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.
@Alabama Red: congratulations!!!
@Alabama Red: congrats!
Good Morning !!!
FINALLY REJOICE !!!
Filed 1/29 received 12c on Feb 14 to verify wages . On March 18th I received 5071c to verify identity . On May 13th received 60day notice . However I did submit all info again on portal just in case they wanted to ask .
REJOICE !!! THANK YOU LORD!!!!
I FINALLY HAVE 846 6/12 interest 115$
KEEP YOUR FAITH !!!!!!!!!
@Harry a: no I didn’t get any update like that but I’m glad you got some movement!!
@Shelleybeansss: yes I never needed to do anything for my 570 either but I am over waiting. I wish they would hurry up they said if I have no movement by the 18th of June to call back… very stressful
@Iwantmymoney: 570 just means there’s still additional action needed by them. I have one as well. I never needed to ID verify. My 570 has been there for about 9 weeks with no update since
No update for me…. ughh filed 2/12 suck with 570 since 3/11
Hello I have a question y’all if my husband had to id verify on may 13th and was successful and was put back into processing been almost 2 weeks transcript updated overnight with a 570 code is it cuz of his having to verify his identity then and will it be lifted after on 971 notice issued or anything after that code any insight? Thanks in advance
2023 Verification of Non-Filing Letter [PDF] thats what part of my transcript say but no info and it updated to as of date 6/24 anyone get something like that?
@The nightmare: Jan 19th here….
At long last I have the Glorius 846!!!!!!!!!! for 6/12/2024
Hey again everybody! So I reported the other day what my transcript says about my amended return. The Where’s My Amended Return tool updated to step 2, Adjusted, at some point on Friday or early Saturday morning. My cycle code is 20242205, which means Thursday, May 30, 2024. That’s the date it posted to the master file from what I’ve read. Given that date and that my transcript says refund issued 6/7/2024, how long do you think it will take to get the check? I was told that amended refunds can now be issued via direct deposit, but Turbotax didn’t offer that option so I’m stuck with a check. I haven’t gotten a check from the IRS in years, so hoping it comes quickly.
@Mary: yes! I’m starting to realize that now. I learned my lesson now 😆
@Red Dawn Sounds great so happy for you. We were on the same timeline up until I filed an amended return and you waited smartly I think, but I’m a glutton for punishment so I amended. Didn’t have a dire need for my refund this year, after working on this site from near the start of it, I learned never ever to depend on my refund. I’ve seen where people lose near everything and end up carless and homeless.
@Mary: also the freeze will lift I meant lol but my refund should be coming hopefully 🙏🏼
@Mary: I was on hold for about 40 mins. I explained that I filed a duplicate amended return and one was mailed in, I was on hold for 30 mins. She stated that she adjusted my return and I should get a letter in the mail. After that my return will go back into processing! I should receive in the next few weeks! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 call back if I didn’t receive anything in 30 days
@Red Dawn You would have done it when you filed your amended return.
@Mary: thank you! How do I request it?
@Red Dawn You can request a DD for amended return since you can file electronically, but last year when I filed one I gave my DD info still got a check.
thank you
@Jacky_FL: yea i double checked it when i read your reply thanks
@Harry a:
TY for your msg 😊
We’re used to dealing with way bigger challenges.
Same notfilingearlyBoatinFuture!
@Jacky_FL: Sorry site not letting me respond to you
day 128 no changes, i know next year i won’t file early
@Shelleybeanssss: me too! I’m getting into hardship. Now I know not to rely on my refund anymore 😩 I amended so who knows. Does that mean I’ll have to get a check instead of direct deposit?
@Red Dawn: possibly. They technically can update any day except Sunday. I’m hoping to see one soon. I’m over this 4 plus months wait
Is there an update tonight?
@Unmitigated_Gall: I tried a few times and it hung up 🙃
@The nightmare: 2/12
@The nightmare: 2/1
@The nightmare: I filed in January and I am still waiting
@Harry a: What was the ltr about you announced yesterday?
Who filed in February and still waiting?
day 127 this is a nightmare
@Red Dawn: 800-829-1040
1 for english. then dial 2. Then dial 1.
Then dial 3. then dial 2. it will then ask for social # twice DONT put it in. Next prompt dial 2. Then dial 3. It will transfer you to a live person at IRS
Hoping I have some type of movement after June 6. My CP05A letter requested documents and if not received by June 6, they would process my return with or without. Sent the documents May 3rd, no movement on transcripts since.
Got the 60 more days letter today fml
@Jacky_FL: I originally filed 03/03/24.
@Jacky_FL: yes I am. No update