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.
@photodude416: Tuesday and Friday are normally big transcript update days, except for today which was anything than normal. Hopefully, you’ll process this coming week.
@photodude416: same I’m in the same exact boat as you. Even the date accepted. But I used freetaxusa. I do have an account transcript though. Gonna have my fingers crossed for you.
I was accepted 1/19. Just W-2s, regular CTC, and education credits. So nothing to delay my return.
Still 1-bar, transcripts only show n/a except wage transcript but there is nothing in it.
Hopefully something happens soon.
@Tigerlili_1: Indeed…. I am not sure why I expected good news today, as I have been resequenced the 3 years, looks like #4 😳
@Rabbityellowcar: You can check out this calender that IGMR has developed. Might give you an idea how we think refunds will update for weeklies and dailies: https://igotmyrefund.com/irs-update-calendar-for-transcripts-and-wmr/
@Tigerlili_1: Good to see you for another year :)
@Tigerlili_1: thanks. I’m wondering when my transcript will update, more so. I have an account transcript that has all zeros and as of day 2-12-24.
@justlikestealing: Waiting seems to be the name of the game this time of year.
@Rabbityellowcar: PATh begins processing February 15
For the refund advance do they count the eitc and ctc or just the amount of the refund before those are added
Also I’m 05.
Anyone know when I can expect and update? Filed 1/18 accepted 1/19 I still have N/A next to my transcripts y’all :(.
I do have PATH credits and college credits. But I’m seeing people with transcripts updated and just waiting on the release codes.
@Tigerlili_1: Doing well….just
patiently waiting, lol
@justlikestealing: Im good and you?
@Sheila_33: let’s hope for some movement soon!!! Even though I just filed and was accepted 2 days ago!!!! :)