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.
@Mike: congrats on the 846!! Gotta love that magic little number. 😊
@Mike: Congratulations!
@JocelynTexasMarie: same for me. Accepted the 17th tho
I updated yesterday morning to a blank account transcript, not expecting to see any more movement on mine until next week, but remaining hopeful that it starts populating with codes today. Seems I’m a daily this year but without the cycle code still not 100%. Only time will tell.
Updated 846 for 1/29. Probably the fastest i have ever updated
Oh and my as of date is 2/10/2024
I still see no codes and I can’t see my cycle code
But I think we are moving in the right direction THIS IS MY FIRST TEST BATCH YEAR EVER I hope everything goes right for everyone” ITS OUR MONEY AND WE NEED IT NOW!!”
MY ACCOUNT transcript link is now available for 2024!
It was not available yesterday; ALTHOUGH IT IS ALL BLANK I think this signifies something;
I was accepted on 1/21/2024
WMR had one bar with TAX TOPIC 152 ; AND “IT IS BEING PROCESSED”
I HOPE EVERYONE GETS GREAT NEWS TODAY
Updated with As Of Date 02/10/25. No additional codes, still reflects old address. Some movement is better than no movement 😁!! So we shall wait on them good ole codes to drop. @Jocelynn I hope it will be!!
@ChrissC: things can update all day.
Does anyone think we’ll update anymore today?
@Huntingtonbeachmomof4: me too
@Monee: with old address still?
I updated to a blank transcript.
@Huntingtonbeachmomof4: Same here
My transcript finally showed up for 2024. As of date is 2/10/25. But everything else is blank. No cycle date. Says no record of tax return filed. However, from the IRS homepage, when I select the check refund link, it shows my correct refund amount for this year, 1 bar, TT 152. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
i filed and was accepted 1/22, i was REALLY hoping the IRS is on their a game this year and i’d see something move as a weekly even though it’s only been a couple of days. ya girl needs money 😩
Looks like we’re seeing movement. If you have questions about codes or cycle dates,
https://igotmyrefund.com/irs-transaction-codes-and-error-codes/
@Keishalove33: lol I mean 2025 I’m sleepy
@shelleybeanss: Hi I have an as of date for Feb 10 2925 as well I’m a pather codes 150 766 768 codes dated for 04-15-2025 anybody else thankyou.
@shelleybeanss: same here
@shelleybeanss: Same here
They’re already updating. My account transcript wasn’t available an hour ago and now it is with an as of date of feb 10. They are working a little more efficiently so far this year
My name is Martina Perez I’m waiting for reissue a check to me. From republican bank tax solution. When is it going to be sent.
@Lost Money I need Now:
My name is Martina Perez I’m waiting for reissue a check to me. From republican bank tax solution. When is it going to be sent.
@Bany: It’s a toss up, the IRS may process it as normal and then you can amend after. Or they could hold it in a wage review. Just keep an eye on it so you know.