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.
So I may have a self proclaimed theory. I moved the beginning of 2023. I signed up and verified my identity via ID ME back in December or November. I wonder if that message (for some of us) was signaled due to automatic match of this years return, and last years return. I’m definitely looking forward to Friday to see scripts and WMR updates on Saturday. I will go in tomorrow (opening day) to see if I can verify over the website…but I really think it’s nothing.
As of date 2/12 with blank transcript ? Any idea what that means ??? . I’m worried I filed early accepted 1/16
@Sheila_33: hello 👋🏾 I have a question for you. I forgot to add a w-2 for short term disability. I only got paid once because it was towards the end of December. Do you think it will affect my refund this year?
@Txnate: There better be some movement this week, or I’ll be changing that grade to an F lol
@BeeBee40: I would!
@BeeBee40: Not sure if Sunday maintenance has anything to do with but you might try later in the day.
Is the TurboTax refund deposit estimate usually accurate? Mine currently says 2/9, but “Where’s my refund” says I have to do some ID verification thing (assuming because I switched banks)
@Amy19: ☺️
@Sheila_33: I am waiting to file until tomorrow morning. I have been reading up on some many that are in the test batch waiting line, my 19 year included. I hope this is a smooth sailing season for all, not the pain the butt it has been the last few years. I hope your week is a good one, gonna be chaotic week here I am sure! Keep smiling!
@dio: I filed on Jan 25 and still haven’t been accepted filed H&R Block deluxe online. I’m being told it’s because the IRA forms have not been finalized.
Good morning everyone. Is anyone else having trouble with ID Me for transcripts. I was approved and received the virtual call but still can’t get in. When I try to go back in it directs me to the count down to do this again. The representative told me to use one email and which one to use and I did that but still it want let me continue. Should I make an appointment again to see what’s wrong
@Mike: Yea, it happened last year too. I went back and checked. 2022 there were some resequenced twice. Can’t trust the Irs or gators for that matter. 🤣
@Sheila_33: i agree! hopefully they get their sh*t together like yesterday!! you should be leading us to victory first since you are a daily! lol ive had way to much coffee this morning