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
49,356 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. Mildred

    Hello. Filed through TT and It’s my first year with refund Advance. Would that amount show in my SBTPG fees section or only on my CK account. I don’t see it in any fees section and hoping it won’t cause a delay of my 2/23 dD
    Thank you

    Reply
  2. basketcasemomma

    @Megan: yeah, me too LOL. I am still confused on if I am getting it a day early on Tuesday or if it’ll be here Weds. But either way, I am still excited LOL.

    Reply
  3. Santa

    @Ank: I’m getting ank a job with the IRS he a very smart person on taxes ank the new IRS agent

    Reply
    1
  4. Megan

    @basketcasemomma: ty guys. I kinda figured the same but I was being hopeful

    Reply
  5. Santa

    @Ank: it’s about time you told me it was goin to be Feb 23 you was right thank you

    Reply
  6. basketcasemomma

    @Thequeenofbee: I didn’t have to pay anything back for stimulus, so I think you don’t have to pay that back.

    Reply
    2
  7. Thequeenofbee

    @Ank: nope the 22nd is only 14 days for me I just got accepted on the 9th . Ya it’s crazy she def said 3 weeks ago it was extended till the 22nd and gave no explanation when I said that can’t be true people on it got their deposits lol absolutely insane they can give incorrect info . And then telling me she can’t even pull
    Up my account because I’m
    On path that’s what brought it up cuz I said no path lifted the 15th lol

    Reply
  8. Santa

    @Megan: I check my emerald card today said deposit Feb 23 call and check your card

    Reply
    2
  9. Ank

    @Santa: I am glad you finally got some good news! Yay!!!

    Reply
  10. basketcasemomma

    @Megan: I think others have said no because of the holiday. Just what I have seen on here.

    Reply
    1
  11. Santa

    Wow I check my emerald card a deposit date of Feb 23 it’s about time it’s been more then 21 days

    Reply
    3
  12. Ank

    @Justlurking: They mean at the latest for those who were successfully processed once path lifted on the 15th. They said by the 28th because some banks may take a few days to make funds available. For example my WMR says DDD 2/23 if not received by 2/28 to contact my financial institution.

    Reply
    1
  13. Scallywags
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-1
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Fidelity
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-1
    • Transcript:
      Blank
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Lovely42: thanks for your response. It is that. Do you know if I can call them to verify over the phone, or do I have to wait for the stupid notice to come in the mail?

    Reply
  14. Ank

    @Justlurking: yes to be recieved in tax payers bank accounts by as in DEPOSITED BY 28th because some banks take time to process. The PATH hold lifted on the 15th. Many people have already received their deposits with path credits starting on the 16th. DDD OF 2/22 AND 2/23 have been given to many with PATH credits.

    Reply
    1
  15. Megan

    Does anyone know if HRB will post deposits on President’s Day?

    Reply
  16. MOE

    @Qween: Did it have also code 971

    Reply
  17. Ank

    @Channi: yes last year they initially were showing extra fees for me too which is why I even looked at it and cross referenced with my TT order just to make sure. Last year they ended up removing the extra charge before I was charged thankfully and this year it looks like it’s just a typo but the amount looks right on mine.

    Reply
  18. Justlurking

    @Ank: IRS website has EITC releases for most January 28th this year. It’s on the IRS Gov site. I can’t send the screenshot but it’s definitely on there.

    Reply
  19. Ank

    @The queen of bee: By chance would the 22nd be the 21 day mark from when you filed? I know they always say they can’t look into account until the 21 days have passed but you are right they should not be allowed to make any false statements.

    Reply
  20. YourNameHere_5thYear

    @TheQueenofBee: It seems so. It appears that they issued my refund for a smaller amount for 2/23 and once my documents were verified, they credited what is owed to me… which is why it still shows that I have a credit balance due to me. That’s what I’m thinking. I used the Exam Upload option to send in birth certificates of my children and proof of residency from their school.

    Reply
  21. TheQueenofBee

    @YourNameHere_5th Year: so your audit only lasted from the 27th to the 13th if I’m understanding correct ?

    Reply
  22. The queen of bee

    @Ank: ya that’s crazy then cuz she told me that I’m a path account therefore she could not even look at my return until after the 22nd wow crazy how they can just lie I should of called and tried someone again cuz now I have to wait until Tuesday cuz I don’t believe they are open tommorow ?

    Reply
  23. YourNameHere_5th Year

    @YourNameHere_5th Year: Sorry, the account balance shows the difference of what they still owe me after the 2/23 DDD

    Reply
  24. YourNameHere_5th Year

    @Sheila_33: From the Account transcript:

    810 – Refund freeze 02-13-2023
    811 – Remove refund freeze 02-13-2023
    971 – Notice issued 02-13-2023
    420 – Examination of tax return 01-27-2023
    826 – Credit transferred out to 1040 03-06-2023
    971 – Notice Issued 03-06-2023
    846 – Refund Issued 2/23/2023 for $X,XXX.XX (This amount only reflects a portion)

    Very top also shows:
    —– ANY MINUS SIGN SHOWN BELOW SIGNIFIES A CREDIT AMOUNT —-
    ACCOUNT BALANCE: – X,XXX.XX (This amount reflects what they owe me)

    Reply
    2
  25. Channi

    @Ank: ok I will go back and try that thank you! I just remember last year there was this isssue with being charged extra $39 or $40 for something. Thanks again!

    Reply
    1
  26. Thequeenofbee

    @Sheila_33: hey girlfriend. So I’m just trying to understand my situation a little more. So my where’s my refund says take action with a message saying that they are sending me a letter within the next 30 days for a review and respond and to call if I need further info and also of which states within it you may not receive all or part of your refund until you respond or something I also have tax topic 151 which I read that means I have an offset and my return will be used to pay debts but I’m getting back way more than I owe . Last year they just took it from my refund and I didn’t even get my Notice issued until after I had my refund lol … so I have the 810 refund freeze code and the 971 notice issue and 424 held for further examination . And my refund amount shows exactly what I was expecting back with the negative and am as of date of march 06 … is it possible that this review and freeze could just be a letter stating I owe money and they are taking it or more than likely not ? And just because the tax topic 151 says my return will be used to pay an offset that doesn’t mean my entire return right just that I owe money which I know the exact amount and they are taking it ???

    And one last question off my personal stuff just in general . I know there was something going on with the stimulus stuff was it ever decided if they are making people pay that back ? I see so many people saying they got back less …. I don’t think it’s fair to give that to us saying we don’t have to pay it back then come back and say we do lol .

    Reply
    1
  27. Lovely42

    @Scallywags: Personally when I had this message it was last year and I had to Idverify and after irs verify me my tax return went back into being process call irs and see if that’s the issue best of wishes.

    Reply
  28. Scallywags
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-1
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Fidelity
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-1
    • Transcript:
      Blank
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Clos: thanks for your response. I didn’t know there’s a section for notices in the online account?

    Reply
  29. Scallywags
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-1
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Fidelity
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-1
    • Transcript:
      Blank
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: thanks for your response. How do I do the ID verify? Is there a link somewhere or something?

    Reply
  30. Ank

    @Thequeenofbee: That agent must have lied to you. Path was definitely lifted on the 15th. For everyone. Not just those who filed more than three weeks ago. I was approved two weeks after filing and I have Earned Income Tax Credit. Filed 2/3 and I have a DDD for 2/23. I’m sorry that they gave you false information and I hope you get some good news soon.

    Reply
  31. Ank

    @Channi: They just mislabeled the fees on their page but if you go to TT under order details the total amounts should be the same. Mine all adds up for fees from refund, state, and self employed. The wording on SBTPG is wrong but the amount is correct.

    Reply
  32. Wrierblock20

    Edit filed 2/12

    Reply
  33. 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!

    @YourNameHere_5th Year: Can you share your credit codes in order without amounts please?

    Reply
  34. Thequeenofbee

    @Tigerlili_1: all to clarify ( sorry baby running around thoughts all over the place girl ) the tax software wasn’t the one that told me the disqualifying thing the irs rejected my return twice telling me this was why and when I fixed it they said I was approved and accepted me if that helps you further understand

    Reply
  35. Wrierblock20

    Filed 2/13 – Approved 2/15 – DDD 2/23

    PATHER / EIC / CTC

    Reply
    1
  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!

    @Thequeenofbee: Federal law mandates that the path c freeze be lifted on Feb 15th. The rep was mistaken.

    Reply
  37. Allisxn

    @Channi: yes! But if i remember correctly, last year it was removed before funds were dispersed through sbtpg

    Reply
  38. Thequeenofbee

    @Thequeenofbee@Thequeenofbee: sorry this goes with my last comment to tigerlili … now as far as the path being extended she 100 percent told me that it was extended from the 15th to the 22nd now if she meant they have till then to deposit it or not I don’t know I just know I asked her I said how is that because tons of people just got their refund that were on path the day of the 15th and the lift so I was like that isn’t possible but she said I don’t know about that without looking into their accounts but path was extended from the 15th to the 22nd as of 3 weeks ago so I’m just going by what the irs told me personally when I called and she also told me that the 810 code could be a refund freeze for path and if I didn’t see any updates call after the 22nd so sounds to me she just didn’t wanna look into something and meant that the deposit has until the 22nd and told me whatever to get off the phone which could be so who knows lol cuz she deff said path was extended ( so maybe just for those that filed after that I was changed 3 weeks ago THOSE people could have to wait and anyone that filed before that got thr 15th lift which could very well be what happened and explain why newer filiers are stuck on path message still ) and told me 810 could be the path freeze so I guess it’s whatever lol

    Reply
  39. Itsthattimeagaincyn

    @Reality Lives: so are you saying do not use the app? Log into my online portal? And where would I see it? I know on the app I see pending deposits in my calendar. But I’m online now still don’t see anything

    Reply
  40. Thequeenofbee

    @Tigerlili_1: no path didn’t lift on the 15th I just spoke with the irs Friday and path was extended to 2/22 3 weeks ago they said. That’s why all those as of dates are saying this and allot aren’t updated some most of just got lucky getting that early but path was def extended to the 22nd according to an IRS AGENT . Not sure what u mean the irs is nothing to mess with? They literally wouldn’t accept my return it was notifying me obviously that I was disqualified and I had to go back and apply to see if I qualify to claim it so I did . I just didn’t get a notice so I have no clue why I would of been disqualified and I claimed it last year … not really me messing with the irs it’s what they instructed me to do lol I would think they can tell if I never had a notice issued or not that’s something on their end not mine I just did what they told me too lol

    Reply