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.
@shelleybeanss: thank you sweetheart. I’m even crossing my toes at this point.
Filed 1/29 rec’d 4464c letter 2/15 (60 day wait) 60 days came was told 60 more days. I have called up to 50 times each rep tells different info. Was told by one in May to send in paystubs from both my employers. I faxed them, was never rec’d. July was told to again send in paystubs but use irs tool. Called last week they rec’d them but still no update. School has started.. we’ve been living in hotels since the winter was planning on using return to get our family back up very disappointed 😔 they have money for everybody else but not the money you worked for and is owed to you
Check mailed on the 3rd… still no check on my informed delivery today 😭
Can I do an amended return today?
@Sunflower173: I think that significant of a date change is positive news!! Fingers crossed for you this week
Hello
I have TC 290 8/12/2024 on my amended return.What’s next?
I checked my transcript and my as of date changed from February 26th 2024 to now August 26th 2024. Whatever that means smh… 🤦🏻♀️Hopefully that’s a good sign. I guess I have no choice, but to wait and see. Congratulations to all who received a their refunds and deposit dates.🎊🎉
Day 163 not a sound not a Peep!😭😭😭😭😭 I’ll be back on day 180 to let you guys know if I haven’t updated! Calling has been useless for ME.
@Eddleman23: good for you!!
Tax advocate just confirmed my check was mailed on the 3rd!!!!!! Any day now!
Filed amended return for 2023 back in may. Now transcripts are updated with 846 as of 8/9. It’s a paper check
@shelleybeanss: that’s okay girl!! Haha I understand and thank you I’m hoping wmr updates tomorrow with some info lol
@Eddleman23:
@Eddleman23: I’m not sure. If they are mailing the check, my son received his paper check 4 days after approved. Fingers crossed you see it in the next few days
(Sorry bout the partial post, page reloaded as I was typing 💬 grrr 😂)
@Eddleman23: I’m not sure. If they are mailing the check, my son received his paper check 4 days after approved. Fingers crossed you se
@shelleybeanss: THANK YOU!! 😊 do you know how long it will take for me to recieved if it has a date of 8/1 beside the 840 and interest code?
@Eddleman23: the light at the end of the tunnel!!! Congrats 🎉
@VAMom: congrats!!!!! 🎊
@harrya: it says refund issued so I’m gonna call today and see if it’s been mailed.
Only change I have made today is my as of date changed to 8/26 I’m so over it.
@Eddleman23: 840 is a manual refund , being processed by a person
@VAMom: get the money!!!
Omg guys!!! I have an 840 refund issued and then interest and then it have a 971 for hardship??? Those codes have 8/1 beside it.. when will I recieve my refund I’ve always gotten the 846 not an 840.. also I’m missing about 1700 dollars on my refund the amount went down I wonder why ! But THIS IS GOOD NEWS!!!!!
Finally!!! 846! 8/14 …7 month wait is almost over.
@shelleybeanss: nice🤑
@Sunflower173: thank you!!
@shelleybeans Congratulations sweetheart 🎉🎊
@shelleybeanss: I’m so happy for you!
SBTPG just now updated to FUNDED! Expecting to see the funds in ck bank by tomorrow. Oh my gosh!! Oh my gosh!! One more step to actually being real