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.
@Txnate: I called the verify hotline this morning, to inquire about the letter and what showed up in my account, she asked me tons of questions about my identity and this years tax return to access my account, then told me after all that that I needed to wait for the letter with the control number to “verify” this years tax return info.. it didn’t make sense because her questions verified it all!!!
@ak: And do you have any transcripts or are they there but just all 0s?
@Jocelynn: not too eventful just been busy at work. hoping for updates tonight or soon.. how was your day confusing?
@ChelleB: Yes, I don’t believe I saw it previously.
@Ak: Did your notice show up today on your irs account?
@Txnate: hey there! It was ok, a little confusing, but ok. How was yours?
@Jocelynn:good evening! how was your day?
Good evening everyone
I’m gonna need Capital One to work a little faster lol smh. Taking their sweet time sheesh.
@Mike: Wow Mike I’m so sorry to here about your addicent..I pray 🙏 that you you’re doing much better..Same here pushed Date out from the 19th to the 26th..Pray a update to on transcript..I’m a daily 02..Filed on 23rd accepted on the 24th…Sill nothing on wmr
Did people update today? Haven’t been on here in a min
Hello! I got this message on my IRS account: I didn’t receive a letter and this is the first year this is happening 😰 what does it mean and how long does it take clear after verification? Thank you in advance!
Verify Your Return
Verify Your Letter
Did you receive an IRS return verification letter (5071C, 5447C, 5747C, or 6331C) in the mail? (You will need this letter to continue with this online service. If you received a letter, but don’t have it with you, please come back later.)
@Denise N.: nice!! I haven’t checked my transcripts yet (too nervous to) but I hope they updated 😁
@Waiting Impatiently: i see your nine inch nails and raise ya, The Man in Black Johnny Cash!
@LisaM2389: I hear you. I’m old school hip hop and rock bands. I’ll see your AIC and raise you Nine inch nails….hahaha
Today I saw a notice on my account but no letters sent yet. Called and got an appointment. I called back to double check what I need and the new reps stated the appointment should not have been made and u have to wait for the letter. The letter will be sent after 22 days. Well I am going to keep the appointment and provide the information requested. I have been stuck with blank transcripts for 3 weeks now.