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. Amber
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-24
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      PayPal
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250602
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Jay: I have done that everytime I called the IRS. They have all information and everything matches. WTH?

    Reply
    0
  2. Amber
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-24
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      PayPal
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250602
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Dirtydog218: yes everytime I have called I have spoken with someone.

    Reply
  3. Jay
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-3
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      PNC
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-3
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-20
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250604
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Amber: check with your employer to see if the payroll department sent the information to the IRS and also contact the IRS to verify that they have that information.

    Reply
  4. Dirtydog218

    @Amber: are you getting a human when you call the irs?

    Reply
  5. Amber
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-24
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      PayPal
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250602
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    I have been stuck with “as of date” 03/27/23 since 03/20/23. Also it says “processing date” 03/27/23. I’ve called IRS every Friday because I have had no update on my transcripts only to be told wait! My wages account have never been filled. And my account transcripts say “filed 03/27/23”.. I filed in January. What is going on? Am I EVER getting my refund???

    Reply
  6. Jas

    Goodmorning I just called the IRS and was told to wait 120 days now from March 7th Great news !

    Reply
    1
  7. Catfish61

    good morning, does a positive number over amount mean refund? cycle date of 20230905 date 03-20-2023

    Reply
  8. NVDIV
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-28
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Sbtpg
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-28
    • Date Approved:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20230705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Apr-20
    • Processing Date:
      Apr-6
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: I have a question that may or may not mean anything right now. Is anything showing up in your wages transcript on its.gov? Mine is empty and says no record of return filed but my other 3 transcripts are all available. I know for a fact both mine and my wife’s wages were reported because they are showing up in our SS accounts.

    Reply
    2
  9. NVDIV
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-28
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Sbtpg
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-28
    • Date Approved:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20230705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Apr-20
    • Processing Date:
      Apr-6
    • I Got My Refund!

    Ok. I edited my account so it will show my filing info. I noticed alot of peoples are the same and they are also stuck

    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!

    @Jas: It means that whatever is keeping that return from finishing up, will have to be manually resolved and put back in the system to cycle thru and update.

    Reply
    1
  11. 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!

    @maggy: The 424 is a request for an audit. If it updates to a 420 audit code next week, then they’ll send you a cp75 requesting verification of your dependents claimed and your income. The 810 froze the return and the 811 released the part of your refund that is your withholdings.

    Reply
  12. NVDIV

    ill go ahead and give you all the answer before you even sign in and check them… no movement.. same tomorrow and then the next day… they think they have us fooled

    Reply
  13. 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!

    With code 570,

    Transcripts state 570 dated for 4.3

    I didn’t last Friday
    Also the 768 code is after my 570. Do I still need a 571 code to be released?

    Reply
    1
  14. maggy

    @Jas: Amen thank you so much for reassuring me god bless you you made me feel so much better i can sleep nicely tonight!

    Reply
    1
  15. Jas

    @maggy: Hey Maggy so yes the 846 code is in fact stating that you’ll get your refund on the 5th. They also did state that “You may not receive all or part of your refund until we receive and review the information we requested.” Which just means they’re still looking into your filled taxes but allowed a part of your refund to be issued to you. Once they’re done their review as long as everything is okay you will get the remaining $1000 on a seperate date. Congrats On Your 846!!

    Reply
  16. maggy

    File and accepted on March 17 2023 WMR stayed on single bar until April 1 than it says the following:

    WMR says: We have received your tax return and it is being reviewed. You will receive a notice from us requesting additional information within 30 calendar days. You may not receive all or part of your refund until we receive and review the information we requested. If you need more information after you receive our notice, call the number on the notice.
    Please do not contact us until you have received the notice as we are unable to take any action until then.

    Please read the following information related to your tax situation:
    Tax Topic 151, Your Appeal Rights

    Transcript says this

    code 150 cycle 20231305 04-17-2023 $0

    code 806 w-2 or 1099 withholding 04-15-2023 -$4,567.00

    code 766 credit to your account 04-15-2023 -$1,000

    code 424 examination request 03-30-2023 $0.00

    code 810 refund freeze 04-14-2023 $0.00

    code 811 removed refund freeze 04-17-2023 $0.00

    code 846 refund issued 04-05-2023 $4,567.00

    are they reducing $1000 from my refund? as i was supposed to get $5567
    and am i getting refund on April 05?

    Reply
    1
  17. Jas

    Okay so my processing date is 04/03/23 as well does anyone know what this means?

    Reply
  18. Jas

    Is anyone else as of date still at 04/03/23?

    Reply
    1
  19. Keyz23

    @Mlronq: thanks i will look into my transcripts to see whats going on thanks again 🤗

    Reply
  20. Mlronq
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-26
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-26
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-27

    @Keyz23
    Have you checked your transcripts? That’s where you will find more accurate information. If you don’t have an update after your 21 days give them a call to find out why!
    Hopefully you have your refund soon! I’m on day 67 lol :(

    Reply
  21. Mlronq
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-26
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-26
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-27

    @Startingtogetangry

    Check your transcripts on irs.gov to see if you have any codes. If so, give them a call. Hopefully things go smoothly for you and you get your refund soon! Many of us here have been waiting for quite some time.

    Reply
  22. Meme

    Checked my refund status and transcript 7 am…….nothing has been updated once again, filed 2/10/23, at this point I’m just without words……..

    Reply
    2
  23. NVDIV

    Im sitting here wondering why taxes are being taken out of my check still yet they owe us…. why? so they can do this again?… who is to say we all even get our refund for this year…i dont even trust them at this point

    Reply
    2
  24. Starting to get angry.

    Filed March 3rd accepted March 3rd. WMR still 1 bar and just apologizes for taking longer than usual tax topic 152.

    Any input for me?

    Reply
  25. koi

    april fools joke courtesy of the IRS

    Reply
    1
  26. Keyz23

    Hello good afternoon has wrm has it even updated today thanks😭🤦🏿‍♀️no movement and my 21 days will be up on the 7th. It just have one bar and says your tax return is being processed 😭🤦🏿‍♀️

    Reply
    1
  27. Jay
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-3
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      PNC
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-3
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-20
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250604
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    @zhosa: yeah seeing as both yours and mine are simple fixes and the IRS just needs clarification that what they have on file is the correct information so lets cross our fingers that it only will take a few weeks to re-process..

    Reply
    1
  28. zhosa

    Jay, i’m guessing that an amendment probably speeds things up if it’s a simple fix, i’m sure it’s not ideal if the return has issues that need more than just “white-out” (for lack of a better word).

    Reply
  29. Jay
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-3
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      PNC
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-3
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-20
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250604
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    @zhosa: haha good luck! after what you were saying last night about filing the amendment to fix the simple minor issue of income misreporting when the IRS already has the correct information on their end and just needs me to correct it, then it should be a relatively quick fix when they get to my return.. im calling them back monday and will clarify fully..

    Reply
  30. zhosa

    @Jay: Also, he never mentioned they weren’t taking cases and i was referred on 3/28 and i have never heard of them not taking cases if you qualify. I’m gonna call back next week to let them know i filed and go from there.

    Reply
  31. zhosa

    @Jay: not sure if you are saying you have a w-2 that’s reporting differently than the one they have, but this guy could tell me what i entered vs. what my job reported so i provided no information to him which is why i’m more inclined to believe him and even more inclined to believe it could have fixed itself or gotten fixed, as opposed to someone not having a w-2 on file yet (to compare it to) especially if it means the mistake leads to the person getting more back. I’ve seen/heard of them fixing discrepancies and a letter to follow with time to appeal the fix. Again, i call to check the status of my request that the IRS agent said she put in (and she did, without me asking,on 3/28). We never got into my request it just when i started telling him i ID verified and still nothing he offered to look over my return to see if anything looked off and found the w-2 discrepancy and recommended the amendment, and i told him i did an amendment in july 2020 and got it in july 2021 and that’s when he explained the difference in when, or the timing, to file an amendment. My 2020 amendment was filed after i received my refund, as opposed to this one being filed while i ‘m not completed. I’ve also searched here and other threads and saw where people’s refunds were held up for months and months and they finally filed an amendment, not a re-file, and processed right after ( less than 2 weeks), which leads me, more and more, to believe it works.

    Reply
  32. zhosa

    @Jay: yes i did, so we shall see how this really works (i’ll be the guinea pig (lol).

    Reply
  33. Jay
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-3
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      PNC
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-3
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-20
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250604
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: i just saw in my imcoming mail that there is a letter arriving today from the Tax Advocate Service so i will see what it says and will reply back with its information..

    Reply
  34. Me

    @Sheila_33: they told me the same thing. Would not answer any questions and said can’t help on 2022 taxes till june

    Reply
  35. 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!

    The best way to get a response from an advocate request is either to contact the local advocates office in your state or you can fax a 911 tax advocate request form in to the number provided and they should respond withing a week to 10 days. These links can help you find a local advocates office and/or the required 911 request form:
    https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f911.pdf
    https://www.irs.gov/advocate/local-taxpayer-advocate

    Reply
  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!

    @Jay: Whomever in the advocates office told you you couldn’t get an advocate, was either misinformed or just wanting to get off the phone with you. Advocates are definitely taking cases.

    Reply
  37. Jay
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-3
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      PNC
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-3
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-20
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250604
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    @zhosa: exactly yeah the agent could also see my W2 and when i told her what numbers i had compared to what they were showing, she immediately said thats the issue that is holding up the return.. so i will call them again on monday and hopefully i will get an agent who was as helpful as you had.. did you file your amended return yet?

    Reply
  38. zhosa

    @Jay: again, it’s only FYI, only you know your situation and what feels right. For me, b/c the agent could see my w-2, it seemslike it’s an easy fix as opposed to someone who’s information isn’t readily available…..fingers crossed.

    Reply
  39. Jay
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-3
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      PNC
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-3
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-20
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250604
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    @zhosa: that is a lot more information than what i was told when i contacted the advocate service.. the person i talked to there also verified with the the wage and tax mismatch like you have but said either wait it out for the 120 days or file an amended return and wait 20 more weeks.. ive had a 570 code since 2/27 and the processing date next to it of 3/27 which was this past monday and still no movement so im guessing mine is still actively open and processing and pending action.

    Reply
  40. zhosa

    @Jay: To me, it makes sense, what he said (and he’s in the advocacy dept also) only because i’ve seen a couple people this season do just that and were stunned at how fast their refund processed while the original was on hold. Mind you, he said this is only for accounts that are actively open and still processing and pending action. I will let you know what happens with me. He also said it “could” get fixed automatically….some do, some don’t, but if mine didn’t to reach out and they could push it.

    Reply