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 began accepting tax returns this year on January 29, 2024.
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.
@cally96 Means money honey
What does a 846 code mean for 11/22/2024
What does it mean if Credit Karma emailed me and said my taxes are brewing?
Mind you, I filed January 30, and I am still on the first bar on WMR. It says “it is being processed”.
Could my refund be on the way, finally?
Has anyone been as frustrated by TAS as I have? Under a financial hardship, I was referred to their services. I knew there was a problem when I got the number of my “worker” and she said it could take up to 4 weeks to return the call. My case is so absolutely f’•`▪︎¥ ked up, I’m not going to go in to all the details, but even after getting help from my Congressman office, they are still taking their own sweet time, continuing to give me “update” dates, then on that day giving ne a new date. I can’t call regular IRS with a TAS case, TAS says they won’t talk to me now because I got Congress involved, I am beyond frustrated. Even if I could call anyone at either IRS or TAS, I would be on hold for hours or disconnected!!
Has anyone received any updates, or mail, if you’re still waiting for your refund?
What bar are you on on WMR?
@Kim3032: i used to call evert 2 weeks and i found out not every rep will give you the same information.thats why i called so often as i never knew if the info they gave me was correct. it took 6 months to get my refund when it wasnt my fault at all.at 4 and a half months i got ahold of my state rep and they got involved and then i started seeing progress
Finally getting my refund after 11 months‼️😮💨
@woem: Yes I did, all they told me was I am going to get a letter that I should wait for it and its been 2 months down the line I have got nothing so far.
My refund was delivered then returned to the post office as undelivered what does this mean
@Kim3032: have you called the irs and asked whats holding it up?
I filled since 1/29 and up until now I haven’t gotten my refund. I don’t know what to do, my transcript says everything is fine but when I track it on their site it is yet to be approved. Any advice on this?
@where did it go??: my guess is its been mailed. when i had a problem and refund was reissued it was mailed
finally my 2021 refund has been approved… originally my 2021 refund stated for dd , that account has since been closed. my 2021 was attempted to be dd but bank denied, so a check was mailed to my address on 2021 return, I have since moved . I updated my address. transcript reads that usps returned check to IRS due to being undeliverable. i filed form 3911 and requested for dd into my now checking account. then transcript reads refund issued 10/30 (today) . I’m wondering where did it go???? did it get mailed today??? dd today???
my amended return is at 20 weeks how long does this take
Has anyone’s WMR indicated maximum attempts exceeded…. when it’s the first time.
Are they updating?
My transcript code went from a 570 code dated 4/15/24 to a 571 code dated 10/28/24, but nothing else smh…🤦🏻♀️ I’m so tired of waiting. I filed early 1/22/24.
@Taxes101: Me
@Taxes101: i am but I just filed.
How many people still waiting for their refund?
@Eddleman23: contact your local congressman/woman’s office- immediately.
They will have you fill out a document authorizing them to work on your behalf regarding this issue. They’ll also call you to get the facts and what you’ve done, etc. Then they’ll give you a bit of a long timeframe for resolution, I think a month or two- don’t freak out. Be patient with them, they’ll get it done.
I did this when I did not receive stimulus payments, they contacted the IRS and someone from Washington got involved and it was resolved.
Good luck!
Is there any free resources to assist with amendments? My preparer has gone ghost on me
My 2022 taxes got messed up. I filed an amendment. Completely forgot about it. They had asked for more information and I just ignored it. Fast forward to 2 weeks ago I received a notice in the mail that my refund had been processed and I would receive a check within 2 weeks. I looked online at the transcript to see that code 846 was in fact issued and there was also an interest payment. So any day now I’m hoping
Still waiting on my tax return. Why?
Anyone update over the weekend?
Why does the Dept of Revenue send out certified mail?
I amended on 6/29. I got a date of 10/17 but for my original amount not amended amount. No money yet. Don’t know if it’s a check or direct deposit. Anyone else
Updated with a DDD 10-17 this morning. Direct deposit to PayPal with fees being taken out. Think the day before?
I remembered my account info! Anyways, I couldnt wait and called them today. I played stupid and was just checking my status and she said I won my audit 100%. Just waiting on funds to be released and all that. Only took 8 months this year! Cheers, see ya soon
@Stever44: she did have me send “please abate my penalty” along with my social. Maybe that was my agreeing to whatever they did. Well see, I’ll post what happens next
Been awhile. I’m audited most years for the EITC and CTC/ACTC, including 2023. I got my 90 day letter saying I owed 3 grand and I called the exam department yesterday. I talked to a really sweet, OG lady and she had me use irs.gov/sendmyreply so she could take over my case. She said they have a ton of new people right now who basically don’t see gray area. She said she could support my ACTC based off my documentation and said she would look at the other credits. This morning my Audit shows closed on the account page. Do you think I’m getting the entire amount? I didn’t officially sign off on an agreement yet so I’m wondering if it would show closed if I was only getting a partial refund.
Good Morning.
I just feel so discouraged. Filed 2/12 accepted 2/12.. LONG PROCESS was approved and a check sent on 8/2 never recieved said check… Tax advocate said I have to wait three weeks before trying to reissue a check… on 8/26 filed the paper work and the IRS got the paper 3 days later. Check traced and canceled. On 9/20. Tax advocate said that they already recieved the money back into the account (IRS’ account) and now just waiting on them to cut the check… starting the 3rd week of waiting on them to JUST cut the check everything else is done….I just don’t understand. 😞
Thank you for listening.. I’m so stressed. And feel like I’m never gonna get it at this point.
Finally good news!!!! Got my 846 code with a DD of 10/2!!! I’m so excited.. been waiting 10 months for this so if you’re still waiting there is hope. Thank you guys because you have all kept me sane throughout this process and I’m wishing all that’s waiting 846 codes this week with interest! Until next year hopefully not as bad! Good luck guys
@Motherlove If we knew the codes and dates we might be able to give better advice.
My transcript update this morning but no 846 got alot codes but no 846 code …could it still be updating I amend my return it shows where they adjusted it any help be appreciated
@Stressed101: Nope I’m still waiting as well. As of date just changed from 4/15 to 10/08 so hopefully that means there is movement.
@Stressed101: No, I’m still waiting also. I filed on 1/22/24. Was accepted on 1/23/24. IRS didn’t open up til 1/29/24. So I thought because I filed early I would get my refund early. Wishful thinking 🤔. I’ve received 3 letters stating I have to wait an additional 60 days which turned into 90 days each smh.. 🤦🏻♀️ My as of date went from 2/26, to 8/26 and now 9/16. Still on the first bar with no movement. This is awful 😖
@Mary: thank you me too!! ❤️
@Stressed101: No I’m still waiting… amend my return 08/24 hope to see update this Friday.. got tax advocate and congressman involved still taken me this long filed and accepted Jan….so hope you up date to
Am I the only one still waiting on their refund??
@Eddleman23 It shouldnt be much longer and should update to sent on your transcripts maybe this coming Friday. Got my fingers crossed for you.