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
49,350 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. NVDIV

    To all the 570 guys ive been speaking with here. I called again today and they gave me that 120 day spill again..

    Reply
    1
  2. spring

    Is SSA TAXABLE ?

    Reply
  3. Nikki O

    What would it mean if my As Of date has not changed. It’s been stuck on 3/6. I got the codes 570/971 on dates 2/20 and 2/27. CP05 letter received on 3/6. I’ve been seeing others As Of dates move up and down, so would that mean my tax return is just sitting off to the side somewhere? I’m definitely hoping to see ANY form of change at this point tomorrow (SIGH)

    Reply
    1
  4. MOE

    971 letter date said 3/13 got the letter on 3/15 made sure it got to me couple of days after they are on it cp 05 code said not to do anything just wait.

    Reply
  5. MOE

    @MOE: Got letter cp 05 code just said don’t do anything. Just wait.

    Reply
  6. Cendi

    Just an update to those dealing with the IDV stuff.

    My WMR just updated to,” We have received your tax return and it is being processed.”

    I verified online 3/1 (unsuccessful despite confirmation messaging online) and again on 3/8 with representative over the phone. I was placed back into processing on 3/8. I am weekly, so hopeful there is some movement on my transcript tomorrow.

    I sorta can see the light? Right ? This season has been wild.

    Reply
    1
  7. Helpme101

    I Got my taxes done at H and R block My deposits were to be put on my Emerald card I went onto the irs website It said that I was to get my tax refund on the 15th of March I called the number on my Emerald card because there was no refund on there it said that my deposit was to be done on the 15th it said the refund would be on my Emerald card on the 15th on the Emerald card customer service . The 15th cayman the lady at H and R block told me that the 15th was the date that the IRS was putting the money in their account and it would take a few days to get onto my card . But I got a different answer from customer service when I called tdumb. Am I going to get my money?

    Reply
  8. NVDIV

    @So Stressed: I hope.. GOD please let So Stressed get that DDD this week..

    Reply
    1
  9. So Stressed

    I just tried to check wmr site to see if there’s progress and got this, “We are sorry Where’s My Refund is
    currently unavailable. Please try
    Where’s My Refund again later.” Anyone else seeing this? Are they updating?

    Reply
  10. Seesa

    If refund was issued 3/14 when should I expect my DD to hit my bank??

    Reply
  11. MOE

    @TPerry: There is a storm here can’t check my mail yet

    Reply
  12. TPerry

    @MOE: I hope it is good news for you and not something crazy. Tax time is so stressful for no apparent reason whatsoever. They’ve had 3 years to deal with COVID, and a lifetime to get their system together.

    Reply
    2
  13. MotherofWolves

    @MotherofWolves: **DID NOT HAPPEN ON TIME** CORRECTION

    Reply
  14. MotherofWolves

    Accepted on 1/23. Refund did happen on time. Called after 21 days. Was finally told that it was in Error Resolution, but no reason indicated. This is from calling the main line. After dealing with this for a few rounds I called the number to make an appointment. Here the man helped me and said that the transmission must of glitched when my return was transmitted and it was reading like multiple returns stuck together. Someone would have to manually go in and update it. THen they send it back into the cue.
    Days later I see a Topic 152 pop up on Where’s My Refund. Was not there before (is not there now). I called to check the status and was told that it was out of error resolution and waiting for processing and it could take 110 days. SERIOUSLY! I called the other appointment number again and they said it can take up to 9 weeks from the time it was sent back into the server.
    I cannot understand why these error returns are not getting pushed through with priority when they are put back in. Meanwhile a recently filed return would have been filed and accepted and paid.
    Has this situation ever happened to anyone before?

    Reply
  15. Cendi

    @Cendi: I still have 2/20 as of date, WRM still says, “still being processed. Refund date will be provided when available.” I also got a confirmation message on 3/1 when I verified online.

    Reply
  16. Cendi

    @CarolinaWoman88: I’m in the same boat, I also verified online on 3/1, I called back on 3/8 for them to tell me it didn’t go through, so I reverified over the phone with the agent, as was told it was complete. I called today, and she said that I was showing that I was verified and placed back for reprocessing and it could take up to 9 weeks from the 3/8.

    Reply
  17. One annoyed chica.

    @Sheila_33: thank you for your reply. That’s helpful information. Injust posted an update after getting off the phone with the IRS. Thank you so much again.

    Reply
  18. One annoyed chica.

    I am so glad my mom raised me to know if you’re not getting a good answer, you’re asking the wrong person so ask someone else. I called the IRS and asked about the 810 refund freeze code on my transcripts that I’ve never had before, they agent told me nothing was wrong and I should have an update this coming Friday. I was a little uneasy about that answer because I’ve never had refund freeze in the past so I wasn’t sure if I needed to ID verify or if something was truly wrong. I thanked the rep for her assistance, after the call ended I called back in and got a different representative she was so very pleasant,, she put me on hold when she came back so told me that my return is being frozen for an error she can’t see exactly what the error is but my return has been handed over to the auditing team she said the auditing te has a 180 day wait time to review the returns to see what the error is because they are still behind from 2020. She advised me to get with my tax preparer and go over my return to see if any numbers or any other information is missing or incorrect because if we find the error it can be fixed over the phone and they can began to process my DD date otherwise I have to wait the 180 days to see what error the audit department finds and wait for the. To send me a letter from that point. Thank goodness I always follow my other teachings and called back because inwoukdve been just sitting here thinking nothing is wrong and waiting on a DD date. I just texted my tax preparer and she will be going over my return first thing tomorrow morning to check for errors so we can get any issues if there is any taken care of now.

    Reply
    1
  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!

    @One annoyed chica: 810 is a freeze of your withholdings. They’re either verifying something or doing an adjustment most likely.

    Reply
  20. One annoyed chica.

    @NMMN: I’m having the exact issue. I filed and was accepted on 2/18. I checked my transcript s today and I have an 810 refund freeze on there. I called the IRS, I’m on hold now. This is really crazy.

    Reply
  21. Mlronq

    @ Creole Queen

    Welcome aboard the struggle bus!! Lol hopefully you get your refund quickly unlike the rest of us lol!!

    Reply
  22. One annoyed chica.

    Decided to check my transcripts today. I only have an account transcript and a wage and income transcript, all other transcripts only have up to 2021 has 0.00 for all amounts and says no tax return on file as of 3/27/23. My wage and income transcript have 0.00 for amounts and says no wage and income on file, no tax return on file then 810 refund freeze as of 3/9/23. Does anyone have any idea what this mean? Thanks in advance

    Reply
  23. NMMN

    @Dirtydog218: Yea I am seriously hoping I see something change or update Friday. I’ve heard of some ppl seeing no movement and then getting deposits. I wish that were the case!

    Reply
  24. Creole Queen
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-15
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Credit Karma
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-19
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250503
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • Tax Refund Offset
    • I Got My Refund!

    Well, I’m back again like every year. I just filed this year. Last year I waited until the end of May when I felt the Coast Was Clear and it took 8 days. I filed today and was accepted. Let the countdown begin.

    Reply
  25. MOE

    @TPerry: Mail not here until 5 pm its 1215 will let u know and thank you

    Reply
  26. TPerry

    @MOE: when mine was a longer envelope, it was a letter, but it came from Kansas. When I have received a check, it was in a smaller envelope the size of the check and the envelope was either grey or blue. I can’t remember.

    Reply
  27. CarolinaWoman88

    @IMMAIWIN: I guess I’ll give them a call tomorrow then. I can’t believe they constantly drop the ball this year.

    Reply
  28. CarolinaWoman88

    Highly annoyed that I’m not getting a changes or updates. Did ID verify since 3/2. My as of date is now 2/20. I really could use my funds to handle some business so I can move to a better place next month. I can only hope my ID verify went through online and I don’t have to call the ITS. Hoping I update this Friday!

    Reply
    1
  29. Abraham Lincoln

    @Please help.: When did you file? Get accepted?

    Reply
  30. Please help.

    So today my WMR shows processing but my tax refund transcript shows 846 of 3/20. Will they send the refund on 3/20 and to expect it by 3/22 or will I receive it on Friday if my bank doesn’t hold deposits? Thanks!

    Reply
  31. MOE

    @TPerry: longer envelope

    Reply
  32. TPerry

    @moe: If it is a shorter envelope, that is probably a check. If it is a longer one, it is a letter. When I had federal jury duty, my check came in a short envelope and it looked no different than the IRS checks I got in the past, envelope and all. When I got a letter from the IRS, it came from Kansas but was in a longer envelope.

    Reply
  33. IMMAIWIN

    to the refund verification ppl here was MY experience: filled and accepted on failed Jan 30 accepted 31..on first cycle update (I’m a weekly so first Friday) I lost my bars and tax topic with the “refund date will be provided..” msg. called after 21 days and first agent told me what I was expecting to hear: verification notice on the way..said I should rcv it in a few days. That time came and passed and I called back and diff agent informed the notice was sent on Feb 15 (2 weeks after filing) and give it 21 days..rcvd notice a week later (one month mark) and successfully did verification same day online.. after following account cycle came with no updates I contacted them again just to find out my online verification didn’t process and ended up doing it on the phone with agent (March 3rd) she then put my return back into processing which it FINALLY updated the following week (march 10) with a 846 for 3/15…seems like a lot of verification notices this year…but in MY experience verifying online didn’t get it processed and had to verify over the phone.. hope that helps some of you guys with a similar situation! Now just waiting on slowpoke PayPal to get the funds…

    Reply
    1
  34. nzxo
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-30
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CashApp
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-31
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      None Yet
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-20
    • I Got My Refund!

    @keish
    Im in Colorado

    Reply
  35. Debra
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      Credit karma
    • Bars:
      Take Action
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-23
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      0605
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    Hi ok I filed my return 1/23/23 with TT and got the refund advance 1500 return accepted 1/22/23 then no bars on wmr. Transcript has listed code 570 with 0 amt dt 2/26 then 971 0 amt 3/6

    Reply
  36. Meme

    It will be 35 days this Friday from the originally filed and accepted day of 2/10/23. Then the accepted day was changed to 2/28/23. From their accepted date its been 15 days. Im a daily.

    Reply
  37. IMMAIWIN

    Anyone else expecting or received a DD via PayPal? Seems to be taking even longer to post than traditional banks..

    Reply
  38. Meme

    No updates for me, ugh…..filed and accepted 2/10/23. How much longer? Cycle code 20230903…..Anyone have any suggestions?

    Reply
  39. BBkansas24
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-22
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      City national bank and trust
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-26
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20231105
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Apr-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Mlronq: I check every day and I am a a weekly, 05, I dont care apparently updates were all day when WMR and transcripts happen. I think ours update Friday/Saturday. I was told that WMR update from thursday into Friday, and transcripts Friday into Saturday.. idk but I know the 2nd friday after I was accepted I saw my transcripts finally…. and then I got a 84464c Letter and was told by my advocate to wait until they are done, they will either send the refund or another letter. which means now they will send my refund via check…. not DD..I hope this friday I have some movement even though I have my letter. Advocate also told me this was to verify my information as well.

    Reply
  40. Dirtydog218

    @NMMN: you’re in the same boat as me. Hopping we see some action Friday.. its been over a month for us.

    Reply
    1