For all the people
impatiently waiting
on tax refunds.

A grapevine for taxpayers,
by taxpayers.

Interact with people who have experiences or questions just like you.

All of your tax refund questions, answered.
What Other People Are Saying
34,595 comments

Where’s My Refund?

You have questions, we have answers.

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.

IRS Update Cycle

Use the IRS Update Cycle chart to find the days and times the WMR and transcript update.

Transcripts

This is what your IRS transcript can tell you about your tax refund.

Transaction Codes

Lookup the codes that you see on your tax return transcript and what they mean.

Daily vs. Weekly

Find out if you have a daily or weekly account with the IRS and what it means.

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.

talk to a human

It is often hard to reach someone at the IRS and you might want to talk to a person. It is hard to reach some tax preparation companies too. Use our guide to talk to a human at the IRS.

TAX TOPIC 152

Tax Topic 152 is the most common status when you check the status of your tax refund. It is nothing to worry about.

transcript codes

Transaction Codes (TC) sometimes called transcript codes consist of three digits and may appear on your IRS account transcript. Decipher the codes on your IRS transcripts.

reference codes

Most times the WMR will show Tax Topic 152. Other times you may see various error codes. These are called Reference Codes on the WMR.

Join the Conversation

What Others Are Saying

  1. RoNoBandz

    @WildCardTaxYear: and I filed the second week of Jan. Accepted on the 19th of Jan.

    Reply

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  2. RoNoBandz

    @WildCardTaxYear: nope I received mines electronically 3/4
    And in the mail on the 12th

    Reply

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  3. Kris123

    Wow so after filing/being accepted 01/29 being told I needed to IDV and letter was sent out 02/22 it finally shows its otw in my informed delivery I’m so happy lol

    Reply

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  4. Haleyw25
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      0905
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-25
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-18
    • I Got My Refund!

    Quick question, on my transcript the 570 code has a date of 03/18/24 and then the 971 code has a date 03/24/24 a week apart. When I called the IRS she said the letter is just stating they need more time they are still reviewing my return. Has anyone else had this issue? The processing date shows 03/18/24. The IRS received my return on February 29th. I filed feb 11

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  5. WildCardTaxYear

    Has anyone with CP05 notice received an 846 yet?? 🤔🤔

    Reply

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  6. Boogerbaby089
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-4
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      Credit karma
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-4
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240805
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-11
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-18
    • I Got My Refund!

    @TisTheSeasonOfTorture: Today just hit different I guess. I’ve called once a week for over a month and have also been told 45 days, 60 days, 120days, and just Friday 180 days. The letter confirmed 60 days from today’s date. Fingers crossed and worse case scenario I have to wait! Anything at this point is worth a try!

    Reply

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  7. demn
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-5
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Cashapp / Sutton
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-5
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240805
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-18
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-11
    • I Got My Refund!

    And what do they say.,.”9 of 10 people have there return processed and paid 21 days after acceptance “

    So 21 days from the new processing date of 3/11….?
    And by these forums it sure feels like a lot less than 9of 10…

    Ok I’m done for now…

    Reply

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    2
  8. demn
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-5
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Cashapp / Sutton
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-5
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240805
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-18
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-11
    • I Got My Refund!

    I even uploaded my W2 and last 3 paystubs of 2023 on irs.gov….

    Reply

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  9. demn
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-5
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Cashapp / Sutton
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-5
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240805
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-18
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-11
    • I Got My Refund!

    Man I tell ya, I sure would like to know what triggered this CP05 BS….

    I mean shit, I verified my Identity 2 years ago, last year I got a PIN, then this year….
    I have same dependents, address, phone,email etc.
    Louisiana already received, processed and paid me for taxes this year…..
    So yes, what’s up IRS? I reckon I will be told that it’s a random yada yada that I got selected for….or there’s no method that led me here…
    However I don’t buy it….i wanna know what the issue was/is…
    If it is true then mr irs you clearly need a better SOP…
    Then the lil white speck, because I’m a middle aged white male im almost scared to call and ask what’s up

    Look at me venting…apologies…

    Reply

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    1
  10. Jacky_FL
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Varo
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      No Access
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Blue3y3s: Same here stuck on first bar!
    They put us in test batch oven, forgotaboutus until next year đź’©

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    2
  11. Blue3y3s

    Hey everyone! I filed mine electronically on January 17th and it was accepted on the 17th. It has now been two months since it was accepted and nothing has changed. I keep getting the run around with IRS on what is going on with them. One person told me that they didn’t have my paper work from my job but my job told me that it was sent in and everybody else from my job has already gotten their taxes back and then another agent said that they have my paper work and that I would be getting a notice in the mail but he didn’t know what the notice was about and to keep checking WMR and I have been but there has been no movement. Still stuck on the first bar.

    Reply

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    1
  12. TisTheSeasonOfTorture
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-22
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-23
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-11
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Boogerbaby089: I’ve had several agents tell me they couldn’t accept my W-2 as documentation for wage verification. I just have to wait the entire 120 days

    Reply

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    2
  13. jose_2024

    I filed on 02.28 and went on path message this whole time and just got message below last night anyone know what it’s about or did anyone else receive the same message?
    “We apologize, but your return processing has been delayed beyond the normal timeframe. You can continue to check back here for the most up to date information regarding your refund. We understand your tax refund is very important and we are working to process your return as quickly as possible.”

    Reply

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  14. KIKI 78

    I don’t have any codes or dates on my transcript. But I looked back over the past 3 years and my transcript code changed from 05 to 01 last year. Does that mean it will possibly 01 this year?

    Reply

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    1
  15. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Apr-1
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Bossman252: unless there’s an 846 as of isn’t related to refund date

    Reply

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  16. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Apr-1
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    As of dates change. They don’t correlate to deposit dates

    Reply

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  17. Bossman252

    @OhTaxes: You will get your return on 3/20 the as of date is the last day it has to be credited to your account which is 5 days after DDD.

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    1
  18. rynedon

    So Ive had the 570 and 971 for a while
    In comparing numbers My income I claimed is $1 more than what they have.
    Will they fix it or penalize me.
    Its One dollar

    Reply

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  19. Morris

    @Starr: Thanks, my blood pressure is normal again after receiving it.

    Reply

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  20. Morris

    @Kris123: No you will get the letter in a plain white envelope, a regular letter.

    Reply

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    1
  21. Jacky_FL
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Varo
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      No Access
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Kris123: 👍🏻
    They send that also regular mail

    Reply

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  22. Kris123

    Finally go informed delivery signed up if I need to IDV will the send it certified mail?

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  23. Tamme

    Does Anyone Know What The Processing Date 03-18-24 mean on the transcript? Return received date of 04-15-2024 is directly above it Thank you still waiting on my refund to be released

    Reply

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    1
  24. Starr

    @Morris: yayyyy congrats 🍾

    Reply

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    1
  25. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Apr-1
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Royal Tea: I’ve had the same
    Issue for over a week with the IRS site. I clear my cache and cookies nightly and it doesn’t do anything. Site is just jacked. App is wonky too

    Reply

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  26. Boogerbaby089
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-4
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      Credit karma
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-4
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240805
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-11
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-18
    • I Got My Refund!

    Received my CP05 letter online this morning, called irs and told her the last agent said they never got my w2 and thats why I have a review. she gave me her fax number to send in mine and my husband’s pdf w2 from my phone via a fax app. She said it could still take 60 days from today but she is hopeful that they will check verify and release within the next 2 weeks. She said due to an increase in fraud over the last 4 years A LOT of ppl are getting hit with ID verifys, reviews, and audits. I really hope this will help someone else!

    Reply

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    3
  27. Tracy H

    Will my tax return filed in my married name be updated on my account under my madam name?

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  28. Royal Tea

    @MommaDeb: Try the app or clear your cookies on your PC.

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  29. OhTaxes

    @Shelleybeansss: No, its been the same amount.

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    1
  30. Morris

    I just received my Deposit into my account at Varo Bank. I’m so excited that this tax season is now over. Still was the worst tax season ever. I have learned my lesson not to file early again.

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    7
  31. Shelleybeansss

    @OhTaxes: did they change your 768 credit amount? I have 768 but it’s before the 570

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  32. OhTaxes

    I have code 570 followed by code 768 with amount next to it.

    I went from an as of date 3/11/2024 to 3/25/2024.

    But no other movements. Anyone with the same situation?

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  33. Mroz

    @Demtrixec: i have exactly the same but I filled Jan 31st. Nothing makes sense. I do believe there is an error on the IRS side. NO way all these people are under review, I don’t buy it. Same w-2 for 23 years me and my wife and same 4 kids SS #’s and 2 in college claimed the college credits last 3 years. Thats it I did call 2 weeks ago and said a letter was sent out but nothing in the mail or online. She said it was NOT a verify letter but a review letter. 60-120 days to complete.

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    1
  34. Harry a

    @LostNthesauce: read my post im behind on everything on s.s.have daughter in college i owe everyone did nothing wrong filed with tt now cpo5 wtf, i feel for you im in same boat sinking

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    2
  35. Toshaplus3

    @LostNthesauce: I am in the same boat and feel your pain. I had an appointment but the letter showed up at the new address after I was told it would not and then my appointment was canceled because I was told they couldn’t do anything else after verification through the system, but here we are 3 weeks later and nothing…

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    2