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.
Is it too late to file my 2022 return if my IP pin was missing and I have it now?
What can I do if my refund is going to a closed account?
Can I file my 2022 return if they rejected it because of an IP pin? I have it now. 😓🤦♂️
How long after you completed your ID verification, did you update with your DDD?
@Dj: that’s good news!! Congrats!@Shelleybeansss: do you think 05’ers will have another update Friday or should we count on this being it for the week?
Seems like quite a few of us got the 5/6 as of date this morning. Hoping this is a sign they’re finally moving. Filed 1/21 accepted 1/23, 570 0.00 and 4464c letter mid February. No update since feb until this morning with the as of pushing out. Processing date still 3/4 which is where it went as soon as the letter was sent in feb.
@TisTheSeasonOfTorture: I just got off the phone with a nice young man and he said that my 60 days ended on April 8, 24 and that my return was finished on April 15, 24 and to just keep checking WMR from today. So now I’m hoping I will get a DDD on Friday.
@Dj: exact same situation as you. I filed a little earlier though, 1/22 accepted 1/23. Same codes same letter, my as of date was 3/11 since February and just pushed out today to 5/6. At this point, the irs should have put in a referral for an advocate for you. Have you spoken to anyone from the irs?
Day 59 still no changes processing date still 3/4 as of date still 3/4 570 code 3/4 filed and accepted 1/29 4464c letter came on 02/09/24. I’m a weekly cycle code ends with 05 called the IRS and was told that my refund is there and If I feel like something is wrong change them. I knew it would slow my taxes up even more so I didn’t change them because the last time this happen the IRS changed and fixed the problem and my taxes was given a date. I completed my mom,dad, and brothers taxes and all of them have received theirs I just wanna cry.. This is the worse tax year ever !!!!!!
@Kate: I ID verified 3/22 they stated they verified it 3/26 here it is now coming on the 3rd processing if lord welling!!! Was stuck on 2/19/24 processing now we’re at 4/22/23
@Not in a Rush, but kinda: so we need to be demanding our money by April 15th. No later, no exceptions. How do we make this happen? Sign me up.
I don’t understand why, if you owe the IRS money, they demand it be payed by the 15th of April, but if they owe YOU, it doesn’t have to be payed by the 15th of April?
Since the money they TOOK that we EARNED, doesn’t legally belong to them, it is a LOAN. And the person giving the loan determines the loan term, in any other situation.
@MissT: it’s been an option to do it that way for a few years but this year it is mandatory.
@MissT: i had to do the same thing
Hi everyone. Quick question. In past to pull transcripts, we’ve only had to sign in and request them. Now it’s prompting for an id.me account. I’ve never been asked to id verify and from what Ive seen that is delaying returns. Am I doing something wrong?
@shelleybeanss: I know, same here. If this tax season has taught me anything it’s that the irs is so unpredictable. I’m so surprised I updated this time, I’m an 05er. Fingers crossed we’re about done!!
So wait, you mean to tell me the irs did a mass update and I wasn’t left out this time? Well shit baby!! Looks like they won’t be owing me that interest from sitting past March 11🙄 well played IRS, well played.
@TisTheSeasonOfTorture: my as of did the same. I’m really really hoping this means something is finally happening
As of moved to May 6, processing still February 26. First movement since February.
day 77 with no updates lucky 7 lol
@Boogerbaby089: Its easy they SUCK
@LolliPop: They have no problem sending billions for bombs to kill kids but wont give YOUR money to you to feed your kids
As of pushed out to May 6. Processing stayed at 3/4. Almost three months….ugh
How long after you did your ID verification, did you see your DDD?
@Anyoneanswerplease: Depending on when you process during the week, is when you may see an update. If the issue has been resolved and your return has been put back into the system, then you’re just waiting to cycle thru and update with a refund date.
Who’s up waiting for the big updates?
What’s going on?
These IRS f**** have to be stopped .. this is bullshit I have a basic return I file every year. I had enough of this IRS BullShit.. they been lying all year and I’m done with it . They can keep that money and go to hell.. f*** the IRS and the TAS. Everyone needs to unite and go to the main office and tell them it’s over…
Ok after the taxpayer advocates manager called and assured me id have my refund this week.. now IRS website is saying “we are in the process of updating your account. these process take at least 2 weeks to complete” what the f*** does that even mean?