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
49,276 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. Yandyy

    Good morning All..Does transcripts update throughout the day or their finish for today. Thanks in advance. Good luck everyone

    Reply
  2. Jersey girl
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-28
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-28
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      0605
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-3
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    Good morning! I hope to see some movement on my transcripts. Last year had my anxiety on high with those stars appearing and disappearing lol.

    Reply
    2
  3. Don25
    • Tax Preparer:
      H&R Block
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-22
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      5th third
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Date Approved:
      Jan-22
    • WMR Date:
      Jan-31
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • I Got My Refund!

    Last year I had that exact same 846, code 1 31 as of date. That is not the DD date. It was deposited into my account on 1 28.

    Reply
  4. littles16
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      credit union

    @Mike: same lol

    Reply
  5. ChristinainDetroit

    Well I’m back for the 5th year 🙃 I filed with TT yesterday and was accepted almost immediately. Simple return with 2 W’s & dependents. HOH. I received the advance about a hour later of acceptance…. Let’s all pray for a smooth tax ride 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

    Reply
    5
  6. Mike
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-19
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      BOA
    • Bars:
      3rd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-21
    • Date Approved:
      Jan-24
    • WMR Date:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250405
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Jan-23
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: I can see my transcripts online but nothing to look at right now lol. All N/A

    Reply
    1
  7. Too Much Snow
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-22
    • Bank:
      CU1
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-23
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-17
    • I Got My Refund!

    Hello everyone, woke this morning with WMR on Bar 2 with DDD 1/30/2023. Filed on 1/20/2023 with TT desktop version. Approved 1/23/2023. Checked Transcripts my cycle code is 20230403. Hope many more people get movement on their returns today and tomorrow.

    Reply
    6
  8. Mike
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-19
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      BOA
    • Bars:
      3rd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-21
    • Date Approved:
      Jan-24
    • WMR Date:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250405
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Jan-23
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: I am weekly. Just hoping because I have TT152 and refund amount gone it is going to process tonight/ early morning to update transcripts

    Reply
    1
  9. 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!

    @Mike: Are you able to see your transcripts online? I’m curious what your bottom left account is showing. Some are seeing the Feb. 13th as of date with 0s

    Reply
  10. 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!

    @Mike: Aleays gotta be different lol. I can’t remember, are you a weekly or daily?

    Reply
  11. ConfusedInOhio

    @anoel06: what was your process date on the ohio tracker

    Reply
  12. Mike
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-19
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      BOA
    • Bars:
      3rd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-21
    • Date Approved:
      Jan-24
    • WMR Date:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250405
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Jan-23
    • I Got My Refund!

    Well of course now i have anxiety lol. Checked WMR for fun and still have 1 bar but says still being processed and refund amount is gone. Still have tt152. Hoping this is just movement and transcripts update early in the morning

    Reply
    3
  13. MSRazorbackPhD

    @sassy29bk: You may have been denied. Taxslayer did us like that years ago. Call TT and ask them. TT is bad about not sending emails. I hope you get it figured out!

    Reply
  14. 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!

    If you updated today on transcripts and are curious what the codes and dates mean, here is a link to help explain them. Keep in mind, if you are under the path freeze, your return was frozen and they’ll be no activity on that transcript until the hold lifts.
    https://igotmyrefund.com/transcripts

    Reply
    1
  15. 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!

    If you haven’t registered yet, please consider doing so. You get to pick your own awesome “user name” and it’s a lot easier for others to get to know you. This is a site of users helping users who have been through similar tax situations, and/or just hanging out waiting for that refund to drop. :)

    Reply
    5
  16. RayC

    @UhhKakis: YW. Yeah your done. Now its the waiting thats hard. Hang in there.

    Reply
    1
  17. 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!

    For those of you dailies whose transcripts have filled in and you’re in limbo until the path lifts Feb. 15th, this link will explain what the Wmr may be showing in the morning.
    https://igotmyrefund.com/why-do-i-have-the-path-message-on-irs-wheres-my-refund/

    Reply
  18. RayC

    1 difference for us this year, we decided to pay the fees up front rather than having them deducted from the refund. So we wont see anything from 3rd party processing ie Santa Barbara Bank like usual. Keep that in mind guys, if you decided to do the same thing.

    Reply
  19. UhhKakis

    @UhhKakis: wasnt* showing

    Reply
  20. UhhKakis

    @RayC: ty so much. Also my transcript was showing. I was scarrred.

    Reply
  21. 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!

    @UhhKakis: It’s normal. That messaging won’t change until you finish processing.

    Reply
    1
  22. RayC

    @UhhKakis: yep, its normal. Give it time it will eventually change.

    Reply
  23. RayC

    @PalmTreeChick: yes. So, take a breath. Your all good. Now your just waiting on your 846 code and money. I am in the same boat.

    Reply
  24. UhhKakis

    I login to see if I can get my transcript I get this message on my home screen Your 2022 Tax Return Is Not Processed is that normal? I am accepted on TT and WRM has 1 bar

    Reply
    2
  25. 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!

    @ol boy: Congratulations!

    Reply
    1
  26. 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!

    @PalmTreeChick: Congratulations on becoming a daily! The “as of” date will freeze along with the return because of the hold from the path freeze. That date won’t change again until the freeze lifts and you cycle through and post the 846. You’ve been processed, and now are just waiting. :)

    Reply
    3
  27. sassy29bk
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-17
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Refund Advance
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • I Got My Refund!

    @MSRazorbackPhD: Stbg doesn’t have my info which is weird. I was accepted last night around 9:30. Wmr already shows 1 bar. Credit Karma card balance 0

    Reply
  28. PalmTreeChick

    @RayC: but if there was a problem I’d be able to see the codes now?

    Reply
  29. RayC

    WMR hasnt changed to the path message yet for me, even though I have my as of date this morning. I imagine that will change either today or Friday as I am a daily.

    Reply
    1
  30. RayC

    exactly palmTreeChick. The 846 code will come right before the as of date.

    Reply
  31. PalmTreeChick

    Also, my ad of date is 2/13

    Reply
  32. PalmTreeChick

    Transcripts showing this morning, cycle 04. I was always a weekly as well until this year. My question is if I have PATH credits will the 846 not show until closer to the 15th of February? I don’t recall ever being able to see my transcripts until the 846 code was also showing that same day.

    Reply
  33. MSRazorbackPhD

    @sassy29bk: How long ago were you accepted? Have you looked on Sbtpg? Credit Karma?

    Reply
  34. RayC

    apparently we are always weekly with a code ending with 05. This year we are daily. Fairly sure we are in the test batch.

    Reply
  35. ol boy
    • Tax Preparer:
      TaxAct
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      Chase
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29

    Good Morning I filed Monday 23rd accepted Monday just checked trans have ddd for 1/31. I’m in shock I have ctc only.

    Reply
    2
  36. sassy29bk
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-17
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Refund Advance
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • I Got My Refund!

    @MSRazorbackPhD: they never sent anything saying if I’m approved or denied after acceptance. I’m so confused

    Reply
  37. RayC

    Pather. Transcripts just updated with as of date 2/13/2023. Accepted 1/24. cycle 2023404. I never have that cycle. This year has been MUCH faster.

    Reply
  38. Stheresa123

    Filed 1/20 accepted 1/23 just woke up to 846 code ddd 1/31/23. This is by far the quickest turn around for me.

    Reply
    6
  39. MSRazorbackPhD

    @sassy29bk: Approved? You are pre-qualified before filing, but approval or denied after return is accepted.

    Reply
  40. Tab
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Wells Fargo
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Tab: Topic* 😁

    Reply