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.
@Honeybee82: ok thanks for the info 😊
@Mandie: Let us know when you get your letters, if you don’t mind. I’m curious why you’d be receiving 2 letters. I’m wondering if they’re requesting anything from you.
@Sheila_33: yes. i’ve been stuck at 570/971 since the middle of february, already got my notice on the 4th and it said there was nothing to do at this time.
@Mandie: Are you able to see your transcripts online?
Looked at my informed delivery for today and see two letters from the IRS and they look like thick letters, like there are forms or something inside. Not sure what they could be, though.
@Jenny7042: That 1242 is a reference code and it signifies that you’re gonna be receiving some paper work requesting some proof verifying something you submitted on that return. When you get it, fax it back to the the number provided on the letter as quick as possible. Anything you submitted on that return, you may need proof of. Good luck!
WMR on website has been down for me for over a week. App works, I guess. At least it shows the one bar, and the infamous apology message. But what is up with irs.gov WMR
@jacky_FL
I file 2/5 verify in person on 3/12 my transcript had 150, 806 and 810 and wake up to tax topic 151 and reference code 1242. Do I need to call the 800 number or I should just wait?
@Jennyb: 😊🤞🏻
Finally WMR says return received and processing. Accepted 1/19 and had to verify, did that last Tuesday and my transcripts are not filled out but date of as of finally changed from 2/12 to 4/1. Hopefully I update with an 846 next week! Fingers crossed! 🤞
I file 2/5 verify in person on 3/12 and wake up to tax topic 151 reference code 1242. Do I need to call the 800 number or I should just wait?
@Morris: I had my fees deducted through SBTPG, and they held on to my refund until the day before my DDD. Once they released it to Credit Karma, they immediately deposited it that Tuesday afternoon. I don’t think HR Block goes through SBTPG, so whoever they use may not hold on to it as long….but I’m guessing you’ll get it by Monday or Tuesday. 😄
@Starr: my WMR didn’t update for me until a week after I got my 846…and like 3 days after I got my refund. It’s always notoriously slow lol 😄
Wmr didn’t update for me this morning, I received ddd of 3/20 yesterday. I received my refund already?? Idk what’s up with wmr . It still in one bar 🤷🏽♀️
@Xiina: yes it usually takes two weeks to receive a direct deposit date. I was verified 3/1 in person received a date yesterday 3/15. You should be next Friday.
WMR Updated, you guys were right , it’s a check being mailed by 3/22. So now I’m stalking the mailman . 🤩
Just WOW! Filed with TurboTax Feb 5th accepted Feb 5th. Only movement on WMR went from processing to “still processing”. Haven’t received anything in the mail only credits file was 1095 insurance. Beyond FRUSTRATED!
good morning Everyone
I filed 1/29 Accepted 1/29
I cant see my online account but I did order my account t.s and found out that the IRS didn’t start processing my return till 3/4 as of Date 3/4. WMR hasn’t changed since 2/17 as of today it still has the delay message present. so after 5 weeks of waiting I’m still waiting ughhhh
but good news I filed my mom on 2/22 and she was giving a ddd of 3/20 this morning. One thing I noticed was her 150 topic was removed and her WMR said your refund date is processing a refund date will be provided when available around 3/2. I checked it again Monday and WMR said your refund is processing and today her Bar was moved to the second bar and the ddd was below.
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@Xiina: GM! The 1242 might be an offset issue. Do you have an offset?
Gm all, I’m new here and I wanted to know if anyone could tell me what possibly be going on. WMR updated to tax topic 151 with a reference number 1242. I filed 2/5 and verified in person on 3/5.
Approved for 3/20 it’s coming y’all see y’all next year
@Sheila_33: ty for this. I think ill wait and hope they adjust :)