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
34,959 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 began accepting tax returns this year on January 29, 2024.

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 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. cmaine

    @Ollie: Yes I received the refund advance.

    Reply

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  2. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-6
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    Good morning everyone! Here’s a link for a discussion about this coming year and what users thoughts are about it. Most appreciated if you want to jump in and share any thoughts. Hoping for a smooth year for everyone. https://igotmyrefund.com/forums/forum/general-discussion/2024-tax-season/

    Reply

    moderated
  3. DebMom
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-17
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-3
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-7
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-12
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Ollie: right it says after acceptance not approval

    Reply

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  4. Ollie

    @Yarri: Lots of people have gotten it regardless with just submission. If this was the case nobody would have their money until the 29th I’m assuming, but people already have it.

    Reply

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    0
  5. Yarri

    @Ollie: it has to get approved from the irs to get the advance

    Reply

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  6. Ty83

    @HelloNJMomHere: Hi There I’m from New Jersey I filed both my Federal and State Return on TurboTax January 15th 2024 I was Accepted today January 19th 2024 for Federal and State is Usually right after.. hope this helps my 7th year with TurboTax

    Reply

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  7. GraciousGambino

    Tax Preparer:FreeTaxUSA
    Date Filed:Jan 17th
    Fees:Free
    Bank:chime
    Date Accepted:Jan-19th
    Transcript:Online
    Cycle:Daily
    I Got My Refund!

    Just got accepted today

    Reply

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  8. KYGIRL606

    hi, guys! new tax year.. happy to see everyone again

    Reply

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    2
  9. Jay7

    @Sheila_33: Ok I see! I was not aware that could happen. I am going to finish mine tomorrow. It is a simple return with a W-2 and information from my business. I do not have any dependents, so no credits.

    Reply

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  10. My5AndI

    Hi

    Reply

    moderated
    1
  11. jemar707

    1/19 Update on CTC:

    The House Ways and Means Committee has advanced the Child Tax Credit (CTC) deal to the House floor. 

    follow this post to stay updated:
    https://igotmyrefund.com/child-tax-credit-changes/

    Reply

    moderated
    4
  12. HelloNJMomHere

    I want to file my taxes but the state of NJ is not accepting returns. would anyone know the date NJ will start to accept returns? I don’t want to file them separately.

    Reply

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  13. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-6
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    Most people have that topic when they are accepted. This link explains it in better detail. https://igotmyrefund.com/tax-topic-152/

    Reply

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    1
  14. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-6
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @impatiently waiting: They don’t reconcile the 1099s until later in the year so that shouldn’t trigger an audit. Amend as soon as you get your refund like Mary said and you should be fine.

    Reply

    moderated
  15. Jared34

    On my WMR it says processing. Tax topic 152. Im not a pather no eic or actc. Anyone else have that tax topic?

    Reply

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    2
  16. Impatiently waiting
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-10
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • Identity Theft
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Mike: thanks it’s was 3128$ so hopefully I’m fine and can just amend.

    Reply

    Report comment
  17. Impatiently waiting
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-10
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • Identity Theft
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Impatiently waiting: ok thanks so I shouldn’t get an audit?

    Reply

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  18. Ollie

    Approved 2500 advance with CK. 2 hrs no money. No sign it was even transmitted. Have email from Turbo tax successful submission. 30 seconds 😄

    Reply

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    1
  19. Mary

    @Impatiently waiting Just wait until you receive your refund then file an amended return

    Reply

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    1
  20. Mike
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-18
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      BOA
    • Bars:
      3rd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-8
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-13
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240604
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-26
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-8
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Impatiently waiting: Kinda a hit or a miss sort of thing(when it comes to an audit or delay) Depending on how much the 1099 is, it may not move your refund/amount owed in any way. I added a last minute 1099 for 2200 and it changed nothing. However there is always a possibility it could be flagged. Since you are already accepted, just keep checking on things and if you sail through, just file an amended return after.

    Reply

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  21. Impatiently waiting
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-10
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • Identity Theft
    • I Got My Refund!

    Need some advice y’all. I feel like a complete idiot. I have my own business so I always file self-employment every year. But I totally forgot last year I did some doordash. I just got an email today that they sent me a 1099. My return was already accepted. Am I at risk for an audit? I’m so nervous now.

    Reply

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  22. cmaine

    Accepted today with Advance. Done with Turbotax with fees taken out with refund. Filed 1-13

    Reply

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  23. Mike
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-18
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      BOA
    • Bars:
      3rd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-8
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-13
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240604
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-26
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-8
    • I Got My Refund!

    Ok finally home from work. Now time to update my filing details, then head on over to WMR and see if I have a bar waiting for me lol. How is everyone tonight?

    Reply

    Report comment
    1
  24. 2013taxpayer
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-25
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Credit Karma
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-4
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Honeybee82: I was qualified but not sure if it’s worth to do the advance haha but now I’m thinking to go ahead and do it if you got more than approved. How much more were you approved?

    Reply

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  25. Monee
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-15
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Varo
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-17
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-2
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Veeaz: don’t know your details but the math is
    Income-2500×.15×3.
    2000×3 is your total ctc.
    1800×3 is what will be refundable.
    Subtract your whatever amount you already got from that and that’s the extra amount you would get. Hope that helped

    Reply

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  26. Ollie

    @Veeaz: 200 more per kid. Then next year another 200

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    1
  27. DrBlute

    @Honeybee82: that’s awesome! At first I was thinking maybe the 22nd seeing how TurboTax had that date but must just be a generic message lol ! I didn’t go for the advance I don’t think it was even offered when I filed lol!!!

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  28. Veeaz

    I have a question. I claim three kids my refund is 10,003 this year. How much more would I have gotten if I waited to see if the ctc gets approved ? Will I miss out or will it be added ?? I’m so confused

    Reply

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  29. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-6
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Jay7: I have seen people get processed, approved and a refund date before official opening but a direct deposit would depend on the bank card. And, the return would have to be without the path credits.

    Reply

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    3
  30. Christina92

    Wanted to update y’all, I filed with turbo tax and got approved for an advance, well I was just accepted and just received my advance a few minutes ago. Now to wait as a Pather

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    3
  31. Honeybee82
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-9
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Credit Karma
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • Date Approved:
      Mar-1
    • WMR Date:
      Mar-6
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240905
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-18
    • 5071C LETTER
    • I Got My Refund!

    @DrBlute: Congrats! I was just accepted about 10 minutes ago too…and my advance just hit. It’s actually more than I was approved for, so that’s a nice surprise lol 😁🎉

    Reply

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    3
  32. Chris
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Credit Karma
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-18
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @TeeDee44: you can transfer it if you want to

    Reply

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  33. Buckey12
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-5
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      FNB
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Jay7: if you get an advance, you can get a portion before they open, but the IRS won’t issue ddd before season officially opens.

    Reply

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  34. Buckey12
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-5
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      FNB
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Buckey12: if the ctc is changed. Typo on phone

    Ddd** not did

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  35. Buckey12
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-5
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      FNB
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: agreed. It’s basically last year’s cycle of events shifted a day. Instead of 2/24 did, it should be 2/23 for those that update Friday 2/16 on transcripts. 2025 won’t be so lucky. 15th is a Saturday, but we’ll save that nugget for another day.

    @MSRazorbackPhD @mary: This is strictly theory, but the ctc is changed, i wouldn’t be surprised if the IRS doesn’t just automatically adjust it. A few years ago, they demonstrated they could open the tax season and send out those monthly child payments at the last minute before they made upgrades. While the IRS manual states they won’t determine your ctc, it does say later the IRS will adjust it if it is wrong (and sends a letter stating what they did). My guess (assuming it’s passed) is the irs will add code to recalculate those claiming it to the correct amount for the very reason you gave: millions of amended returns.

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    2
  36. Jay7

    I see a lot of people file early. Is it possible to get you refund before the start date? I have never filed early before so I am not sure how that works.

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  37. TeeDee44

    So I’ve been filing taxes for the past 14 years with TurboTax and this is the first year I’ve opted to try for the advance. They said I was qualified for the advance. What I want to know is once the advance hits the credit karma account is it possible to transfer it into my actual bank account or does it have to stay there?

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    2
  38. OliviaP

    Is it better to go ahead and open a credit karma account before trying for the advance? Also does anyone know the odds on getting approved for the advance? Not really interested in the credit karma account but could seriously use the advance.

    Reply

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