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
49,252 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 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. Ashash

    When do weekly have mass updates??

    Reply
  2. Alienmoon

    What day does 02 cycle code usually update?

    Reply
    2
  3. Comeonnn

    @LiftTheFreezePlz: yesss!!! Collective mindset.. let’s manifest our money together 😂 sorry to hear about your car!! Adulting suuuucks.

    Reply
    6
  4. LiftTheFreezePlz

    @Comeonnn: lmmfao, ME TOO. my vehicle finally decided it was time to take a nice 💩💩 on me, it’s been hard for the past 3 weeks getting a ride back and forth to work. I opted for 5 days early thru TT, really hoping for some good news tomorrow if not then, Tuesday. 🤞🤞

    Reply
    11
  5. Comeonnn

    @LiftTheFreezePlz: this is exactly how mine is also.. I am VERY hopeful that we update early this next week instead of having to wait until Friday. I am hopeful we get paid by Friday 😂

    Reply
    3
  6. Punanni patrol

    Which day this week will be the big update

    Reply
  7. LiftTheFreezePlz

    Looked at my transcripts Friday night, as of date changed to March 3rd. Check them this morning, balanced owed is 0.00$, and as of date changed to March 10th. Processing date on transcript is 2-17, which I know is a holiday but by any glimmer of hope could it process tomorrow? Should I be alarmed that the only thing that’s changed is my as of date??

    Reply
    2
  8. Yourwelcome

    Feb 19 last year was Presidents’ Day.

    Reply
  9. Yourwelcome

    Just looked at last years transcript was processing date Feb 19 2024 DD of Feb 22nd so we should be seeing deposits either Monday night or Tuesday.

    Reply
    7
  10. Wellactually

    I went to my IRS account page just now. Yesterday, my account status showed $0 owed. Now, there’s a link and it says balance not available but if I requested an adjustment, it will show when the transaction is complete. I did not request an adjustment. My transcripts show nothing owed and have the regular codes except 846. WMR has the path message. Can anyone help me understand what’s going on?

    Reply
  11. Jaina
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-3
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      0705
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @godourlord1234:

    I don’t think there’s any reason to believe that. PATH deposits come earlier than March plenty.

    Unless I misunderstood, in which case, ignore me!

    Reply
    1
  12. Luckyme2025

    Path here. I filed last Saturday and to my shock I woke up to my money on my account this morning. Quickest I’ve ever seen a return. Had W2, 1099 int, and 1099 div. Just actc no eitc as I was over income limit for that credit. Good luck all. It’s coming.
    (Filed TT fees up front)

    Reply
    8
  13. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Blue Chyna: sorry. I misunderstood 🙄 but to even update on a Sunday is basically unheard of. The times we were told when I worked for the IRS, systems never update is holidays and Sundays. All systems.

    Reply
    1
  14. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sweets and more: go to irs.gov and click sign in to your account. If you don’t have an account set one up. It will have you set it up through id.me. But then you can access your transcripts in your irs.gov account

    Reply
  15. godourlord1234

    @Galespi09: eic – earliest a deposit will be made is march 3rd. however that is a small – eic is delayed due to path

    Reply
  16. Blue Chyna

    I said ddd not the actual deposit n yes wmr has updated on Sundays before I been taxes for over 10 years but I guess it will update tonight

    Reply
    3
  17. Sweets and more

    @shelleybeanss: how do I locate this transcript from

    Reply
  18. Galespi09

    @Sheila_33: oh maybe today do you know well thanx for your reply

    Reply
  19. 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!

    @Galespi09: Hard to say without being able to see the transcript, but there are some that just need to go thru again and update so hopefully this week. :)

    Reply
  20. Mama.Bear

    @Cali: same!

    Reply
    1
  21. Galespi09

    @Sheila_33: stuck on one bar filed on the 29th accepted the next day claimed eitc it hasnt updated

    Reply
  22. Galespi09

    @shelleybeanss: i cant view them

    Reply
  23. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Galespi09: you’re on path. Have you checked your transcripts? That’s really the only insight into what is happening with your return

    Reply
    1
  24. Mama.Bear

    @Sheila_33: thank you!

    Reply
  25. Galespi09

    Sheila i filled on the 29th accepted the next day im stuck at one bar i did claim eitc do you know whats happening with my refund

    Reply
  26. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Blue chyna: banks don’t process anything on Sundays or holidays

    Reply
    1
  27. Mama.Bear

    @Morris: thank you!

    Reply
    1
  28. Starchild1111

    so quick ques if im aa 05 cycle code i could possibly see my 846 on my transcripts before wed? or am i stretching it a bit and shouldnt see it until friday

    Reply
    1
  29. GRS

    @Jojo513: Same here. I filed the same date and nothing is showing for mine.

    Reply
  30. Gulf of America

    @Blue chyna: Same here.

    Reply
    2
  31. Starchild1111

    @757vapather: right.. i feel ya i wonder the same thing. like once the system touch my return y not just process and complete lol why wait im like on love jones you already know my personal info im verified approve me now lol why wait

    Reply
  32. Rosebud38

    @Mama.Bear: has anyone answered u? We are literally the exact same, TT, filed the 27th, codes are all same and dates changed for me today the 864 and other ones

    Reply
  33. Jaina
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-3
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      0705
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @757vapather: Oh thank you. Unfortunately my VA WMR never moves for whatever reason. Always got my state so fast before last year–took over a month. I’m not gonna hold my breath this year!

    Reply
  34. Blue chyna

    I always get my ddd on a Sunday for the last 13 years wtf

    Reply
    2
  35. Nikki_1220

    @TaxStruggle: mines never changed

    Reply
  36. Starchild1111

    @757vapather: u aint lyin VA forever taking someone state lol cant catch a brk out hea in VA commonwealth state dont hod no bars do they lol

    Reply
  37. 757vapather

    @Jaina: no I didn’t get my state refund because it was offset by but I filed my states 1/21, got a id verify letter 1/29, then a week after the VA WMR updated saying I was getting zero back ; google VIRGINIA WHERES MY REFUND ; input ur info ; hope this helps

    Reply
    1
  38. DAL
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-17
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-17
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-26
    • I Got My Refund!

    Top of the Morning Ya’ll, well i just checked transcripts and the as of date moved until 3-3 something is fishy this year however it’s coming we can see movement!

    Reply
    1
  39. S

    @Big ben: It lifts on February 17th.

    Reply
    3
  40. Jojo513

    Question, I filed 2/6 still no transcripts available. This happened to anyone?

    Reply