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.
I am weekly with as of date 2/19. That has never changed. Why is everyone else’s changing to 2/29 and mine hasn’t? Should I update Friday?
@OhioGuy24: As of for 2/26? If so, looks like we’re hoping for a Friday mass update.
@Sheila_33: I also noted that during peak WMR update times that the info wouldn’t match up but when I checked later on it would accept it. This happened last couple of times on my side, for sure.
No change on scripts. accepted the 24th. Still only two bottom scripts are showing with nothing really on either of them.
@Sheila_33: thank you . Have a great day
@NicoleS: Wmr hasn’t been consistent on updating in real time. Might try the automated phone line to see if it recognizes your info.
Good morning, I filed on the 5th around 9pm. When I check WMR it says the information I entered doesn’t match their records but the info I’m entering is correct. Is it because it is too soon or is something else wrong?
@Tab: I have a friend that just retired from the IRS. The stress was too much after 20 yrs. I’ll just pass, safer here lol
Oh and this morning pizza tracker went to two bars 😂, that thing is useless
Recap Accepted 24th, 30th got 00 and as of 2/19. On 2/2 as of changed to 2/26. On 2/6 bottom left transcript filled in am, rest in afternoon. Deposit date of 2/9 on transcript. Deposit was posted to bank 2/6 after hours. Hope that helps someone. BTW have been weekly forever until this year.
@Sheila_33: thank you
@Sheila_33: See, that would make sense. Perhaps we should just take over at IRS that way logic handles the business 🤣
@ol boy: Good morning. 04s process today, update on transcripts tomorrow.
@Tab: 2/19s that update this week will see the 2/26 as of date and the 2/26ers will most likely stay the same. Mine has. What I’m hoping for is a large update on Fridays transcripts and everyone has the 2/26 then next Friday just update to the refund date.