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
49,353 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.

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What Others Are Saying

  1. sgorham29
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-4
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • Tax Refund Offset
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Di I have to laugh to keep from crying! I actually am pretty sure they have removed all calendars and clocks in the offices of the IRS. I mean what else could make them calculate as erroneously as they do! They hand out 120 days, 60 days , 12 weeks oh and let’s add an additional 6 weeks so you can receive your refund in about a years time!!

    Reply
    2
  2. 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!

    I’ve finally received an update. Okay, prior to this my transcripts were blank, and I was accepted 01/30. Anyhow, after all kinds of silence, I have both my transcripts updating and correctly showing a status.

    I have an 806 which is not really an error, but more depressingly a 570. cycle code is 20231205. Though what I’m wondering is, is the 570 related to the fact I had to ID Verify this year? Is there a chance that its already in progress of being resolved?

    Feeling a little more encouraged, at least I’m not completely blind.

    Reply
  3. Di

    @sgorham29: lol

    Reply
  4. CG

    What does processing date on transcripts mean?

    Reply
  5. sgorham29
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-4
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • Tax Refund Offset
    • I Got My Refund!

    This is how long it’s been since I filed in every time increment I can think of!
    4,924,800 seconds
    82,080 minutes
    1368 hours
    57 days
    8 weeks and 1 day
    15.62% of 2023

    Reply
    2
  6. 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!

    @Charlotte: There’s usually a 571 that lifts the 570 hold. May not update until later but its odd with the 846 posting, you didn’t automatically get the 571. Was the refund amount what you were expecting?

    Reply
  7. Ariezzz91

    @Creole Queen: I filed the same day you did and got accepted a few hours later. I’m not able to see my transcript because I don’t have any loans or credit card right now and last time I checked it asked for some of that info in order to do it. I also filed a 1040 schedule c form for my taxes this year got the eic and ctc. But I only have WMR to go by for updates. And it just says my refund has been received. Did you have any movement on WMR? Is that 3/29 your ddd? ( sorry for all the questions your the only comment I’ve seen similar to my situation.

    Reply
  8. sgorham29
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-4
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • Tax Refund Offset
    • I Got My Refund!

    Well, here is another weekly cycle gone by that I have no updates! Filed and Accepted Jan 28, 2023, As of Date is still February 20, 2023 which has long since come and gone! Not sure what could possibly be taking them so long to process my refund, all very simple other than injured spouse form, which I filed with my taxes in January and that I file every year why on earth does it take them an enormous amount of time to figure out that the same debt of my husbands is not my debt!!! Nothing has changed all I have is the 570 code since I filed!!!!!!!!!!!! Bet they got their refunds lickty split…………..

    Reply
  9. Di

    They just added another 60 days on to my original 60. Just wait wait wait. These 60 days they hand out is like nothing to them. It’s like doing life on an installment plan.

    Reply
    1
  10. NVDIV

    @Nickc013: And Turbo Tax is sending you emails about paying them I take it. This mess is ridiculous. I feel like we have been caught in some kind of glitch.

    Reply
    2
  11. Nickc013

    Just incase anyone gives a rats a** or it helps anyone make sence of anything. I filed with turbo tax and was having fees taken out of refund. I filed and was accepted Jan 27th. To this minute I still have n/a on 3 transcripts. Only wages shows 2022 and when opened no return filed. My Where’s my Refund says it’s still being processed. 2 weeks ago for 3 days I got tax topic 152 back and my refund amount disappeared and I thought that was a good sign. Nope. It disappeared again and the amount came back and transcripts still didn’t update the 2 Fridays following it.

    Reply
    1
  12. NVDIV

    @Dirtydog218: screw it.. lets fill up the balloons and pop them over the parking deck lol..

    Reply
    1
  13. Dirtydog218

    @NVDIV: lets all go take a shit on the irs front door

    Reply
    3
  14. Mlronq

    @ NVDIV lmao I needed that laugh.

    Reply
    2
  15. Meme

    @NVDIV, same situation for me. Doesnt show on transcript that they sent me a letter, but when I spoke to rep I told her I already received it. Only have the 570 code forevuuuuur.

    Reply
    1
  16. NVDIV

    When they sent me my letter saying it was gonna be delayed beyond the normal timeframe you guys know i never updated to the 971 code showing that they sent it but the lady at the IRS saw on my account that the letter went out for that delay notice.. how did she see it but i didnt? the 570 has been there since around Feb 18th.. the letter came a week later.. said it would be delayed and take no further action.. here we are today and nothing still… this mess is just so messed up what they are doing to all of us.. especially when we gave them legit information.. yeah i work paycheck to paycheck and i can save but it would be nice to have a new pair of boots for my job instead of my feet itching every night on top of the worry that my car i drive an hour to work every day doesnt crap out on me.

    Reply
    1
  17. NVDIV

    @Dirtydog218: Me too.. ill go as far as not wiping my own butt and standing outside the federal reserve building covered in black mud and caking more on till they give me my refund.. then im gonna poot on their cars every hour… If i were actually that bad.. somebody is… somebody should.. haha

    Reply
  18. Gwen

    @Dirtydog218: 🤣

    Reply
  19. Dirtydog218

    Each I don’t get my refund, I will not take a shower…

    Reply
  20. Gwen

    @HiImDory: I believe that means your return has been set aside for further examination.

    Reply
  21. HiImDory

    Just checked my transcripts I have 424 code with 3/21/2023 date. What does this mean?!

    Reply
  22. Michigander

    Has Anyone received their michigan refund yet? How long did it take I efiled and was excepted in 03/07. Getting home heating credit or something toooo

    Reply
  23. DBP

    Good Evening everyone, to help ease the wait catch a look at NCAA MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT FINAL EIGHT After this weekend…

    Reply
  24. Dirtydog218

    @Nickc013: yep… same boat as well. Fucking sucks….I’m so tired of this.

    Reply
  25. Melissa

    @Mlronq: I’m in the same boat.

    Reply
  26. Nickc013

    @sgorham29: yup another week down and another week still n/a. Looks like atleast another week added on to the 8 weeks already waited. Just don’t understand how I filed and was accepted Jan 27th and people who filed after me and recieved letters, had errors, had to verify have recieved the letters, did what they had to do and have recieved their direct deposit already but I’m still waiting with nothing. No letters, no errors, I call and I’m told nothings wrong it’s stuck in processing. Bull crap. I’m stuck in processing for 2 months and don’t even have any transcripts yet but people had serious errors, had to verify identity and letter were sent recieved., errors were fixed, returns were processed and paid but somehow mine with no problems, that nothing is wrong with somehow can’t get processed. It just doesn’t make any sence at all. I contact state rep and tax advocate now becsuse this is just b.s.

    Reply
    2
  27. Charlotte
    • Tax Preparer:
      H&R Block
    • Date Filed:
      Mar-2
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Paper Check
    • Date Accepted:
      Mar-5
    • As of:
      Mar-25

    I have an 846 refund issued code for 3/29. I’m kinda leary of it because the transcripts codes say filed, credits, 570 for injured spouse, and then straight to 846….. was there supposed to be a resolved code for that 570?

    Reply
  28. MOE

    @Mlronq: Mine just like yours got letter same time.

    Reply
  29. Mlronq

    @melissa hopefully it makes progress for you soon. I’ve had the 570 since my transcript populated on 2/17. 570 date 3/6 971 date 3/13. Got a notice 3/18 saying holding my refund until they finish reviewing my return and allow 60 days. Still no movement other than that. When I called last they just told me to wait. Nothing else I can do. It’s so frustrating because I just want to know why it’s taking so long to review my information.

    Reply
  30. Melissa

    @Mlronq: my name social the amount of our refund. I dis it all on the irs website but then a week later got a letter saying we got chosen for extra verification and could take 60 days. But today my transcript showed up but no deposit date.

    Reply
  31. Mlronq

    And as nice as some of the representatives are they can’t tell you nunnnnn! I’m like just click ya lil mouse and help me out! Lol “ I understand ma’am but it says my response is supposed to be due to Covid” I’m like ah ah don’t give me that. I heard it enough. He said well at least it’s consistent. I’m like yeah Covid is the least of my worries. Next time you’re in NOLA come visit me at my tent under the bridge bc that’s where I’ll be by the time y’all disperse my $$ goodbye sir.

    Reply
    1
  32. Mlronq

    @ Thequeenofbee I’m with you on that. Just check my shit and be done with it. The waiting is driving me NUTS. like I don’t make no good money lol but I get a nice refund this is my reward for struggling all year lmaooo they doing us wrongggg! I think it’s the extra child credits. They want to review all that but that really shouldn’t take 120 damn days.

    Reply
  33. Mlronq

    @melissa what did you need to verify? Hopefully it moves quick for you. Still waiting since January but I got the additional child tax credit and I’m thinking that’s the issue.

    Reply
  34. Mlronq

    I really regret filing early. Lol I feel like I’d have it by now if I waited until march. Shits crazy the guy on the phone was like well the amount you make and the amount of your refund would def make them take a second look. Well I’m broke lol I get all the child tax credits that’s why it’s high. Come on. Lol I’m not trying to beat the system just reduce it if you need to and send me on my merry way.

    Reply
  35. Melissa

    So we got a letter saying we needed to verify our info which we did. Today the transcripts went from n/a to 2022 but we don’t have the code 846 we have 570 does anyone else have this? Qhen can we expect our return?

    Reply
  36. Heyhehhey

    Anybody get return today that was accepted in 13yh

    Reply
  37. DbP

    Little late this year….filed 3-16-23 …is it being processed, accepted,……no trans movement,no nothing wth is going on this year from reading forum nothing but alot of bs…good luck all as we play waiting game

    Reply
  38. Nita_345

    I am providing a little bit of on sight on my tax situation this year. So I filed on 2/5 and was accepted the same day. I was in limbo for almost a month so I mustered up the courage to call thinking I would be on hold for hours. Not this year, took about 14 minutes to get in touch with someone. They said they have not received my refund and I may need to resubmit but to wait and call back in a couple weeks to make sure. I called back on 3/17 and was told I was in the errors dept. and to call back on April 16th if no update by then. My transcripts all went from N/A to 2022 this morning. I can see a refund date of 3/29. Hopes this can give some hope to anyone who filed around the same time I did. Good Luck and there is light at the end of the tunnel

    Reply
    1
  39. 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!

    Got my Transcript update today and a 846 Code with a date of 3/29/2023. I am a 05.

    Reply
    1
  40. LookingForAnswers

    Anyone did a 2021 amended return and waiting to hear back. 1st time doing an amended and want to know what the process is? They got it on 2/28 I see that online. Can I find out info about by looking at my transcripts

    Reply
    1