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
34,960 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. AlaysiaMoore

    @Benita: so an offset won’t delay a refund? I owe the state of New York

    Reply

    Report comment
  2. Benita
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-31
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-31
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-24
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-28
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240805
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-11
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Mitty: The same for me, hoping it updates by 9 a.m.

    Reply

    Report comment
  3. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-6
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Walterdog: Thank you for stepping up. I agree. That education credit may be the hold up for some. I remember, a couple of years ago, they were really looking at those.

    Reply

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  4. Bulldog30

    @Sheila_33: no I have never looked at them before

    Reply

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  5. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-6
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Amy19: I sure hope so. And these 570s showing up are disappointing. :(

    Reply

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  6. Walterdog

    @Sheila_33: Good morning I tried to help those last night worried about 570 code they didn’t get 971 code so it could be fixed by computer internally or am I wrong I’m also thinking maby education credit

    Reply

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  7. Amy19
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240605
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: Good morning. It doesn’t look like a big update day so far. Hopefully the updates pick up the pace!

    Reply

    Report comment
  8. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-6
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Bulldog30: Can you see transcripts online?

    Reply

    Report comment
  9. Bulldog30

    WMR is still saying my information is incorrect! When I know it isn’t. Does anyone know what this means. Should I be worried.

    Reply

    Report comment
  10. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-6
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Monee: Check again this evening and see if there’s any changes. Did the as of date change?

    Reply

    Report comment
  11. Monee
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-15
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Varo
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-17
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-2
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: no update for me today. I am starting to accept that maybe I’m in the fobidden land called the errors department or something.

    Reply

    Report comment
  12. RuthBaby
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-5
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      WF
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-5
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      04
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-26
    • I Got My Refund!

    Hey everybody! How’s everybody doing?

    Reply

    Report comment
  13. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-6
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Monee: Watching and waiting and hoping you get an update. :)

    Reply

    Report comment
  14. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-6
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Tomaraa: Sorry, not enough coffee lol. I misread and thought you just updated this morning.

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  15. Monee
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-15
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Varo
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-17
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-2
    • I Got My Refund!

    Can’t see my transcripts bc of technical difficulties. Yal broke it again. Lol.

    Reply

    Report comment
    2
  16. Tomaraa

    @Sheila_33: ive been on path message since last week

    Reply

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  17. theresa
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Credit karma
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    @MSRazorbackPhD: thanks! I’m happy someone seen movement on ms state

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  18. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-6
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @DAZEDNconfused23: Yes, it’s very possible.

    Reply

    Report comment
  19. Honeybee82
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-9
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Credit Karma
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • Date Approved:
      Mar-1
    • WMR Date:
      Mar-6
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240905
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-18
    • 5071C LETTER
    • I Got My Refund!

    @grnz2glk40s: I’ve been having the same issue with the Michigan site since mine was accepted 2 weeks ago. No matter how many times I enter the *correct* information…it won’t let me sign on. I just gave up lol

    Reply

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  20. Mitty

    @Mike: hey Mike. Yesterday mine only showed the amount that I’m supposed to get. Today under the amount paid to you section it shows the amount that I will be receiving. It does still say unfunded under that. What does your say?

    Reply

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  21. Mitty

    SBTGP updated this morning. It says the amount paid to me now with the fees take it out. That’s an update from yesterday. However, it still says unfunded. Weird that they have the exact amount but not funded. The deposit has to be coming soon.

    Reply

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  22. IT'S COMING!!!

    Anyone update on transcripts. I filed on the 26th accepted on 29th

    Reply

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  23. Bubba

    @Claudia: also we didn’t report it because we were unaware of it. We filed a week prior to getting it. We are just worried that by not amending if we will get in trouble. I wonder if anyone has had a similar experience

    Reply

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  24. Singledad0817

    @Mike: federal took my state 2 years ago

    Reply

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  25. Benita
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-31
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-31
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-24
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-28
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240805
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-11
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Mike: I had an offset, it did update with the correct amount that I’m receiving after the offset on Sbbt.

    Reply

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  26. DAZEDNconfused23

    I filed and was accepted on 1/27. I have TT152 on WMR but when I log in, my account and income transcripts are blank. And there is no other transcripts listed. I think I am a weekly, I have been in the past but I did not file last year. Could I have been re-sequenced?

    Reply

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  27. Benita
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-31
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-31
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-24
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-28
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240805
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-11
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Mike: I’m in New York, it will probably update around 9 a.m.

    Reply

    Report comment
  28. Mike
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Citizens bank
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-23
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-3
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-8
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20230505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-13
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Singledad0817: They’re not allowed to take your state refund anymore only the state is if you owe money to the state

    Reply

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  29. Singledad0817

    My state was suppose to take my refund and put it towards what I owe the irs but they didn’t.I have deposit date of February 14

    Reply

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    2
  30. MSRazorbackPhD

    @theresa: I am shocked. It was approved yesterday…so there’s no telling when I’ll receive it. 🤞🏽 that yours updates soon.

    Reply

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    3
  31. theresa
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Credit karma
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    @MSRazorbackPhD: I wish mine would update its still being reviewed

    Reply

    Report comment
  32. Mike
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Citizens bank
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-23
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-3
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-8
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20230505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-13
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Benita: Yesterday all it had was the talk amount this morning it shows both amounts with the fees taken out and then on the bottom says deposited 2 7 23 from IRS so should be seeing it in my account sometime today or 1st thing in the morning

    Reply

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    1
  33. Mike
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Citizens bank
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-23
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-3
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-8
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20230505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-13
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Benita:

    Reply

    Report comment
  34. Benita
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-31
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-31
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-24
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-28
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240805
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-11
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Mike: Mine isn’t showing sent yet.

    Reply

    Report comment
  35. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-6
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Singledad0817: It will most likely update after the freeze lifts unless it’s not federal. Then the code may post a week or two later after the offset is taken and the refund is sent.

    Reply

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  36. Singledad0817

    I owe the irs so will the offset code show up before the path lifts or afterwards.I’m weekly and been on path message for 2 weeks.so far no bad codes on my transcripts

    Reply

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    1
  37. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-6
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Tomaraa: All good codes, your Wmr may change to the path message in the morning. The negative is the refund total minus any taxable income.

    Reply

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  38. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-6
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Momof2girls1boy: Did you claim the education credit? Or just the actc/eitc?

    Reply

    Report comment
  39. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-6
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Yandyy: I’m sorry to see you updated to a 570 but hopefully, it’s an easy fix and they can resolve internally.

    Reply

    Report comment
  40. Tomaraa

    Good morning,If theres a negative sign next to my amount on transcripts by account balance is that good? I have codes 150 806 766 768 next to codes theres amounts with negative also . I go to wmr and i have path message and something about topic 152

    Reply

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