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.
@inquirn23: and no question is dumb go you have 846 refund issue 2/13/2023 if so yes if not no
Happy tax year everyone!! Filled and accepted this morning but ik I won’t get my refund til the end of the month because I have both child credits but I love coming to this forum!!! 6yrs straight!!!
GM:
2 Questions; anyone having issues with FreeTaxUSA? There was a pop up stating the return needs to be mailed instead of e-filing. (First time seeing this)
Second Question – Is there a PATH wait time?
@inquirn23: what do you mean can you view them online if so you can see no need to order them what I mean by blank is no codes yet not processed
@Walter DOG: yes i have an acct and ive been able to download both of them.
@Walter DOG: its not blank.
@inquirn23: no they are probably blank do you not have account online you can make one with id me
I am able to order my both transcripts my cycle is 20230405 with a date of 02132023. Does this mean that I will get my refund on feb 13? Sorry if it’s a dumb question Im new here.
@CrystalP: My cycle ends in 05 from prior transcripts and my transcripts update on Fridays, WMR on Saturday for Wednesday DDD when I’m processed. Dailies can update at anytime, weeklies follow the schedule I just posted.
Question for all the pros in here!!
The past 2 years I have been accepted around January 30th and DD came into account by 2/10. I was accepted this year on 1/28 and my 2022 transcripts aren’t even available. Is this a terrible sign or could the transcript still post soon and get my DD by 2/10 as expected?
So after my As of Date on my transcript updated this morning from 2/13 to 2/20. Its now back at 2/13
It looks like a lot of early filers around the 18th – 20th now see 2022 Tax Return Not Processed and We Need More Information on Your 2022 Tax Return. I guess that is waiting for a letter to verify. Anyone else see this? It was updated this morning or late last night.
Hi everyone I am usually a 0505, WMR – “Still processing”, 1 bar, & amount of refund disappeared, and Account States “Your 2022 Return has not been processed”. Transcript Wages “2022” No return on FIle, all others N/A. I usually update on Fridays.
Used TT; accepted 1/24/23. No updates yesterday whatsoever. Guess have to wait to see if anything happens tomorrow. Fingers still crossed.
@VaGal07: how so you know if you’re weekly or not? Last year was my first year filing a state return, I moved here from Florida last year. I was audited so I had a super long experience.
@Sheila_33: Thank you! I’ve been a weekly for years but seeing so many change this year to daily, I’ve checked them daily in case. Hoping for an update on their Friday!
@Gators352: Good Morning and Amen to that
For those of you that had the date change on the transcript to 2/20, and have blank transcripts: Have you went into today and checked the identity verify to see if it will let you?
@KDinAZz: I think what FreeTax said was most likely on point. I’ve seen quick acceptance of 15 min and the longer 72 hour acceptance
@BeeBee40: Definitely sounds like she’s processing as a daily, since it did that this morning. Its possible that it just adjusted to make sure the processing is done by that time. Could be the resequencing. What’s her messaging on Wmr?