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.
@Ash: that its been more then 21 days
What does we apologize but your return processing has been delayed beyond normal time frame & I got tax topic 152
Where do I find the state tax thread? My NM portal says it was processed and I have a credit balance on my account, but like, when is it going to refund? Lol 🤣
@Txmomof3girls: did it say anything about the automated system as far as that it wouldnt be able to complete the request if you have it id verify?
This part is in reference to the path hold (c-freeze) and when it lifts: https://www.irs.gov/irm/part21/irm_21-005-006r#idm140504705838000 Also explains weekly/daily processing after the path freeze lifts
@Tab: Those id verifies are what’s throwing me. Ridiculous amount this year
@Txmomof3girls: Look at you! (wipes a little tear from the corner of my eye) Way to go!
@Sheila_33: Curiouser and curiouser. I have never been a consistent daily or weekly. Each year it’s been different so it wouldn’t shock me processing as a 01 daily on Friday. Lol. The lack of mass updating and all the notices people received has me wondering if processing is not exactly the same as years past? I guess this week will reveal some answers.
@Sheila_33: I think I found a work around for those waiting on ID verification. I was reading in the manual last night and if you call and speak to a human to order your transcripts and it has been flagged for ID verification they are “supposed” to ID verify you so that the transcripts will go back into processing and you can get them mailed out to you. I was reading it on my computer last night, and I’m on my phone not at home now but can get the specific section when I get home.
@Looking for info: You can always do a form 4852 which is a substitute w2 that you can fill out and send in. Filers can use those if the company goes out of business or a w2 has not been sent by the required timeline.
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4852
My Missouri updated today with a DDD of 2/6. Wish my transcripts would get some update action.