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.
@Ty83: lol half pay check ok I get ya lol
@Gators352: 😂😂😂 they better not Try me and send no forms my way Just give me my refund asap!! This year I’m getting my Deposit to Chime card.. since I already get half my paycheck with them.
@Sheila_33: thanks again look do you think there’s a difference in still processing and still processing refund date when available without bars and with bars or no different
@Sheila_33: thanks Sheila
Anyone else has troubles updating your account with filling info?
@MSRazorbackPhD: I filed with my marriage name because I changed it with SS. I went to check my transcripts and it’s not even showing that I filed one this year because its under my maiden name still not my marriage name. I’m just confused on why it still wouldn’t show me .
What things to look for on my transcript I see 766 and -$6000
I know this is a website about refunds but I just want to share something right quick. I wasted a couple of dollars of my refund on Red Lobster never been there did a take out (Steak tough) I don’t like Lobster taste like a slimy uncooked fish just my opinion don’t know who cook this food biscuits were good won’t get me next time just saying
@1099toolate: 1099s are reconciled later in the year so there’s a chance the refund will go out as usual. If that happens, make sure you amend and include that 1099.
@Kimzie: The way some of the cards have been taking their time to update, I wouldn’t even try to guess.
@1099toolate: chime send me a 1099 form I said CHILD please I’ve already received my refund holla at me next year
@Walt DOG: I understand, but please remember what I said before. I have seen a few with your same situation and updated. And Mike even popped in and affirmed his. So, we’re gonna have to wait another day and half to hopefully see what’s going on. And whatever it is, we’ll deal with it. :)
@Margarita: Typo
@melwalkshere: yes i file with Free Tax USA it took me around or close to midnight to get the email I file January 23rd and late that night it confirmed that irs accepted your return so you’ll get an email soon
@Margarita: I am sorry about that issued no issues
@Sheila_33: Hey Sheila again if your still on here I’m getting nervous I don’t get this wmr message there is a guy on Facebook with the same thing as mine on wmr his trans are NA but he was accepted on the 25th I was accepted on 19th so it’s not just requenscend spell wrong but it cain’t be that can it with him filing on 25th
@Bren (not logged in): ha ha ha
Wonder why FreeTax has a delay in acceptance? I’ve never had that before… I used them last year and was accepted almost immediately. Before that was many miserable years with TT, way overpaying. I filed today… now we wait! Glad I saw a few other posts about FreeTax taking longer to accept or I would be pretty concerned right about now!
Oh man..how is it tax time already? I went with my Cashapp this year. Does cashapp deposit early even if we have to go through SBTPG to remove fees?