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 āqueueā 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.
I was surprised to get a text message from freetaxusa today. Ky return was accepted. So, this year is done minus the wait.
Back again
This makes about 6 years I’ve came back to listen and read and try to help as I can I’m no expert when it comes to taxes only know the situations I’ve been in and what the outcomes been here again to share and learn. Good luck to everyone this year and may we all get our money in a timely manner.
Zenwork case will be heard in a federal court tomorrow for an emergency hearing. So far Millions of w2 are affected. Which means the IRS wonāt have millions of peopleās w2 to confirm refunds.
@Sheila_33: Thankyou Sheila I will.
@Keishalove33: Then I’m not really sure unless they also need to update. Keep me updated. Really sounds like there’s a glitch somewhere.
@Sheila_33: Thankyou Sheila but I received notification from acceptance from irs this has to do with the third party when your fees get taken out of refund through sbtpg website it says account unavailable I put all my information in ss# filing status and refund amount nothing is being displayed been accepted since January 17 thankyou for answering me.
Hi everyone. I am aboard the early train. Will update my filing details accordingly. Filed last night with Freetax, paid my fees upfront as usual so I am looking forward to see how this year plays out. Might see an acceptance tomorrow if everything goes my way :)
@Keishalove33: From what I’ve been seeing, Turbo Tax seems to be behind on updating for some and it’s possible that may be what’s happening with your information. Hopefully, it will straighten itself out this week.:)
@Sheila_33: Hi Sheils I have a question maybe you can help me. I filed with turbotax filed January 15th accepted January 17th payed fees out of refund got payed $25 dollars get refund back 5 days early I am a pathner. I log on sbtpg website to check to see my information for 2024 it says account unavailable but I can see 2023 tax year information called sbtpg they don’t know what to think and the same goes for turbotax any information would be a great help thank you.
@Wondering2025: That won’t change until you process. Just a standard letter you can use if you’re in the process of purchasing a home and your taxes haven’t been processed yet.
āThis letter states that the IRS does not have a record of a processed tax return as of the letter’s date. Either no tax return was filed for this year or your tax return is still being processed.ā
Just logged onto my trans account and saw this. I file my taxes yesterday. Should I be worried?
It looks like I didnāt even file?
@Sheila_33: thanks! I mightve had the username as part of my email or something
@JB in KC: Tomorrow is an elongated day to make up for the holiday so there’s always a chance you could be accepted.
@Sheila_33: do you think there is a good chance ill get accepted tomorow. its always been same or next day in the past for me but i did file late in the day on friday
@JB in KC: Hub testing is likely to resume tomorrow and continue until Friday.
does anyone know if the irs will accept returns today or this week ? mine is pending i need my advance asap