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.
@Ak: thank you. I’ve checked it on several occasions, there isn’t a notice there.
@Amuz2: I believe so . Hopefully . People that were accepted after me went into review immediately. I will keep everyone updated . The state threads are not working properly
@NYkhidd: I was accepted two days after you and have stayed on processing with ny also..if it’s like past years, you should update tomorrow or Thursday and hopefully mine will follow
@Walter DOG: I was wondering that the other day as well and it makes sense.
@NYkhidd: I’m a weekly with is being processed. Transcripts with 0 and as of 2/19/24 and I’m on path as well
Everyone just needs to be patient. I think sometimes we can look too much into things when it comes to our tax returns and how they are being processed and when they will cycle through and get our refund. Just be patient, if you are legitimately due a refund, remember the IRS estimates most of us will get our refund within 21 days if we choose direct deposit. Most of you let 5 days pass by and start freaking out. Relax and everyone take a chill pill! We will all get there. Remember when we do get our refund let’s encourage others who are going through what we went through (patiently waiting) the same thing. A kettle never boils if we keep watching it!
@MommianaOf4: I believe that may be the case for me this year will update soon with ddd … stayed on processing with NY the entire time . Accepted 1/30/24 still processing . I would have been switched to review by now . Some went to review immediately after they was accepted by NY
@Katie: check your account page and see if it says verify your tax information.
@Walter DOG: I’m weekly with path message all transcripts filled out . As of date 2/19/24
@MommianaOf4: when were you accepted by ny
I can’t remember does it mean anything when topic 152 disappears?
Good morning all! So still sitting on as of 2/19 date after updated from 2/12 this past Friday. Accepted 1/23, account transcript showing with tax return not filed. I have been an 05 for several years. 1 W2, win/loss from gambling (I’ve had this other years). I’ve always updated by this point in time… I don’t have any verification messages. Original WMR message with topic 152- could I be stuck in some Que or have been pulled for manual review or something? I don’t understand why I haven’t updated. Also, not under path act, double checked those lines to be 110% sure,
@Sheila_33: Good morning Sheila it’s weird that some transcripts that are filled out and on Path has as of 2-26 could it be since 16 is Friday I wonder if weekly on path have 2-19 since that’s the day weekly process and daily with path have 2-26 and they finish processing the next Tuesday into Wednesday don’t know just a thought what you think
@Ohio girl: that’s the weird thing, she asked me questions about my 2023 return to access my account and then told me I had to wait to receive the letter. Lmao
@Katie: I honestly wish I could answer that question for you, but things are weird this year with the new system integration. I just had to keep an eye on my account main page and the tax return info verification randomly showed up on there. Some people are just getting recycled and then process through just fin, it’s honestly a waiting game right now for a lot of people.
@Jocelynn: the control number on the letter is needed because you’ll have to answer questions about your 2023 return
@Jocelynn: That stinks! I am sorry! At least it is on the way now from what it sounds like. Mine has pretty much looked the same since accepted on 1/23. The as of date on the account transcript moved from 2/12 to 2/19 this past Friday afternoon. No verifications on either wmr or main IRS… is something going on with mine possibly??
@Waiting waiting: It looks like you haven’t been processed yet so your fees have not been paid. Your fees are only paid after your refund has been approved and sent.
@Waiting waiting: the refund will be submitted to HRBlocks bank, the fees will be taken out and then HRBlock will release the remaining balance to you. You won’t see that on your transcript.
@Mirah: I did my own taxes. I have a friend that did not do her own taxes and has to ID verify.