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.
Hope everyone has a great July 4 holiday!
Never let them take your Joy!
God Bless America!!
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
🍦🍉🍔🌭☀️⛱️ 🕶️⛺️
@Waitingsincefeb: his was mailed on a Friday and it arrived here the following Monday. It was super quick. We live in Fl
@shelleybeanss: ty! How many business days did it take?
@Waitingsincefeb: I’d assume it technically could be before. My sons was mailed and dated for the actual mailing by date
If they say irs refund check ‘mailed by’ July 10,’ will this be the mailing date or maybe mailed before?
@Timber: “ We have received your tax return and it is being processed. If you filed a complete and accurate tax return, your refund should be issued within 21 days of the received date. However, processing may take longer under certain circumstances. Please check here or visit the Refunds page on IRS.gov, to check on your refund status.
The generic stuff for now. I filed 06/19.
@Shell03: What does your WMR say?
@Rosebud38 Did know you can download those form from the Healthcare.gov site.
@Rosebud38: I’m in the same boat. I filed late due to all the chaos I was reading. I’m also on the 1st bar but no transcripts processed.
@Rosebud38: also are you weekly or daily? Transcripts can update every day but typically the first update doesn’t happen until your mass update day. If you’re normally a weekly, you may not see transcripts reflect as received until this Friday or next
@Rosebud38: I can say when I worked in the IRS call center, we were always instructed to not look into any account until 21 business days had passed. Since it’s only been 10 days, highly unlikely anyone pulls the account to say anything other than to allow the 21 days to pass before calling back
I have a question, I was a a late filer, due to the marketplace forms being sent to wrong address so I just got to file about 10 days ago. My issue is while it shows on wmr that my return has been received (1st bar) every where else it’s showing that no return has been filed including my transcripts. Never had this happen before is yhis normal? Should I call them? @VaMom: i just noticed this on mine today too
@Rosebud38: no that’s normal. It will
Show no return filed while they’re working on it. Usually takes 3 weeks or so for transcripts to update
I have a question, I was a a late filer, due to the marketplace forms being sent to wrong address so I just got to file about 10 days ago. My issue is while it shows on wmr that my return has been received (1st bar) every where else it’s showing that no return has been filed including my transcripts. Never had this happen before is yhis normal? Should I call them?
I know it’s highly unlikely but has anyone here seen any type of change or movement at all today?
@Abouttime: not necessarily. As of dates move anytime anyone gets in the account it automatically changes. I’ve had mine set as the previous week before and I’m now 5 1/2 months into waiting
@Area51: filed 2/01 wmr wont let me on says to many attempts didn’t go on it for 2 days
If your *as of * date now says July 1st, you’re getting your refund this week!🤑🤑🤑
@harrya: When did you file and what does your WMR say?
still waiting 155 days
Same here I filled in January the early batch I was accepted 1/21. Then in March they asked for verification from there I’ve been waiting ever since no movement at all but I know once as of date start moving they’re working on your return.
@Jennyb: this is third time since march that my dates have gone back and forth.
The holiday coming up and I am doubtful for them to move anything this week but their bowels . 😂
🤷♀️
@Jennyb: they just need to hurry up. They’ve been working on mine for 5.5 months 😂 my as of has moved at least once a week, usually 3-4 times a week now since March
Y’all when our as of dates go back-and-forth, that means that they are working on it. Don’t worry!
Wishing the InFernal Revenue Service a Happy 4th of July Holiday week don’t worry about us, we’ll still be waiting when you get back !
God bless America… 🇺🇸
@Venus77: no I can’t say we will unfortunately the Irs haven’t touch mines since March 4 as of date the only thing been moving.a waiting game as of now sad to say
i just donated because i learned so much here. i never even knew about tax transcripts before this. so thanks for the education.i only wish i could give more