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
49,361 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 ā€œqueueā€ 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 will begin accepting tax returns in 2025 on January 27th.

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 Wherer’s My Refund tool (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. Janel120
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-31
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-31
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    A few people have the same issue with transcripts being blank up top and acct shows but blank that has never happen before. I’m thinking an update coming this Wednesday. I still have my 152 topic with my tax return is being processed.

    Reply
    3
  2. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-9
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-17
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      04
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Lanna: IGMR has a calendar of projected refund dates.
    https://igotmyrefund.com/irs-e-file-refund-cycle-chart-2023/

    Reply
    1
  3. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-9
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-17
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      04
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Rabbit: You most likely have ID me. If you do a search of ID verify IRS then you’ll find an option to log in as you do your ID me and see if you’re able to go in and be asked for a code. If it doesn’t let you go in, then ID verify is not an issue.

    Reply
    1
  4. Lanna

    I have the PATH message on WMR and my transcripts have all the good codes minus the 846. My cycle is 20230405. This means I’m weekly I believe. So when should I see the 846 appear?

    Reply
    2
  5. Daniel
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-23
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20230605
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-20
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-10
    • I Got My Refund!

    2023 Return N/A
    2023 record of account transcript N/A

    Yesterday 2023 Account Transcript link went live but was mostly blank. States No Return Filed

    Reply
    4
  6. Gators352

    Good morning ā˜€ļø did anyone see DDD’s this morning if so congratulations to all the updates this morning

    Reply
    2
  7. Gators352

    @Whatsgoingon: Transcripts update really anytime and and any day of the week but to be honest if you didn’t get a update this morning you may have to wait until next Friday into early AM Saturday to update if you’re a weekly reminder massive updates are Wednesday’s & Friday’s

    Reply
    3
  8. IHATETAXTIME
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      Take Action
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      0705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-26
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Janel120: nothing has changed as far as my job, kids…housing….no big life change at all. Only thing I can think of is I did a semester at Capella this past year and I filed the 1098t for them…only difference for this year!

    Reply
  9. IHATETAXTIME
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      Take Action
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      0705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-26
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Janel120: nope. I had n/a on all scripts except wages until yesterday when return processed but it has 0’s and no return filed on it. No cycle codes or anything. WMR has the original message with 152 code all amounts and info on the side. I guess I just haven’t processed yet. Maybe it started but never finished. Praying for next week. I wish I would switch back to a daily. I’ve been weekly for 10+ years!

    Reply
    1
  10. Rabbit

    @Walter DOG: I’m sorry you have confused me . I am able to access ID me with no issues at all . Are you saying I will have an issue soon ?

    Reply
  11. Rabbit

    @Janel120: my employer has changed yes .

    Reply
  12. Whatsgoingon

    Does anyone know if transcripts will still update at all today?

    Reply
  13. Iloveyouguys

    @KYMama22: I wonder what’s going on

    Reply
  14. Janel120
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-31
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-31
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @IHATETAXTIME: have anything change for you?

    Reply
  15. Janel120
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-31
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-31
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @highxonlifex: Has anything change with taxes? New job, move etc.

    Reply
  16. IHATETAXTIME
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      Take Action
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      0705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-26
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Janel120: this is also my situation. Filed/accepted 1/25. Yesterday was the first bit of movement on scripts for me. Just the bottom 2 boxes have 2022 info…but no return filed.

    Reply
    1
  17. IHATETAXTIME
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      Take Action
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      0705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-26
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Walter DOG: sorry Walter…the path was put into place to cut down on fraud with claiming dependents and credits. It was ā€œsupposedā€ to help crack down on people illegally filing for credits they weren’t supposed to file. I do agree with pb&j because I don’t believe it has done any of what they claimed it would do.

    Reply
    6
  18. Janel120
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-31
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-31
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Rabbit: I have the same thing as you the top two are N/A but my account has 2022 but no return my situation did change I’ve moved and got a different job but same the dependent s my ssa wages are showing also. Has anything change with you?

    Reply
    1
  19. KYMama22

    @Iloveyouguys: same thing here! No advance, but my totals are more than what I’m suppose to get back.

    Reply
    1
  20. Wondering2023

    @Jinglesmouse: so no changed on wmr till the 16th?

    Reply
  21. PB&J

    @Walter DOG: no disrespect but you make no sense. Tax preparers and banks will make money regardless of path or not. Path has nothing to do with that. Ppl still need tax preparers if they DONT KNOW HOW TO DO THEIR OWN TAXES. Even the if they do their own taxes some ā€œfreeā€ sites still take fees. You can stand behind this path stuff and defend it but I’m not path is stupid I seen nothing significant come from it.

    Reply
    3
  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!

    @Rabbit: yes it is and it can take a week to show up ,if it’s saying unable to provide assistance in a week it’s probably not id verify

    Reply
    1
  23. highxonlifex

    As of date has been 2/13 since last week. Transcripts show N/A on the top 2 boxes. The bottom 2 show no return has been filed. I’ve had the ā€œstill being processedā€ since 1/25. I’ve been a weekly for the last few years, so I was expecting an update to transcripts yesterday … Nope! No notices sent as far as I know, nothing shows in the online account. No ID verify. The IRS really keeps throwing down the Uno skip card on my return because they don’t want to process it. Everything I’ve read says it’s not been entered into the master file yet! Ugghhhhh.

    Reply
    1
  24. LWA

    Does anyone know why I have the path message but nothing on lines 27, 28 on my return/

    Reply
  25. 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!

    @PB&J: path is for the banks and tax services because without the wait there’s no need for tax service you can do it yourself for free but people are broke so tax service offers advance and so people use them just for advance and banks get a fee for you using account for direct deposit it’s all so banks and tax companies can get their share of money

    Reply
    1
  26. Rabbit

    @Walter DOG: ID verify that’s what I use to log into my irs account . Correct?

    Reply
  27. PB&J

    Mines always process 3 days after path lifts for the 22nd of feb or 24th. So path lifts 15th I get update on 18th and see funds by 22nd no later than the 24th. Every year. And the 22nd of feb is my bday so it’s a good bday gift lol

    Reply
    4
  28. Rabbit

    @Walter DOG: I have ID verify . I can view my account

    Reply
  29. 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!

    @Rabbit: it can definitely be a delay message but I’m just saying it can take a week Tor id verify to register in the system

    Reply
  30. Jinglesmouse

    @Wondering2023: No movement will be seen for PATHers till 16th. Daily updates will start the 16th and weekly will start on 17th with transcripts.

    Reply
    1
  31. Iloveyouguys

    Good morning transcript updated,all boxes as of date feb 20 like miss sheila said(thank you again)but my money isn’t adding up…..my refund was 5,800 and my advance was 2,995 and remaining balance is 2,300 and so even with her 500 dollars fee it’s still not adding up because my transcript say eight thousand and when I added everything up it was 8000 I’m utterly baffled

    Reply
  32. PB&J

    I hate that they make ā€œpathersā€ wait. Like what is so important that some must wait til mid February???? Because if credits owed to you for filing your kids and your earned income??? Ppl still getting away with bad returns this path poop ain’t for security reasons sooooooo why????? I feel like they can establish a better system than this cause they are playing with ppls money and I see soooo many ppl that can use it ASAP but gotta wait almost a month after filing for your funds to be fully processed and released. I don’t understand what’s so important about making certain ppl wait nearly a month for filing kids and earned income??????

    Reply
    8
  33. 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!

    @Rabbit: It looks a lot like Id verify and also it can take a week fo show up on your account and id verify system and your wmr just changed so try the identification of tax in about another week and see if it will let you enter code and or see if you have notice on your account in a week

    Reply
  34. Wondering2023

    So if we see the PATH message right now, can that update next Saturday with a DDD for the following week- on WMR, since PATH lifts on the 15th?

    Reply
    1
  35. Rabbit

    @Sheila_33: I checked no notices .
    Thanks so much I filed Jan 26
    It says no return filed at the bottom of account trans and wage trans .

    Reply
  36. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-9
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-17
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      04
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Rabbit: No, its possibly a delay message since its 0s. You might also check your tax account and see if any notices have been sent, just in case.

    Reply
    1
  37. KYMama22

    Morning guys! Wanted to see if any of you all know the answer to this. Looking at my trans, my 766 and 768 codes have negative amounts, but the amounts it’s showing combined is more money than I’m suppose to get back in my refund. Anyone know why?

    Reply
    1
  38. Rabbit

    Good Morning
    My bars disappeared with amount still on left side message ā€œstill being processedā€ My account trans has 0’s with as of Feb 20 is this the path message ? I have no 152 anymore šŸ˜”

    Reply
    1
  39. Jmichigan.
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-28
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Citizens Bank
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    https://taxpayer.sbtpg.com/

    This is where you go for TurboTax. You click on “Login to TPG” and put your social, your refund amount and your filing status

    Reply
    1
  40. Jmichigan.
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-28
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Citizens Bank
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    See I use TurboTax too so I can check the SBTBG website. That’s the bank that they use to take fees and send the remaining refund? It will tell you once its received and once its sent. Check your tax preparer info and see what bank they use and you might be able to track it

    Reply
    1