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.
@AR3269: same for me
Just checked WMR and no change for me. Still one bar and tax topic 152. Maybe next week.
Filed 1/15
Accepted 1/16
05 weekly
Transcript updated yesterday all good codes and this morning my WMR had the path message. I guess I am just waiting for the 15th to clear. Hope this helps
@Texastommie: most likely it was resequenced. its no big deal.. it should be updated next week. it has either been the still processing message or id verify showing up for people today.
Woke up to no 152 tax topic a refund date will be provided when available what does that mean help!
@Cloudy 86 Not signed in: I don’t even see any letters. No notices what so ever
@IHATETAXTIME: I had this 2 years ago. Just follow the instructions on the letter. It only slowed me down by 2 weeks than the usual time I get my refund
@Stevenfromrosewood: I see a big wave of these this morning! I really don’t think there’s a need to panick when trans aren’t even complete. So we’ll see what Friday brings with scripts. FB is giving out hopeless info and I hate that! I will always come here for advice lol!
@IHATETAXTIME: I woke up to the same thing
@AR3269: I did this morning
Has Anyone got the Path Message yet? I was accepted on 01/16/24 and still have the generic tax topic 52 message. Just making sure I have company and not alone. lol
I updated to path weekly last year when are we looking at refunds for this ?
I’m on path now
@moe: I won’t panic until next week I guess. Fingers crossed it’s nothing!
@IHATETAXTIME: Got it to
@sheila_33
I meant wmr
I woke up to: To protect you from identity theft, your tax return is currently being reviewed. To help us process your return more quickly, verify your identity and tax return information. If you recently received a letter from us, follow the instructions on the letter. Please have your tax return (Form 1040 series) available and read the website or letter before starting the verification process. If you already verified your identity and tax return information, you may check the status of your refund after 2-3 weeks
For the first time ever! No notices though! What’s this about! Someone help!
@Sheila_33: Thanks. Just took away lot of my stress.
@sheila_33
How does work change if your I’d verify?
Thanks
@Ohio girl: My suspicion is its resequencing, yes.