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 began accepting tax returns this year on January 29, 2024.
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 just sent message to my congressman this whole thing is out of control
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I broke and sent a request to my local congressman. He hasn’t been of any help with a previous issue we were having but we’ll see if he takes the IRS Issue seriously
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So today I tried contacting my congressman. I went to his page found the link and I submitted my request. It does ask for your social security number FYI. I should mention I amended my tax return on April 6 so we will see what happens!
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Did anyone update?
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@BeeBee40: There should be a link on your Congressmans page for “assistance with a federal agency”
Fill out the form, and you can attach any supporting documents you need. I did it last week and 4 days later I got my refund.
My dates and codes were identical to yours.
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@Ineedmyducks: Possibly. Not sure – I always prepare my return myself, so I’m not familiar with that exactly. Maybe someone else here knows .
Good luck!
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@Jacky_FL: if I updated to funded today on SBTPG should I see my money today?
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I know are sense of humor is low right now but i thought this was sort of funny i called irs yesterday after waiting 82 days now and im on hold and the on hold message is if you filed electronically you can expect most refunds in 21 days LOL
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@BeeBee40: Okay 😊
Sorry, I didn’t mean to report -;just 👍🏼
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@Jacky_FL: I definitely will. I called and left a call back message no response as of yet.
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Got changed to funded this morning on SBTPG does that mean I’ll see my money today?
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@BeeBee40: You are so very welcome 🤗 I wish I could do more!!!
Let us know if they accept your request for assistance
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@Jacky_FL: thank you so much
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@BeeBee40: GM! Their office will route you to sign a privacy release form, where you also would explain in a few words the situation/expected outcome. Good luck 🤞🏼
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@Not in a rush-but kinda: good morning. First of all congratulations I’m so happy for you. I’m still waiting accepted 1/29 I have a 570 and 971. I received a cp05 letter on 3/11 for 60 days. When you contacted congressman what did you mention? Trying to get some help I’m in need of my refund. My car needs to be fixed.
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@Not in a rush-but kinda: So happy for you!!!
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Done!
Contacted congressman and 4 days later….poof.
All resolved.
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Day 83 nothing changed
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Please don’t respond to anyone requesting money on this site. We try very hard to keep our users safe from unverified ip addresses and unfortunately sometimes people, who out of the kindness of their hearts, want to help, are then taking advantage of. And y’all work too hard to be treated that way. :}
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@Dj: Amy is not an IRS employee but has been thru quite a few past issues in the past so is offering advice to help which is what we do here. And in reference to your comment that your return is complete. It has been posted to the master file, I agree, but until whatever is keeping that 846 from posting is resolved, you are still processing.
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@Hoping for the best: no still the same
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Did anyone update?
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Filled and accepted on 4/4. One bar on WMR and transcripts are still blank. Should I be worried?
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So quiet in here
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@nick: oh yeah
I sure am…
Simple 1040
Small refund
Same address info for 30 plus years…
Go figure
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@Sickofthis: @P
From my experience of many yrs filing – the ‘still’ popped up when still something needs to be done .
I’m sitting since verification 3/5 on 1st bar “is being processed”
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@Sickofthis: don’t know mines says the same
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Is “still being processed ” a good sign your return is okay?
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