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.
@MurphysLaw2416: It means the notice should be sent out by that date.
@Sheila_33: Ok that’s what I was thinking and thanks.
@Starr: HR &Block
@AD: In past years, the check went out on that date. This year, it was within the following week. Hopefully, it will go out Friday.
I filed an amended return on 2/20 prior to getting my original refund. I know you shouldn’t do that now! Despite this, I received a 570 code (dated 03/11) without a 971 following on 02/23. The following week on 03/01, I got 971 code (dated 02/20) stating my amended return was forwarded for processing, a 977 code (dated 02/20) stating my amendment was filed, and another 971 for notice issued dated (03/18). Can anyone explain what the 971 code for 03/18 means? What does the date mean?
@Morris: If the 846 was placed today, the Wmr may update tomorrow morning.
@shelleybeanss: sheesh. Well, thank you. We always use part of this refund, to take a fam vacay for my eldest sons bday. I’ve already worked out how to budget that without canceling, just in case I don’t see the refund by the end of March. But whew, talk about taking something for granted. I’ll be calling on Monday.
@ashliq: that 971 could be a notice explaining what the issue is, or that they are requesting more information. My notice for my 570 didn’t show in my irs account, it simply arrived. So the notice regarding the 971 may not show in your online account either. 971 shows they’re working. And at least you’ll know what is going on rather than being in limbo. You can try calling to see if someone can or will tell you what’s up with the letter. I worked there and can say I hate calling lol. But I’m about to call myself just to hopefully gain some sort of peace of mind.
@shelleybeanss: 570 3/25 and 971 4/01
@Morris: same. It’s all we had for a long time to use. But it does seem they don’t update it nearly as often as they could/should
@shelleybeanss: let me check
@ashliq: what date is next to your 570 and 971?
Hey all! Updated this morn, but yet to see my 846. I went from N/A to 570 last week. This morning got 971 notice issued. Id.me doesn’t show any letters sent or id needing to verify. Should I call? I’m so against calling but I filed 2/15 and I’m definitely ready for my money!
@Morris: you’re going to have to wait . Who did you file with
Filed Jan 29 yet still no transcript update, no letter smh.
@shelleybeanss: Back in the day I only relied on the wmr instead of checking transcripts but now like u said it’s not reliable.
@Morris: I’ve seen where WMR never updates for some at all. WMR is very unreliable