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.
@WASTATEGIRL444: since everything has to cycle around and update on the transcript before w m r kicks in with the refund message, I’ve always had my refund between February 24th and 27th. Depending on where the days fall with path, etc.
@Sheila_33: Happy New year
When is opening day?
Just wondering I see some people say they see there 2024 year for transcripts but it’s blank I don’t have 2024 tax year showing yet anyone else not showing 2024 tax year for transcripts
SO question:
If you are a pather and made it into test batches. Do they usually get refunds in the first week after path is lifted or? does it make any difference to pathers at all?
@mnwilliams: Thank you! I filed 1/16 so I’m still waiting but hopeful I’ll be in the test batch also!
@mnwilliams: thanks! I think I’m accepted based on what I read here with the one bar and the pending blah blah and tax topic 152. I’m just waiting on an email and I keep checking my karma account.
@VaGal07: I’m sorry I’m just seeing this. I filed on 1/14.
@AbbieM: I’m sorry I’m just seeing this! It was already in my CK account when I found the email stating it had been deposited. I found it about 15 mins after it was sent.
Good evening everyone. Congrats to those accepted and patience to those waiting. Busy last few days, but the return was accepted by the IRS on the 16th. FTUSA. PATH…So, the waiting begins.
@Sheila_33: whats the difference between received and accepted (in the context of test batches)?
Like WMR says received but TT says accepted
@Dentonj88: If the Irs is showing acceptance, then you’re in the test batch
So if TT accepted and IRS is pending, does that mean I’m in a test batch?
@shelleybeanss: Don’t be bummed, you got another shot at it next week. Hub testing starts again Tuesday. 😊
Super bummed I didn’t make it into early test batches. Hopefully it will go smoothly on opening day. I need that advance. Our lease is up and I have to move
Woohoo! Finally accepted about 2 hours ago. Filed with TT, weekly PATHER with advance and got the advance as well.
@Joe shmoe: We are checking into it. Thank you for sharing. Our automated mod sometimes moderates links so most likely that is why your comment was deleted.