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 âqueueâ 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.
Does anyone know what is going on with transcripts. Earlier it was maintenance but now none of the transcripts are coming up. Is everyone experiencing this or is possible it because of the rebate?
@Monee: I used to use QuickBooks employer quick forms. It files with SSA and IRS. But check with your payroll provider because some do file those for you with state/ssa/fed
@Mike: there’s a few of us that have submitted with FTUSA. Just in sit back and wait mode now until test batches open up and get that “accepted” text. After that, it’s the yearly Path walk….and nope…no one can count that as steps on your health meter. đ
@Mike: I submitted mine I believe Thursday.
@Stillwaiting101: If you can see the return address, Google it and it may show the kind of department. Might narrow the possibilities down.
@FlGrly84: Possibly system updates. This time of year they’re trying to update and make sure things are running well before opening. But, it would be nice if it was because of the recovery rebate. đ
Any business owners who pay themselves as a w2 employee around? I changed my business to an scorp last year and started paying myself as an employee. I know I had to file a w2 with the social security office, but I’m not seeing how to file one with the irs. When I try to set up a business tax account they say I need a w2 on file first. How do I get it on file?
Transcripts down? Is this normal so early or is it updating for the Recovery Rebate?
Good morning everyone! Rumor on the grapevine is we may see early batch testing starting next week. Remember, before you file, make sure your direct deposit information is correct. Here’s hoping to a smooth and easy tax year!
@Still waiting: like what? Being accepted?
I have mail coming from the Dept of Treasury. I never received my refund from last year and still on the first bar on WMR.
I already verified ..
What could be in the mail??
Has anyone received anything today from the Dept of Treasury?
What does it say?
@Here2Help:was it immediately?
Not accepted. Filed 1/9. TurboTax with Advance.
@Shawnie: I havenât been accepted. Filled 1/8
Has anyone been accepted yet?