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.
@IHATETAXTIME: I file early so I can play the test-batch game. Also, just in case the ex gets a wild hair and attempts to wrongfully claim our children, I get it into the system and accepted before she can pull anything like she did with her other ex. Then I wait like usual and randomly check the IRS site just because. LOL.
This year, I am not taking any fees from the refund and avoiding 3rd party banks. That was my New Year’s resolution.
Maybe this has already been discussed, but how will the 15th affect Path since it’s on a Saturday as well as President’s Day on the 17th?
Happy new years everyone. Praying things go smoothly for everyone this year
Good afternoon! Every year I hope and pray that path goes away. To no luck Ofcourse! I filed a bit earlier last year and it drove me insane! I also paid a lousy “tax preparer” who charged me out the wasooh for filing my return on turbo tax. I will be filing my own return this year (as I usually do) and I’m not filing until the first week of February this year. How about everyone else?
Good news! The IRS PINs went out a week earlier this year than last! If you look online it should be on your account so you don’t have to wait for the snail mail.
My how time flies. Hoping for all an easy, problem free tax year!
@MaryB: No official date yet. We have a lookout and will post as soon as we know.
Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you all are ready! Hoping for no surprise reviews! Consistent updates! And maybe a switch to daily from weekly…I have an address change this year so also hoping no hiccups with that!
Happy New Year everyone. Freetaxusa will start accepting returns January 8th. Best wishes for everyone to have a smooth year.
Hello everyone!!! Who is ready for a smooth tax year?!?!
Hey tax family!!! Happy New Year.
Happy new year everyone!
I’ve already finished the bulk of our taxes. Just waiting on my PIN to arrive. Then wait on the PATH for a month and a half.
@Clos: how do check if you qualify