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. NYnic

    Happy New Year everyone!

    Reply
    1
  2. 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!

    @jemar707: I bet ya say that to all the moderators lol.😊

    Reply
    2
  3. jemar707

    @Sheila_33: you’re so smaht

    Reply
  4. Chris
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-8
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Credit Karma
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-21
    • WMR Date:
      Jan-1
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-17
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: Ok thats what I will do. Thank you for your help!

    Reply
  5. 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!

    @Chris: If I was in your shoes, I’d just go ahead and file 2023. Then amend the 2022 after you get your refund. Check that 2022 transcript at least once a week to see if dates start moving, You might get in under the wire. But, I would also, if I were in your shoes, take care of that balance on that amended with the refund, that way you don’t get hit with a bunch of interest later in the year.

    Reply
    2
  6. IHATETAXTIME
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      Take Action
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      0705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-26
    • I Got My Refund!

    Impatiently waiting to see if this child tax credit amount is going up this year! What a blessing it would be! Happy Saturday yall! Seems pretty calm this year :-)

    Reply
  7. Chris
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-8
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Credit Karma
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-21
    • WMR Date:
      Jan-1
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-17
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: If i amend the return I would owe a little over $700.

    Reply
  8. Chris
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-8
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Credit Karma
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-21
    • WMR Date:
      Jan-1
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-17
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: ok i just checked my 2022 transcript and the As of date is Nov. 6 2023 and there are no new codes. Just codes 150 766 768 and 846. Do you think it be ok if i go ahead and file this years return?

    Reply
  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!

    @Chris: Are you able to view your transcripts online? If so, check that years return and see if there are any new codes added or the “as of” date moving out. At this point, they are wanting you to amend to see if it would have changed the amount you received as a refund last year. Depending on the amount of the canceled debt, and the deductions you claimed, it may not be an issue.

    Reply
  10. Chris
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-8
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Credit Karma
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-21
    • WMR Date:
      Jan-1
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-17
    • I Got My Refund!

    Hello everyone. I neep help. I got Notice CP2057 from the irs stating that i need to amend my 2022 tax return to add some income from a cancellation of debt. My question is will this affect my 2023 return. I have not filed for this year yet. Thanks

    Reply
  11. 2blessed

    Happy Saturday to everyone! I’m back for another tax season my friends. Let the drama begin.

    Reply
  12. Paige

    @Old 74: I just tried to file with TurboTax. It said that the IRS has not finalized one of its documents. Once it is done, i will be emailed and can continue to file

    Reply
  13. 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!

    This link can help you better understand the cycle codes and their meanings. https://igotmyrefund.com/irs-cycle-code/

    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!

    https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/new-identity-verification-process-to-access-certain-irs-online-tools-and-servi
    Here is a link to be able to create a tax account log in to view your transcripts and see how you are progressing after your return is accepted.

    Reply
  15. MSRazorbackPhD
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Bank:
      FDIC Insured

    @DrBlute: Not all the time, which is weird!

    @Kayla: More than likely your MAY will be a WILL. If your refund is enough to cover what you owe…they typically do that.

    Reply
  16. N

    @Old 74: you can also get the pin online.
    I get mine every year and I don’t have wait for it in the mail.

    Reply
  17. DrBlute

    @Kayla: I’m assuming you would get some form of letter notice from the irs and the state they wouldn’t just take without telling you first. Just my guess

    Reply
  18. Kayla

    I was wondering if someone could help answer some questions for me. I recently found out that I owe West Virginia unemployment a large amount of money. It was submitted for offset back in October I believe. When I call the offset hotline is says my refund may be offset. MAY. I was wondering if you know if it takes until the following year or even if they normally offset your whole refund gets offset or a portion. Thank you!

    Reply
  19. Old 74

    @lori1985: I just received my id theft pin it can in the envelope where you tear off both ends and the top to open just glad to get it so I can file now

    Reply
    2
  20. Old 74

    I used TAXSLAYER this year ready to file but they will not let me file said Georgia is not available yet anyone else in the same boat ? Thanks

    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!

    @Mike: Doing well guy! Hope you had a good year. So nice to see ya back!

    Reply
  22. 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: Yes, good to see the familiar faces such as yours. How are you, ready for another year?

    Reply
  23. MSRazorbackPhD

    @Turbotaxer: I totally get that. Is your CK acct open and in a positive status? If not then TT shows not eligible!

    Now, you can always create a new acct and try it like that. I have seen it change then.

    Reply
  24. 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 all haven’t registered with this site, please consider doing so. For me, its just so nice to see those familiar faces. And, its an easy way for you to keep track every year on what your stats were and when you update. And you get to pick a cool user name. https://igotmyrefund.com/registration-for-igmr/

    Reply
    1
  25. IHATETAXTIME
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      Take Action
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      0705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-26
    • I Got My Refund!

    @LemonadePunch: really? Why?

    Reply
  26. AngieInMichigan
    • Tax Preparer:
      H&R Block
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-27
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Emerald card
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-28
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-21
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-26
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250605
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    @LemonadePunch: can I make an account to view transcripts if I do not have a current loan? This is my first year filing HOH and when we made my ex husband’s account to view our transcripts we needed a current loan to create the account.

    Reply
  27. 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!

    @LemonadePunch: Once they take that freeze off, there’s gonna be a lot of people updating with refund dates on their transcripts, dailies and weeklies.:)

    Reply
  28. LemonadePunch

    Remember to make sure you can still get in transcripts, before the transcript fun starts.

    If you couldn’t get in last year: Now is time to do it, if anything changed to allow you this year.

    Reply
  29. LemonadePunch

    This is the lucky year for weekly updates. The 15th is on Thursday. Weekly PATHers will get deposits before dailies.

    Reply
    4
  30. Sp103

    Just did my Federal via Taxact, a simple return with an 8889 HSA form. Let’s see if I can get into the test batch!

    Reply
    1
  31. Turbotaxer

    @MSRazorbackPhD: I did do it last year and was approved I’ve done it for the past 3 years

    Reply
  32. Nimo3737

    @Bjazi023: yes there available now online got mine yesterday

    Reply
  33. lori1985
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-17
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Credit Karma
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-17
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-17
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Bjazi023: Yes, I just received my PIN this week. I was a little worried because it was late. This year its in a different type of envelope and isn’t a normal print out in a normal envelope. It looks like junk mail now.

    Reply
    2
  34. MSRazorbackPhD
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Bank:
      FDIC Insured

    @Turbotaxer: Did you do it last year? I ask because if your card is closed…then they won’t offer it!

    Reply
  35. Deano

    Jackson Hewitt offers up to 6,500 in advance

    Reply
    1
  36. Deano

    @Favor2024: No I filed with Jackson Hewitt

    Reply
  37. Deano

    @tracy17777: Yes I received both

    Reply