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.
@Russ H: Could be anytime of the day but most of the time I’ve seen them afternoons into evenings.
@Goodvibes: actc & eic
Does the IRS accepted taxes throughout the day for test batches. I filed 1/13 and haven’t been accepted.
I got a Form 1099-INT from the IRS stating my interest from last year’s federal refund. I’m using TT. How do I report this as income on TT?
Just filed today with free tax usa
@MsDior924: any credits or advance with turbo tax ??
Filed TaxAct free file 1/12, just accepted. Not on PATH, simple return. Fingers crossed 🤞
Hello all! Back
again for the 11th yr. I forgot my login info. I filed with TT on 1/13 and just got the email that I was accepted about 10 minutes ago
Filed efile free. Was accepted today
@MSRazorbackPhD: I used turbo tax have not been accepted yet
@Goodvibes: TT or Turbo Tax. I have not seen any, but wouldn’t be shocked if they started tomorrow. Hopefully, I am wrong!
@MSRazorbackPhD: TT? Or have you seen any TT accepted yet??
Yay iust got accepted. Used TaxSlayer but on the PATH Train
@Sheila_33: Congrats! They started later last yr too!
Test batches are starting. My daughters was just accepted.
Filed 1/6
Freetaxusa
Simple return no eic
Just accepted by irs 1/17
Will post when i get dd
@MSRazorbackPhD: likewise!
@DonoTM: Not to be funny, but it kinda is that easy. What are you worried about?
Is there a catch with the TT advance? Wondering if i should do it, but im sitting here thinking is it just that easy?
@Goodvibes: Nah, lol! It’ll probably be opening day for me :{! But I get excited when I see someone else be accepted early.
@MSRazorbackPhD: ok thanks have you seen any acceptance today? I haven’t.
@Goodvibes: Last year, there were just a few acceptances on 1st test day, but more the following day…especially for TT people. It seems like they are just as slow and it might be due to the holiday,
When do you suspect they start accepting returns? Today or tomorrow or have they ever just waited until opening day to start ? Thanks
@MSRazorbackPhD: so you’re saying they start accepting the following day of returning back from da holiday or ?
Last year was so, but I recall TT being accepted the following day. Seems like it’s following the same schedule!
Why are returns so low this year even with dependents?
@Mbry0625: Not yet but waiting patiently! Hope your having a great day!
@MichelleP$: thank you!
@Mbry0625: not yet
Good morning. Just a question. I never received the unemployment tax adjustment. I didn’t amend because I was told not too. Do you think they would realize and add onto my return this year? I saw an article a few days ago on Google news saying they had just sent out a bunch.
hey everyone! I won’t qualify for the credits this year. any one accepted yet?
I was also told that the IRS was done processing these refunds and I would have to file an amended return. The rep at the IRS said that I should have received a refund and noted that I had called multiple times and my return had been sent for further examination multiple times. She apologized but said there was nothing she could do at this point. I checked on amended returns through TaxAct, which is how I originally filed, and I can no longer efile an amended return because it has been so long. I faxed Form 911 to the Taxpayer Advocate Service. I have a case number now, but messages take “up to two weeks” to be returned due to high caseload. Sigh.
This year is the only year I can use the last pay stubs. I work for the federal government and The last pay period ended on December 31. Doesnt happen but every several years, but I never do it. They get them to us before the tax season opens so I am satisfied with that
@Singledad0817: No, there should be no delay!
Hi y’all ! Happy Tax Season :)
Quick question is there still a child care credit ?
My refund will be offset this year.I’ll be walking the path again also.my question is will the offset delay the remaining portion of my refund.the offset is money owed to the irs
Report some one that makes taxis with out them working
@justwonderingthankyou: You can file anytime, but if the credit is the additional child tax credit and/or the earned income credit, the refund won’t be released until after Feb. 15th.
When are you allowed to file your tax return when you’re getting back the child credit and self employed?
@Amber1022: yes I have one with TT jus waiting on acceptance
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