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.
@Ohio Girl: This happened to me 6 years ago before they set up the ID verification website link. It delayed my return 2 weeks. Some people it takes longer. But they set this new link apparently to make the process faster. You should get the letter in about 10 to 14 days. Just follow directions. And hopefully you’ll get it faster.
@GMoneyLee: Wow! Congrats on the speedy turn around. I was accepted the 28th, hopefully my turnaround is as quick as yours! Thanks for sharing.
@Ohio Girl: – If we have to do this, I wonder why so many people and when we will get a letter?
I have a question: Is it OK for my kids father to claim them one and the next year me. Would he get in trouble for it? They live with me. All three of them and he is only claiming two of them but they don’t live with him. Thank you.
@sheila_33
I went to idverify.irs.com
And it asked me if filed a 2022 tax return. I checked yes. Then it said put in the code from a letter if you don’t have it come back when you have a code.
Does this sound like we might be id verify?
@GMoneyLee:
I filed 01/27 got accepted 10mins later. I checked this morning. My cycle is 2023/05/02 same every year. I’m daily even with 05. I have a as of date 02/20. Since path is usually close to the same. I’m happy. All my numbers are filled in. I won’t celebrate until my money is in my Arrowhead Credit Union account possibly on 02/21 on a Tuesday afternoon.
@A: Hi they usually deposit the morning of the DD date I have used them a few times in the past it’s never early around 5 am
@Monee: are you a weekly?
Rcvd 1/23 Approved 1/25 . I just called and asked regarding feb 6 and got no answers at all. I usually have received it by now. The guy kept saying he can’t say when I’ll receive only when it’s issued. I kept referring to the approved step supposedly only taking up to a week. He kept saying he still shows that it’s processing even though it’s approved! Don’t bother calling. I hope they don’t somehow hold it until after Feb 6😑
@ChristinainDetroit:
This happened to me in 2020. I didn’t do nothing until after I received my return. I then amended. Crazy thing is. I actually ended up getting even more money in return. Don’t ever amend until you get the money first.
@ChristinainDetroit: Have your transcripts had any movement yet?
@Ebry22: Did you enter the full refund amount of just the federal? When I put in the full amount, it showed information didn’t match, using only the federal, it went through fine. Maybe try that?
@Amy19: you good I bet you update Friday morning and Saturday on WMR as long as your wmr is the same your good
@Walter DOG: no changes for me, I was accepted 1/28, I was hoping to see movement but wasn’t really expecting a change this soon, maybe by the weekend. It seems that people who were accepted by the 27th are seeing some movement in the process.
Soooo … I filed my taxes on the 25th and was accepted the same day. 2 days later another W2 came in the mail that I forgot about … it’s almost $2,000 extra in my income…. Will this hold my return up???? Somebody help because I’m freaking out
@Bellee: I was up and moving that afternoon, but its taken a few months just for my head not to be numb. I had radiation knife surgery
@Bellee: Sending prayers that all will be well.
@Amy19: filed the 15 accepted the 19th has your wmr changed or something has your transcripts updated?
But the bottom portion shows a date being sent today but the top portion says unfunded will it go to the bank tomorrow? Sbtpg
I have officially given up on seeing any type of update today.
Does anyone have experience with Sbtpg? It still says unfunded and due for a refund tomorrow
@Sarah: Good morning it will be the morning of the 2/1/23 it’s been my experience with HR usually around 4 and 5 am
@Walter DOG: which day did you file? An accepted?
@Bellee: I’m praying for healing and strength!
@Honeybee82: I was accepted on the 25th also and have already processed with 846 refund for 2/1
Is this good? On 1/24/23 I had 1 bar and We received your tax return and it is being processed. Now 1/31-23
WMR
According to the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the IRS cannot issue refunds before mid-February for tax returns that claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit. This applies to the entire refund, even the portion not associated with these credits.
Check Where’s My Refund in mid- to late February for your personalized refund status. It’s updated once a day and remains the best way to check the status of your refund.
Tax Topic 152, Refund Information
Good morning. Could anyone give me any insight on j how quickly your refund loads to the emerald card? This is my first time using it and I keep hearing conflicting things. My ddd is 2/1. Several people said tonight but hrb says 2/1+ 24-48 hrs to load. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
My transcripts updated overnight thankfully. Last year was my first time being a pather and my first time being a weekly. Looks like I’m back to daily with cycle code 20230502 with as of date 2/20/23. All of my codes are done just waiting for path to lift. I know the 20th is a holiday so does anyone have an idea on when will be weekly’s first DD after path lifts?