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
49,253 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. Zara

    Good morning Everyone. I received a letter on the14th saying I need to verify. Saturday Monday I made an account with i.dme and verified. After all they ask were complete. That it was successful. To is the 27th.It went from it is still being process and now say being process . Hopefully Good news. Hopefully a update soon

    Reply
    2
  2. mickey m
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Credit Karma checking
    • Bars:
      3rd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Date Approved:
      Mar-21
    • WMR Date:
      Mar-26
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20251205
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Apr-7
    • Processing Date:
      Apr-15
    • I Got My Refund!

    @orianasenoj: Friday morning and or Friday evening transcripts update all day Friday.

    Reply
    1
  3. Antsymomof4
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-27
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-27
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20251205
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Apr-7
    • I Got My Refund!

    I’m really praying my 570 is just from my verification, and it drops off on the 28th 🙏🏻

    Reply
    2
  4. orianasenoj
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-2
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Creditkarma
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-2
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    @mickey m: hoping I update this Friday being a weekly. But should I check Saturday or Friday morning for my transcripts. Heck I’ll do both 🤣🤣

    Reply
  5. Madinjay

    Tax advocate told me yesterday they are pretty much 971 everything no rhyme or reason. I think this has been the worst tax year in a long time. I hope they know holding up peoples money without reason will cost them more aka interest!

    Reply
    1
  6. mickey m
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Credit Karma checking
    • Bars:
      3rd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Date Approved:
      Mar-21
    • WMR Date:
      Mar-26
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20251205
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Apr-7
    • Processing Date:
      Apr-15
    • I Got My Refund!

    @orianasenoj: no problem I’m sticking around to see how everyone in ID verify hell makes out.

    Reply
    4
  7. orianasenoj
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-2
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Creditkarma
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-2
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    @mickey m: thank you so much!

    Reply
  8. mickey m
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Credit Karma checking
    • Bars:
      3rd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Date Approved:
      Mar-21
    • WMR Date:
      Mar-26
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20251205
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Apr-7
    • Processing Date:
      Apr-15
    • I Got My Refund!

    @orianasenoj: verified online 3/7 called 3/14 was told by TA they did not see where I verified . Person said sometimes it doesn’t go through correctly when done online (so what’s the point in having that option don’t know) called and verified same day . Transcripts updated 03/21 with and 846.

    Reply
    5
  9. orianasenoj
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-2
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Creditkarma
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-2
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    @mickey m: congratulations soooo happy for you 🫶🏿 what was your ID verify timeline? I also have a PIN so was very lost

    Reply
    3
  10. Ree

    @mickey m: exactly what I said what’s the purpose of the pin

    Reply
    3
  11. mickey m
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Credit Karma checking
    • Bars:
      3rd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Date Approved:
      Mar-21
    • WMR Date:
      Mar-26
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20251205
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Apr-7
    • Processing Date:
      Apr-15
    • I Got My Refund!

    Finally got refund after ID verification hell. I am wondering why so many people had to verify this year especially the ones that have already established pins with the IRS.

    Reply
    12
  12. Blindian.goddess

    Hi all. Myself and my daughter filed our taxes on 2/26. My daughter received her refund today! We work at the same job. WMR still says accepted for me no codes or a DDD on my transcripts. Says no return on file. I’m so confused.

    Reply
  13. DTM2025

    If you have a 570 with no notices. It is a possible examination or review. It sucks because it can be random and take a while. I just noticed on one of my old returns. I got an advocate that year and it was released 1 month exactly after the 570 was placed. Hope this helps.

    Reply
    3
  14. IAMHeiress

    @Butterfly01: Yes. Identity and income verification, but that was before the 570 showed up

    Reply
    1
  15. Ninaprb

    @Butterfly01: 4/7

    Reply
    1
  16. DTM2025

    @Madinjay: yessss sound like a plan!!!

    Reply
    1
  17. Ebony

    @Butterfly01: so my transcripts update to a 846 code on 3/21 with a DDD if 3/26 at 12:14am after I ID verified on 3/14 I thought they were mailing a check to me because in my informed delivery I had an IRS letter from the dept of treasury coming on Saturday turns out it was my verification letter so I will have it done text deposited into my account sometime tomorrow

    Reply
    4
  18. MorgyDoodle

    @Ninaprb: I ID verified online on March 16 th.
    Had DDD of March 27, received yesterday theough Chime
    Good luck to you .

    Reply
    5
  19. MorgyDoodle

    DDD for March 26
    Received through chime yesterday .
    Hope for all still waiting !

    Reply
    3
  20. Butterfly01

    @Ebony: Any updates with your return?

    Reply
  21. Ree

    @Sharon O.: yes it went from March 10 to March 31 to April 7 it keeps pushing out

    Reply
    2
  22. Ree

    @Sharon O.: yes it went from March 10 to March 31 to April 7

    Reply
  23. Hithereppl

    I have a weird question does your ssa wages being uploaded mean your taxes are done processing I have absolutely no access to my Transcript.

    Reply
  24. Madinjay

    Called the tax advocate hotline and she was able to confirm my last year returns had been received. Check back 4/7 to see the release date for 2024.

    Reply
    1
  25. Sharon O.

    @Butterfly01: I still have no return filed. I guess we will both see hopefully soon

    Reply
  26. Butterfly01

    @Sharon O.: Hi. I have 570 code as well…. beside it has 4/7/2025 praying that’s the date they release it.

    Reply
  27. Butterfly01

    @Ninaprb: Do you have a Date beside code 570

    Reply
  28. TK1

    @texasmomof3: thank you Tex

    Reply
  29. Sharon O.

    @Ree: Is your date also pushing out. Right now I have 4/7

    Reply
  30. Butterfly01

    @IAMHeiress: Did you have to Fax TA any paperwork or anything?

    Reply
  31. Butterfly01

    @Ninaprb: Right The ones I knew didn’t have code 570 after they verified it went straight to code 846

    Reply
  32. Ninaprb

    @Butterfly01: Ive seen some ppl verify and get their DDD after 10 days. I’m hoping this week I get mine and of course I’m a weekly so have to wait til Friday to check

    Reply
    1
  33. Butterfly01

    @Ninaprb: Seems like everyone that ID verified has code 570. same thing on mine IRS says its a hold that takes up to 9 weeks

    Reply
  34. Ninaprb

    This tax year driving me crazy first year that I filed on day 1 and actually need the funds they wanna take they time. Filed 1/27 accepted same day. Received the verification letter and verified online on 2/24. Talked to a rep and said the verification cleared on 2/27. Transcripts finally updated on 3/21 but with the 570 code nothing after it. I file with a pin so I dont know why I even had to verify.

    Reply
    3
  35. Butterfly01

    @IAMHeiress: Thus is ridiculous you can’t get them on the phone … I think code 570 is a hold from that ID verification and if the return is over Like 8,000 and you have EIC they are holding it until like Apr 15th that’s the tax deadline. They are just wanting to make sure it’s no type of Fraud

    Reply
  36. IAMHeiress

    @Butterfly01: No updates yet. They just reassigned the case to another advocate today, after finally getting a TAS supervisor on the phone after 2 weeks, who stated he didn’t see anything wrong so he’s going to get an advocate on it to see why IRS is holding the refund. He put in notes to have it expedited, but it wouldn’t make much a difference because so much time has gone by. Still waiting.

    Reply
  37. Ree

    @Sharon O.: yes, unfortunately I am a weekly and that is exactly what is going on and I’ve had to verify a couple times too and I hate it last time I had to verify I didn’t get my return until August, which was the year before last, but hopefully there is no issue this year with them pushing it through. I’m hoping we update by the weekend because it will be two weeks already since verified.

    Reply
    1
  38. Butterfly01

    @IAMHeiress: Any Updates Yet? are you still showing 570 code?

    Reply
  39. Butterfly01

    @texasmomof3: Long as you got confirmation that you verified… You shouldn’t have to again?

    Reply
    1
  40. texasmomof3

    @Butterfly01:

    My son requested a TA, and that was the worst experience of his life. She was always either out of the office and at one point on vacation. So I took it upon myself to do the lake work for him, and I managed to After multiple phone calls and a Superman on the phone that corrected the issue while I was on the phone and put his return back into processing and he received his refund shortly after

    The TA Callback three weeks later, and I told her that I took care of the problem with myself And he had already had his refund by the time she called back.

    Reply
    2