transcript would update to reflect additional credit amount owed and it would be dispersed.
@Penny: Welcome in! Returns chosen for early batch testing are random.
@Happy tax time: That’s awesome! Thank you 😊
@Monee’ Unlogged: what happened? You just kinda left that open. Did something go wrong? Deets please 🥺