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.
Also, when i checked this morning it was the normal message and tt 152. That was around 5am. Did anyone else check earlier today?
Chiming in to say I also have the still being processed message and no tax topic. I’m a weekly who updated to a 2/10 blank transcript as well.
@Walter DOG: Thankyou have a good night.
@Keishalove33: thank you the system is checking for something I seen where IRS is sending out 1400 stimulus checked for leole who didn’t claim it on their returns could be stuff like that don’t know but yes it helps to know it’s not just you
@Walter DOG: Hi Walter my transcripts have the same thing going on my 2022 and 2021 says as July 1, 2024 and 2023 has as of January 13, 2025 I don’t know crazy I’m just glad I’m not the only one.
@Mike: sorry for the slow reply. That’s great you processed so quickly! Congrats on the 1/29 DDD!!!
Hello everyone
Here we are again for the 2024 tax season. I don’t post a lot but enjoy listening to the comments. The first thing I do is make my Donation and set back enjoy how this group really tries to help each other. I will post I think it will help. I hope everyone has a smooth and uneventful time with a great outcome. Don
@Sheila_33: lol I’ma try not to stress it 🤣
@Sheila_33: thanks Sheila hope you and grandkids are all well and your husband of course
@Walter DOG: Yes sir, that’s what I’m saying.
@Stephennotsignedin: From what I’m seeing right now, that’s my best guess of what’s going on. And stop worrying, it causes wrinkles. I’m raising 5 grandkids myself, and they’re added enough, lol.
@Sheila_33: thanks Sheila I was kinda confused Jan 13 2025 is ahead of my 2023 transcript but your saying I guess is Jan 13 2025 has done pass and no codes or anything was added so if the as of date say was for like Jan 28 2025 then that’s what your saying (right)
If your “as of” date on your 2024 transcript is showing 2/10, then the system wants to resolve an action by that date. It reminds the system to address it. If your transcripts are blank, then the action may be getting you processed by that date. If your transcript has filled out and you have path credits, it can’t release the refund until the freeze lifts so the 2/10 is not relevant because its frozen and no action can be performed.
@Walter DOG: Only if that date goes ahead on a transcript is an action needing to be resolved.