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
34,971 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. Matt H (not logged in)

    @Wibbleywobbley: there’s several of us right there with you. Just think happy thoughts this morning, and check your transcripts in a couple hours from now.

    You’ll probably be happy then.

    Reply

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    4
  2. I GOT MY REFFFUUND

    @Chasingcarson_: what do u mean see it on republic? Bc It always goes through Republic Bank first. It goes republic bank first even hit the serve card or if it hits your account, bank account personally. So if you see it there then that means the money’s there and they will distribute it to either your account or the server card

    Reply

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  3. Fuzzy Buckeye

    Checked this morning with DDD 2/23
    846 CODE!! YASSSSS. Some people on this forum are very informative. I found out about transcripts and codes from this online community. Thank you. Beats calling or checking WMR everyday. Thank you guys

    Reply

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    4
  4. Bellee
    • Tax Preparer:
      TaxAct
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-27
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-2
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly

    I can see my transcripts now. I woke up with my 846 and the date is Feb 23rd

    O-m-g 🥹

    Reply

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    9
  5. Iwillbetoorichtogetarefundin2024

    Filed 01/30 accepted within five minutes, received TT refund advance at the same time that my refund was accepted by the irs, PATH message on wmr on 2/11. Cycle code 20230605 my transcripts updated this morning with 846 code and as of date went from 02/27 to 03/06 wmr still shows PATH message. Good day all!

    Reply

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    3
  6. Cheryl G

    @woodysgirl89: same here

    Reply

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  7. Chasingcarson_

    Anyone with JH feed see their money in republic (not serve card)?

    Reply

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  8. Cheryl G

    I got my DDD. On my transcript. 2/23/23. Was PATH. WMR not updated yet!!!

    Reply

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    2
  9. woodysgirl89
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-23
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    Wooooo… got that 846 this morning 😍

    Reply

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    3
  10. Yourfavgirl
    • Tax Preparer:
      H&R Block
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-19
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20230405
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-13
    • I Got My Refund!

    Good morning !!! Woke up to code 846 with a DDD of 2-23!! Won’t he do it!!!!! Thanks to everyone who answered all my questions! You guys rock. I will be donating soon!!!

    Reply

    moderated
  11. Vannyy

    On the 846 the negative is not showing next to amount is that ok? And account balance is at $0.00 now and not the amount with the negative

    Reply

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    1
  12. Messiah
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-14
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-21
    • Date Approved:
      Jan-21
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20220605
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-28
    • I Got My Refund!

    846 2/23 and I have Netspend 🥳🥳🥳

    Reply

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    2
  13. I GOT MY REFFFUUND

    I got my DD yesterday, last night actually. Completely surprised as I’m somebody who gets the child tax credit, all the credits etc. Filed on January 4th of course wasn’t accepted until later. Didn’t even bother to check wmr or transcripts once this year or this site bc it’s online that people who are receiving the child tax credit probably won’t start receiving refunds until around February 28th. Got an email last night saying that my deposit had gone to my American Express serve card. Jackson Hewitt. It’s the LAST year I’ll ever use them. Hope u guys r getting yours quick. Just STUNNED that I got my deposit one day after the 15th, the day they started accepting or processing for people with child tax credits etc

    Reply

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    1
  14. Wibbleywobbley

    I’m a Pather still all blank on transcript no cycle code everything 0’s and says no return filed at the bottom. filed TT filed 2/2 accepted 2/2. My as of date updates from February 27th to march 6th this morning. Return still processing message for state too. Feels like I’m the only one moving backwards instead of forwards.

    Reply

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    4
  15. Why'severythingcomplicated

    @Tigerlili_1: Thank you!

    Reply

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  16. Jenny04

    @Sheila_33: thanks lady!! Now it just depends on when sbbtg sends it to netspend cause had fees taking out from refund…..

    Reply

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    1
  17. Jazz88

    So does transcripts stop updating at 630? I’m waiting on then to finish the other half of my transcripts 😂

    Reply

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    1
  18. Kimzie

    @Jenny04: I have had netspend for years. I usually get it in the afternoon of the day my transcripts update

    Reply

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    2
  19. Frank Garrett - Southpark IRS Agent (aka buckey12)
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-5
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      FNB
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Jenny04: whoohoo!!! Congrats. Breathe now….

    Reply

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  20. Why'severythingcomplicated

    @lori1985: Thank you!

    Reply

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  21. Vannyy

    Good morning, Woke up to 846 ddd 2/23. I have credit union, does anyone think I could get today?

    Reply

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    1
  22. Nene

    I updated with code 846… if I was going to have a non tax offset would that have updated as well?

    Reply

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    3
  23. Jenny04

    @Ari2701: ya but I had fees taking out of the refund so going to sbbtg bank first. So who knows when they will do it but at least it’s coming

    Reply

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    1
  24. Melanin. Being93
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-27
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Wells Fargo
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    Anybody else keep getting technical problem when trying to log in on the irs site

    Reply

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  25. lori1985
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-19
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Credit Karma
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240605
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-26
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Why’severythingcomplicated: Last year was my first year using them, my DDD was 2/23 and I got them around 9am 2/16. So I’m hoping they release them early this year too.

    Reply

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    1
  26. Impatiently waiting
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-10
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • Identity Theft
    • I Got My Refund!

    @lori1985: hey I’m weekly and have always been. I always get my refund later in day same day as 846 as long as fees were paid up front. Hope this helps.

    Reply

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  27. Jenny04

    @Frank Garrett – Southpark IRS Agent (aka buckey12): I got it to thank god!!! I have netspend so hope it gets deposited early but never know!! It’s coming at least!!

    Reply

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    1
  28. Tigerlili_1
    • Tax Preparer:
      Jackson Hewitt
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-25
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      PenFed
    • Bars:
      3rd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-25
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240605
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-26
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-26
    • Identity Theft
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Why’severythingcomplicated: Day before more than likely

    Reply

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  29. Bubba

    Finally got my 846

    Reply

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    3
  30. Ari2701

    @Jenny04: Gm, NetSpend usually starts releasing refunds from Friday afternoon/, Evening in my experience. You will have it before 2/23. I have been using them for years and I woke up to a DDD of 2-23 also.🎉🎉

    Reply

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    1
  31. 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!

    @impatiently waiting: Good morning! Happy you’re not impatiently waiting anymore lol. Congratulations!

    Reply

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    2
  32. spring

    WMR UPDATED TO DELAY MESSAGE BEEN OVER 21 DAYS IS THAT WHY? WILL IT CHANGE SAT?

    Reply

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    1
  33. Interesting..
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-11
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-20
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-17
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-23
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20230405
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-13
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-27
    • I Got My Refund!

    Updated w my 846! This year for me was way better than last year whew!

    Reply

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    1
  34. 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!

    @Jenny04: Wonderful news,. Congratulations!

    Reply

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    1
  35. Why'severythingcomplicated

    Is Santa Barbara to Credit Karma thru TuboTax a no-hold? Or are we looking at actual DDD?

    Reply

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  36. PB&J

    05 filed on filing day got accepted same day had path I owed the irs 1000 so I got the code 826 (them taking their money) then 971 (a notice about them taking their money) and 846 a release with the remaining balance and the ddd of 2/23 my bday 2/22 I was hoping for that date but it’s okay lol also I had to pay back stimulus tusk why but after I got my stimulus late like I got both as one because I didn’t get one when the first was issued then I got a notice after I got stimulus to pay it back idk I didn’t even make much that year my gf told me to call because that’s my money they talking but man it’ll be a hassle straightening things out. Congrats to all I updated around 4:45am.

    Reply

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    2
  37. Impatiently waiting
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-10
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • Identity Theft
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: good morning

    Reply

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  38. Thegirlsmom94

    Am I the only one who got an 846 date 02/27?

    Filed 01/09, advance loan, verified identity 02/14 just updated with 846 date of 02/27……cycle code 0705

    Reply

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    2
  39. Impatiently waiting
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-10
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • Identity Theft
    • I Got My Refund!

    Omg just woke bk up n finally 846 for 2/23! Not only till wait till later today.

    Reply

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    3
  40. 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: Good morning ma’am. Thank you ❤

    Reply

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