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.
I know we have awhile but who takes the fees for H&R Block? I usually file with turbo tax but since I’m filing single HOH this year I decided to go with a new tax preparation company. Do they release the funds early or are they like turbo tax when fees are removed from refund?
Yay! My return was accepted yesterday. Just checked WMR and it shows accepted and TT 152. Now the long wait on the PATH LOL.
@Goodvibes: I’ve seen some on FB with similar experience. Some had to remove and reinstall the app. I saw some saying it worked when they moved to a desktop and some who were already experiencing it on the desktop used a different browser. I’ve read one person so far where none of these worked for her, so she’s still trying to get help from TT and CK but no one seems to be able to help her.
@Momof5nfl: When they’re officially open but when they’re doing just test batches, they only do it M-F.
? I’m filing I’ve always gotten the advance well this is it was an offer but at the end it says my device isn’t recognized they sent me a text to my mobile & it’s still saying that, I stopped right there. Anyone else experience this??
@Yandyy: The easiest is TurboTax because you can do it yourself while efiling your tax and because you’re doing it yourself online the fee is very low compared to other tax places but the only thing is you’ll have to wait for your taxes to be accepted by IRS to get your advance. The other tax institutions, you’ll have to go in-office or upload docs online for them to file your taxes and the fees they charge to file your taxes are high…in the hundreds even if you have a simple tax return BUT you’ll get your advance “usually” the same day and don’t have to wait for IRS acceptance.
@NYkhidd: thanks. I ended up doing just that. Hopefully I get accepted and receive my advance by Tuesday/Wednesday
@MsT2024: I used my last pay stub instead of waiting on my w2 . If you KNOW EXACTLY what you doing what numbers to put in what box you will be ok . I got my w2 last week but filed on 1/7/24 accepted 1/16 in test batch . FYI THE INFO I USED FROM LAST PAST PAY STUB MATCHED MY W2 100% .. sorry for the CAPS just important info
So I was offered a advance signed papers .so on the 19th my return was accepted. No advance. So after a brief chat TT explained it was on credit karma’s end. She’s been getting calls since her 7am shift started about this she gave me a number for credit karma that’s completely busy after first ring. Any thoughts on this will be appreciated. Frustrating
@Yandyy: TT
If I am missing 1 smaller W-2 but wanted to file without it to get my loan, will I have to amend later? My refund amount doesn’t change when I add that amount but I don’t have the actual w-2, just the last check stub info.
@cmaine: Can you tell me who you file with and how long did it take to get the advance? Is it your first time with them.Thanks
Good afternoon. I have a question. Thanks in advance for answering. What is the best tax service to get a advance from..And what are the steps? Thanks everyone
Do you think it will be any acceptance by the irs on the weekend
@:-): Why don’t you go take a hike. We don’t need your ugly negativity on here, and it seems you my friend, are the LOSER. Have a nice day!
@Ollie: Yes I received the refund advance.
Good morning everyone! Here’s a link for a discussion about this coming year and what users thoughts are about it. Most appreciated if you want to jump in and share any thoughts. Hoping for a smooth year for everyone. https://igotmyrefund.com/forums/forum/general-discussion/2024-tax-season/
@Ollie: right it says after acceptance not approval
@Yarri: Lots of people have gotten it regardless with just submission. If this was the case nobody would have their money until the 29th I’m assuming, but people already have it.
@Ollie: it has to get approved from the irs to get the advance
@HelloNJMomHere: Hi There I’m from New Jersey I filed both my Federal and State Return on TurboTax January 15th 2024 I was Accepted today January 19th 2024 for Federal and State is Usually right after.. hope this helps my 7th year with TurboTax
Tax Preparer:FreeTaxUSA
Date Filed:Jan 17th
Fees:Free
Bank:chime
Date Accepted:Jan-19th
Transcript:Online
Cycle:Daily
I Got My Refund!
Just got accepted today
hi, guys! new tax year.. happy to see everyone again
@Sheila_33: Ok I see! I was not aware that could happen. I am going to finish mine tomorrow. It is a simple return with a W-2 and information from my business. I do not have any dependents, so no credits.
Hi
1/19 Update on CTC:
The House Ways and Means Committee has advanced the Child Tax Credit (CTC) deal to the House floor.
follow this post to stay updated:
https://igotmyrefund.com/child-tax-credit-changes/
@HelloNJMomHere: Have you checked our State Refund forum? The conversation may have not started yet for the year, but you can chime in for 2024!
https://igotmyrefund.com/forums/forum/state-refunds/
I want to file my taxes but the state of NJ is not accepting returns. would anyone know the date NJ will start to accept returns? I don’t want to file them separately.