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.
@Walter DOG: @ Good morning Walter Dog! Hope all is well. Here we are again, another tax year. Praying that things go smoothly for everyone this year. I filed 1/7/2025 and | haven’t been accepted yet. But it’s still early.
I’ll definitely keep you posted along the way. Glad to see you back..
@Bellamatrix @Drblute thank y’all both ! It usually in past years upon me checking has always been accepted the day after filing but ima be patient 😂
@ceeteeee: I filed 1/8/25 with TurboTax same boat as you lol just haven’t been accepted yet still plenty of time to get into the test batch
@ceeteeee: Jan 27th is 5he official start date so no advance until irs accepts and they dont start accepting until Jan 27th so I’m expecting my TURBOTAX advance through credit karma card on January 28th.
GM people ! is it crazy i filed 1/9 and still no info on WMR even when i called it says no info available ? i filed TT with Advance no acceptance msg yet … anyone else ?
@Monee: I don’t think it will to be honest.
Question. The software I used to submit w2’s has mailed out the copies, but hasn’t submitted the efile yet. Is this going to hold me up this year?
Goodmorning everyone! Hopefully there’s more early acceptances today.
@Lisa 88: Check and see if there’s any difference in the refund amount with the new w2. If not, it may just slip thru and they’ll adjust it later. If there is a difference, and it slips through, you might just amend it after you get your refund. On the other hand, if they catch it, they may adjust it before the refund is issued.
WMR one bar. why is turbotax still pending and not accepted status?
It’s official folks WMR shows return received.
Another new tax season! Happy Taxunion everyone!
@ErisedMai: thanks…I was checking my transcripts
@Farmergirl: Generic letter generated if you try to check transcripts before your return is accepted/processing.
Does anyone know what a verification letter of non filing is?
Return was just accepted i filed with hr block online free
Does anybody still show “pending” on TT, but have the “refund received” on IGMR?
Hey all, update, filed Jan 8 wmr showing 1 bar with tax topic I have the normal processing message.
Hello all! I filed with TT on 1/8/2025… accepted 1/16/25… We have received your tax return, and it is being processed.
If you filed a complete and accurate tax return, your refund should be issued within 21 days of the received date. However, processing may take longer under certain circumstances….blah…blah…lol Happy Tax Season!
@NYkhidd: Same Here :)
@NYkhidd: Same :) @NYkhidd:
What will happen? I filed the same w2 as last year on accident, I already got my refund from last year 🙃
Refund status currently showing 1 bar processing .. within 21 says days blah blah . Filed 1/8/25 .. accepted 1/15/25
@Monee: me as well locked out lmaoo . I like the new updated phone line . It’s automated lol
filed 1/8 path, ip pin, advance, free file.
Turbotax shows received by IRS 1/15. WMR has one bar (return received) just now. strangely, TT still shows pending, not accepted since yesterday 🤔
I may have missed it, but did anyone get accepted today? I’ve been lurking around other places and seen a few but today just seems to be a dud.
@Amy: I’m seeing new formats on the Wmr and transcripts but as far as an issue, nothing I’m seeing so far. Hopefully, a smooth tax season and a lot less 570s popping up. :)