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.
@Harry a: YEEESSSS, That is another version I have heard from them as well! I received the “SINCE COVID HAPPENED” speech also! At this point I think imma call once a week just to hear a different story!! Have to entertain myself somehow, cuz peekaboo with my transcripts is getting old… It always FINDS me lookin STUPID😮💨
@Fact$: thank you for confirming!
@Boogerbaby089: I called irs last week he told me there is so much fraud with eitc and college credits they have to verify w2 s and all info said my return looks fine but it still sits with no changes
@Boogerbaby089: true it happened to me ,I checked at 7 am no updates and the again at around 3 pm and there it was an update.
@Harry a: do you get the same bs runaround 60 day review but expect 120. They need to verify withholding, credits, ect? I faxed in w2s on the 12th of March right after 570 hold and still nothing. So, at this point i feel this verification hold is a lie to cover up their 💩
@Boogerbaby089: i have same dates as you
@Jacky_FL: Have all your information ready and send it to the congressman first thing Monday morning. Make sure you reiterate how long you have been waiting, they need to push this through for you. Did you ever talk to your local IRS office? You’d think someone would step up to the plate and figure this out.
@Anyoneanswerplease: Is 4/10/24 next to the 846 code? If so, that is the release date either by direct deposit or check mailed. If there is a different date, that is the date, not 4/10. If the 846 does have the 4/10/24 next to it, double check your return, is it direct deposit? Check to be mailed? All info correct, bank routing number and account number? Hope this helps.
Finally. F/A 2/5 no notices got my refund date 4/17
Id verification for joint filers, do both need to complete or just primary filer?
Just curious because I check everyday twice a day and I am still stuck on Processing date March 11
As of March 18th
570 March 11
971 March 18
So, from what I am observing on other forums and being able to see other ppls transcripts, when you are under review dailies and weekly doesn’t matter? Also, I have seen ppl say the checked in the morning then the same day check late afternoon and updated with ddd.
Goood morning
@Amy19: it had a 570 code, but the advocate and a IRS also said my refund was released on April 10th.. they basically released the refund but idk if it’s put in a batch to be deposited?
@Amy19: but I don’t have a date on wmr and my transcripts havnt updated with the 846.. the tax advocate case manager said my refund was released apr 10th. Does that mean approved? And does it still need to be sent? Idk I’m confused!
@Anyoneanswerplease: If your refund is a direct deposit, it should be there on the 846 date, if it is a check, that is the date it is mailed.
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How long after the IRS releases a refund does it take to appear in the bank? If they release a refund on April 10th, what day will it appear in my account?
@Harry a: Ok thank you I’m bout to recount my days lol to make sure I’m adding them right
80 days 🎉
IRS is cruel!!! 🤬
Advocate denied twice “call back end June”
“My” Congressman “accept requests after 4/15”
@Dj: yes they work on weekends
@Harry a: when you count your days are you counting the weekends?
I’m in stage 3 does that mean I have been approved?
Joint filers and ID verification. Had a joint letter. My WMR had a notice spouse says still processing. I completed verification in ID Me and notification went away of needing to verify on account. My question is, do both fillers need to submit into ID me or just mine?
Day 61 no change
Day 72 no updates just sitting with no changes
@ChelleB: Wow! 6 weeks! Congrats on that fast turnaround!
@Amy19: thank you I wasn’t sure I hope everyone gets a DD soon or unexpected deposit !!