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.
@Shelleybeansss: thanks for the info.
@Mari: I know it’s not much but turbo will let you at least push the payment out for the fees. They let me push it out three extra weeks
@Mari: 😔 awfullllll
Sorry everyone but I need to vent. F/A Feb 5th with turbo tax having fees deducted. The only update on WMR is “still processing”. I have not received any notices in the mail. I tried to create an IdMe account but my selfie would not upload. Now I just got an email from turbo tax stating I had to pay my fees by April 15th. This tax season has been awful!!!!!
Man the irs are so behind! I just checked informed delivery and I’m receiving the second 5071c letter that I requested over a month ago! The last one was dated feb 29 one week after they said they sent it on the 22nd and I received the first one last Friday! Wmr still says “your tax return is still being processed”
Still no changes..
I am expecting a cashier check from TPG.
it say paid to me on 3/20/2024
how long will i wait to get it mail to me
@Curious: 570 amended 3/9. Showed on transcript within a week. As of pushed out to 4/8. Let’s keep everyone posted on updates!
@Pb1975: We usually see ssa earnings update Friday into Saturday and it can take a week or two for those earnings to post after they’re submitted to the Ssa.
@2023 First Time Happening: I’m going through the same thing I received a letter and was told to wait until April 8th like it’s really getting me upset
Has anyone (who’s been stuck with the 570 and 971 for awhile) amended their return and saw any movement?
@BayouGirl: Its pretty simple, like 3 questions. You AGI, filing status, and SS or something like that. I believe it took me like 3 minutes to complete.
Anybody can tell me what questions are asked from the irs when you recieve a 5071C. And what the number to verify your return
Just an update on my tax refund coming by check. I had a mailed out by 3/22 date. Check was mailed on 3/22 , received check 3/25 and I used informed mailed to track it. Finally finished. Accepted on 1/30
I just received a 4464c letter from the Irs saying I’m under review but I found the error and amended over the weekend any one knows how this will play out? I hope the amended will push it on through.
It has been two months and some days since I have filed electronically. I am getting the message that my return is still being process, but I have not receive a notification that there is a problem. I have called several times and I am told to wait until April 8 if I do not get a letter or a refund call on the 9th, because there is nothing showing in my file at this time.
@shelleybeanss: me also!
@Helpmeimconfused: You verified online or over the phone?
Call the number on the letter and explain, want to make sure that the verification went through since another verification message appeared
After weeks I finally got my verification letter and completed it. A couple days later it says I need to verify. When using the same number from the previous letter it says it doesn’t match their records. Am I now waiting on yet another letter?
@Mroz: I’m hoping. And I’m stalking my IRS page like a crazy ex with a restraining order 😂
@shelleybeanss: I wonder since I typically only update on Fridays being a Weely account under this 60day thing can we now update any day of the week when the review is completed?
@Fabfammamma: my 4464c letter says the 60 days from date on letter
No changes here. My 60 days will be May 11th. Hopefully it won’t take all that time to review my return.
TurboTax
Filed 3/11/24
Accepted 3/11/24
Error message 3/12-3/15/24
Approved 3/25/24
DDD 3/27/24
Husband faxed in all info for review. Checked wmr it says to now Id verify. What I’m seeing is that after you review then some have to id verify and after id verify some go into review. I have been waiting for the first letter since 2/14. They mailed out another letter on 3/1 still haven’t received it. smh
Will is take my refund without notifying me?
@DebMom: That might be it.
@Denise N.: You can fax that Information to 844-254-2835
You need to attach a Cover letter ( hardship explanation proof if that’s the case)
Name, social, phone number, documents.
1099, w-2, 1099r, anything with wages or withholdings.
Also, call to confirm what they are asking as well. But that is the fax number.
@Mroz: I hope not! I filed 1/27 and think we have waited longer enough
@shelleybeanss: and I meant taxes from 2021…