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.
@shelleybeanss: Thank you, Shelley. I appreciate that. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that is the case and maybe get dressed to kill the time. Haha!
Hi everyone! Just a quick update,
I filed on 1/22 through TurboTax. My return was just accepted and my advance just posted.
@Broke_Momma39: mine showed up 15 min after acceptance but I seen an earlier poster say credit karma rep told them it can take up to an hour or more
Anyone apply for the refund advance? I just got accepted byIRS a little while ago, but still haven’t gotten my refund advance and I’m just kind of curious how long it has been taking? Usually it’s there within a couple minutes. (Yes, I know, I need patience, but I also am desperateeee and would love to go buy some groceries) lol
Omg. Woohoo just got accepted. One step closer
Kinda regret filing early in the test batch accepted 1/16 due to all the resequencing from last year .. past few years I waited til opening day
@justlikestealing: Me too! Last year’s resequencing was crazy.
@Admin: I was wondering why the forms I checked off in the filing details are not visible in the conversation (so we may see who is a PATHer)? Thank you
Hello to all…….. Just waiting to see if I can avoid the “re-sequencing, ride, after being on it, the last 2 yrs
I hope, pray the lightning speed with this 2023 tax experience continues :)
I was accepted 1:11 – just checked for the giggles WMR and have already one bar.
@Sheila_33: Hi Ms. Sheila! How are you, your family? It’s me again – your ‘almost neighbor’ in FL…. :)
Hello and smooth receiving everyone!
Hey everyone!! .. another year of waiting is here !!!
Filled yesterday 1/23
Accepted today 1/24
No EITC, paid fees out of refund
Filed through TT
@Sheila_33: update I just checked prior years and they are all the same shortened name and address so nvm on that lol!
@Sheila_33: ya I have an 05 I always thought I was weekly that’s how it seemed to go