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.
@@TexansTaxesInTexas: clearly you don’t tho bud years past usually freetaxusa goes first then TurboTax watch and see
@TexansTaxesinTexas: FreeTax seems to be the only returns we’re seeing being accepted and yes, myself and others have been accepted and one rejection.
@@TexansTaxesInTexas: considering a moderator on here was already accepted, I’m going with yes, they are. They do this every year 7-10 before tax season officially opens. Honestly no need to be negative
@Drblute
Far from new. I know what is true and what is just bait. But, believe what you want.
@TexansTaxesInTexas: you must be new around here lol. A lot of players that been using this site for years don’t lie man
So far I’ve only seen FreeTax returns get early acceptance. Hoping that changes throughout today and tomorrow
@TexansTaxesInTexas: they’re accepting early test batches like they do every year
@LWBOSS: Congratulations What tax software
“Good news folks. IRS just accepted my tax return via freetax usa message”
No one has gotten accepted. IRS has not started file testing.
Hello everyone, I said I will update everyone once I get accepted and great news, my federal was just accepted 😊 and that’s my update so far to everyone.
@Sheila_33: I looked at my return transcript from last year and I don’t see 2025 by nothing. Is that good @Sheila_33:
Oh, and if possible, update your WMR status when you update. Can take up to 24 to 48 hours to show up, but I’m curious with the new WMR format if anything changes. Thank you.
For those being accepted in the early batches, if you could drop your tax software company into the comments, I’m gonna try to keep track for next year. Anyone that’s been around here long enough, knows I love my patterns, lol. Thank you
@Chris: They can accept into the evening sometimes. Not seeing a lot of acceptances yet.
@PleaseHelp1: @HerEvEyear is correct. Also check for any 2025 dates by codes, that can sometimes show some movement and a date to resolve.