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
34,934 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. 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!

    As of date changed to 2/20. Still not filled out. Starting to think there’s a problem with my transcripts

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  2. KDinAZz

    @Sheila_33: could it be that our return is taking longer as it’s 27 pages? Since we have one w2, 2 small business, and 1098t plus child care

    Reply

    Report comment
  3. Gators352

    Good morning ☀️ good Wednesday morning to all claiming a bless and wonderful day let see some updates

    Reply

    Report comment
    6
  4. KDinAZz

    @Sheila_33: we have a new address this year but I’ll double check socials and agi right now.

    Reply

    Report comment
  5. Newman
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Cycle Code:
      05

    @Sheila_33: still 1 bar on WMR, no change with that…only change on transcripts is the As Of date to 2/20. Transcripts still blank since Thursday 1/26

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  6. 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!

    @KdinAZz: Have you checked socials, addresses, agi from last year to make sure all is correct? If all is good, then it’s just the IRS taking their time to accept. Hopefully today.

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  7. JazzzinVa

    @Walter DOG: I was accepted the 24th filed on the 23rd

    I’ve been watching my transcripts it’s not asking for anything, shoot it still says Return not processed .. transcripts blank but I’ve been a weekly these past years..
    Used TT to file. Had one light now it’s blank with just the message

    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!

    @Newman: What’s your messaging showing as of now?

    Reply

    Report comment
  9. KDinAZz

    @Sheila_33: thank you. As of 651am az time it still just says submitted on freeraxusa and wmr can’t find my info

    Reply

    Report comment
  10. Walter DOG
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-20
    • I Got My Refund!

    @804VA: no id verify right now but it can take a week to show up on id verify just keep checking in another week if it’s saying that then your probably good

    Reply

    Report comment
  11. Proffiteer

    @KDinAZz lol: I was accepted within an hour or so after filing on 1/24 via TT. It wasn’t immediately, but still. Hope that helps.

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  12. KDinAZz lol

    @Amy19: my taxes are still not accepted.

    For anyone who was accepted immediately what site did you use

    Reply

    Report comment
    2
  13. Newman

    ugh. My As of date on my transcript just this morning moved from 2/13 to 2/20…..Filed/accepted 1/23 with TT. Transcript first showed up last Thursday with all 0’s. Still all 0’s

    Reply

    Report comment
  14. 804VA

    @Walter DOG ok so it says we ARE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE

    then it says the 21 day message

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  15. Walter DOG
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-20
    • I Got My Refund!

    @804VA: google irs.gov/id verify and you use id me to sign in and if you have id verify it will prompt you to enter code if not id verify it will say we’re unable to provide you any assistance

    Reply

    Report comment
    2
  16. 804VA

    @Walter DOG

    Is ID VERIFY THE SAME AS iDMe

    I have, idME That’s how sign in…

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  17. 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 would love to see you have a smooth year. Fingers crossed. You do the same, hun.

    Reply

    Report comment
    2
  18. 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: nothing yet, thanks for checking in! I thought I cracked my every other year code, but I didn’t! I thought for sure I would be a 02 this year but no date yet, maybe I will be a three today! In order I have had 05,04,05,03,05…..so I thought I would see a 02 this morning but I am still NA.
    Enjoy your day!

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  19. Walter DOG
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-20
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: I won’t I know it’s hard to figure never had this happen my wmr update before Saturday morning unless it was id verify but it’s not that

    Reply

    Report comment
  20. 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!

    @Walter DOG: A review of wages would show a 570. With your return, I really think you’re in the same situation user Mike was. At least, that’s what I’m hoping. :) Don’t come for me if I’m wrong, I’ll hide in the back room. lol

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  21. Walter DOG
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-20
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: I know I have 20 year old, 22 year old,3 teenagers and 11 year old cain’t buy no eggs lol!

    Reply

    Report comment
  22. Walter DOG
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-20
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: Good Morning again ,quick question if for some reason you had to verify something like wages or something else would your transcripts move at all from NA just curious

    Reply

    Report comment
  23. 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!

    @Walter DOG: Those little ones are good but some are teenagers now and you know how that goes, lol. I have my sights on Friday for a bunch of you, and if you update before then, all the better.

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  24. Walter DOG
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-20
    • I Got My Refund!

    @804VA: login to I’d verify and see if it says we’re unable to provide assistance or it will let you enter code you may have id verify but since nothing changed probably not

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  25. 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!

    @KDinAZz: Good to see you and happy you’re back. It’s been taking awhile for some returns to be accepted. Not sure why but hopefully today. Also, check your WMR and the Freetax site on your tranmission. Someone was saying they had updated on there, before they got a message it had been accepted. :)

    Reply

    Report comment
  26. Walter DOG
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-20
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: Good Morning Sheila how is those little ones I hope great ,you know my transcripts are still NA and wmr still on my one bar refund date when available tax topic 152

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  27. 804VA

    @Walter DOG
    Filed: January 20, 2023
    Accepted : Jan 21st ,2023

    My WMR WENT BLANK AND SAYS “still being processed “
    I have my refund amount on the left column NO TAX TOPIC 152

    I CLAIMED MY SON but I have done that the last 6 years (he is 6)

    My transcripts Hal have zero by the balance
    MY AS OF DATE IS 2/13/2023

    at the bottom of transcript is says NO RETURN FILED

    but I have already been accepted

    THIS IS WEIRD

    Reply

    Report comment
  28. 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!

    My WMR didn’t update yet. Still on 1 bar. Was hoping to see the Path today.

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  29. 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 Amy. Any movment for you yet?

    Reply

    Report comment
  30. 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!

    @Walter DOG: Good morning Walt

    Reply

    Report comment
  31. Walter DOG
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-20
    • I Got My Refund!

    @JazzinVA: when did you file and was accepted,you also can check your account and id verify and see if that’s the problem

    Reply

    Report comment
  32. 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!

    @Leet: it’s the date that they have to finish any processing/updates by. Once you have an “as of” date appear, you typically update with your 846 code shortly after. They either have to have your refund processed by that date, or updated with other codes if they need to look into anything further. It’s a sign of movement nonetheless, so it’s progress! 😊

    Reply

    Report comment
    2
  33. 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!

    @Leet: The “as of” date is placed to remind the system to finish the return. If you’re under the path hold, it won’t change until the freeze lifts. If you have blank transcripts, then it’s to remind the system you need to be processed.

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  34. Leet

    Gm, I have question … so what exactly does as of 2/13/23 mean ? I have that on my transcript, is that my deposit date ?

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  35. Gwen

    I’m worried because I shouldn’t be in PATH but I received the PATH message this morning 😩what is going on

    Reply

    Report comment
  36. VaGal07

    No change for me this morning. Still half filled transcripts and no wording change on WMR. My VA state did finish though with a DDD of 2/08 so that made me happy! Hoping to see an update this weekend.

    Reply

    Report comment
    3
  37. Mwatl

    @Newman: Same here

    Reply

    Report comment
  38. JazzinVA

    Filed CTC only with dependents transcript say 05
    No codes it’s blank and as of date is 2/13

    Reply

    Report comment
  39. TeeDee44

    Ugghhh. I’m so sick of this PATH act. I find it interesting that they are so adamant about giving my ex time to file for our 14 year old son that he hasn’t spoken to or lifted a finger to help in 4 years but they were not so enthusiastic about making sure he took care of him over the years. Funny.

    Reply

    Report comment
    6