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
49,355 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. Michelle P

    Has anyone received their amendment in less than the 16 weeks? I have been waiting for 9 weeks and nothing is still showing on the irs website.

    Reply
  2. MaryB
    • Tax Preparer:
      H&R Block
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-10
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      Wells Fargo
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-10
    • Cycle:
      Daily

    @Nik: If someone has an 846 already (which they would with a date), the money has already been sent so should receive promptly with a no hold bank.

    Reply
  3. Stillwaitinginfairburnga

    I called the offset number and it says I don’t have any offsets but when I put my husband information in it says that he has a offset I hope and pray they don’t take my taxes I’m trying to move out of state

    Reply
    1
  4. MaryB
    • Tax Preparer:
      H&R Block
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-10
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      Wells Fargo
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-10
    • Cycle:
      Daily

    @Lisa in Atlanta: I am saddened to hear of your loss of your daughter. I liken child loss (no matter their age) as the closest thing possible to hell on Earth.

    Reply
  5. Jacky_FL
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-21
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Discover Bank
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-21
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      02
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-31
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Lisa in Atlanta: Dearest Lisa: I’m so very very sorry for your loss!!!

    Reply
    1
  6. Vee-Az

    @NYkhidd: I called no offset as of right now I hope it stays that way I can set up a payment plan

    Reply
  7. Emarto1

    @Lisa in Atlanta: I am so sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  8. Sarah D
    • Tax Preparer:
      TaxSlayer
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-20
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Capital One
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-21
    • Date Approved:
      Jan-31
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-5
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Jan-31
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Rob: Hello Rob

    Reply
  9. Sarah D
    • Tax Preparer:
      TaxSlayer
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-20
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Capital One
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-21
    • Date Approved:
      Jan-31
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-5
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Jan-31
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Tax2024: welcome to the shit show boat, you’re going to need the letter they send out with a 14 digit code on it, they wont send the letter until 21 days after you have been accepted. People have tried making appts at their local tax office but pretty much are just being told to wait for the letter.

    Reply
  10. Rob

    Hi

    Reply
    1
  11. NYkhidd

    @Vee-az: call the offset line it will tell you if you owe any debts for unemployment etc .. if they list anything they will take it from your refund this year before the 846 shows up they will deduct and send the remaining

    Reply
    1
  12. Sarah D
    • Tax Preparer:
      TaxSlayer
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-20
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Capital One
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-21
    • Date Approved:
      Jan-31
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-5
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Jan-31
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Lisa in Atlanta: My condolences on your loss :(

    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!

    @Lisa in Atlanta: My condolences ma’am.

    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!

    @Vee-az: The way I’m reading it, it looks like it’s being taken out of your state refund.

    Reply
  15. Stillwaitinginfairburnga

    @Sharon Grayson: ga saying that they over paid me to but I hope they don’t take my refund I called the offset number and I don’t I have a offset I pray it stay that way

    Reply
  16. Vee-az

    Does it mean it’s getting taken out from my state or my federal or both?

    The ADES has notified the Arizona Department of Revenue of its intent to seek the sum of $ 1809.00 which nay include a $9.00 legal or collection charge from your Arizona income tax refund. The amount recovered less legal or collection fees will be applied against the debt you owe as soon as the money is received from the ADOR, which may take from one to three months. If your setoff exceeds the balance due to the ADES, a refund will be sent to you. Your Arizona income tax refund will be setoff against your debt unless you submit to the ADES

    Reply
  17. Lisa in Atlanta
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-27
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      Walmart Card
    • Bars:
      3rd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-31
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-26
    • Cycle:
      Weekly

    Happy Taxmas again IGMR family,

    Sadly, my daughter passed in 2023, so I will be filing her final return this year. :(

    I’m doing TurboTax Product Chat again this year though and can give you heads up on what’s going on over there as always. :)

    Reply
    6
  18. Mollynim

    @Patrat38: where does it say that I’m trying to see if I got a updated

    Reply
  19. Sharon Grayson
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-2
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-2
    • Transcript:
      No Access
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Stillwaitinginfairburnga: I don’t know I would assume they can. I was told they could.

    Reply
  20. 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!

    @Michigander80: and definitely!! I’ll let you know when I hear more. I’m sure we have nothing to worry about. There’s just too many with the same message.

    Reply
  21. Stillwaitinginfairburnga

    @Sharon Grayson: can unemployment take your federal return for repayment I thought they can only take your state

    Reply
  22. ChelleB
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-24
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Varo
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-27
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-24
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Jay7: I live in ga as well and i can see my amount as well. Does that mean we are done processing? Just waiting on them to issue it?

    Reply
  23. 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!

    @Michigander80: I just talked to a couple friends that are local and they have the same message. Try not to stress. I did at first but I have a hard time believing so many of us got pulled for a random review of our Michigan returns. I bet we will see a ddd around the 13th or shortly thereafter. That’s when the new earned income credit goes into effect. I bet all of us early filers will be in the same boat. Kinda makes me hope that they put the retroactive into our current refund instead of the paper check they said would be mailed to us. Hmmm

    Reply
    2
  24. Sharon Grayson
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-2
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-2
    • Transcript:
      No Access
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Vee-az: I think my whole return is going to get taken this year from an overpayment during COVID because pua and I was supposed to be receiving regular unemployment

    Reply
  25. Tax2024

    Ok what is this verify your restore deal? I have not received a letter or anything. Can you verify over the phone or in person? PLEASE HELP

    Reply
  26. Chris007

    @LV3: has your return been accepted?

    Reply
  27. Jay7

    I don’t remember if I posted, but I was looking to see if my State of GA return was accepted and it says it has been received and is being processed. I can see it in my tax account, so hopefully they will deposit that one soon.

    Reply
  28. LV3

    I filled on 1/25/24 and still haven’t gotten an update yet. Amdyone else have this issue and yes I do have the child tax credit as well. Filled with Jackson Hewitt

    Reply
  29. Chris007

    Does it seem like it’s is taking longer to accept returns this year?? Seems like many people are filing and waiting two days to get an accepted notice. I know they say 24-48 hours but I’ve never had to wait so long. Longest has been 3 hours after filing 😩😩😩😩😩😩

    Reply
  30. Patrat38

    TurboTax taxes gave me updated est of 13

    Reply
  31. Sharon. O

    @Txmomof3girls: Thanks so much

    Reply
  32. Michigander80
    • Tax Preparer:
      TaxAct
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-28
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-17
    • I Got My Refund!

    @AngieInMichigan: That could be it, my sister just checked she has that same pending review message so it might be everybody. Let’s keep each other posted.

    Reply
    1
  33. IGMR Admin

    @Breezy336bay: So you were able to see your 1040?

    Reply
  34. Vee-az

    So I just called unemployment and tried to set up a payment plan unfortunately they don’t even have my correct birthday so I have to literally show proof of my birthday, so how do I owe them when they don’t even have my correct birthday? Isn’t that weird . I wonder what else is incorrect

    Reply
    2
  35. Breezy336bay

    @IGMR Admin: No I have dependents,but I claimed neither eitc or actc.

    Reply
  36. Midwestchic2023

    My social security income finally updates, but I have the verify message so I’m waiting on a letter.

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

    @Vee-az: From personal experience…years ago…you’ll know after the 846 posts!

    Reply
    1
  38. Kimikaze

    @Nik: Ok- it was sent to 3rd party bank that is processing the fees. You are at the mercy of them now sending it to your bank which may not happen until your direct deposit date (or later in some instances)

    Reply
    1
  39. DebMom
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-3
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Varo
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-3
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-14
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-20
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-24
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-14
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Nik: we won’t see it anywhere until later tomorrow they say

    Reply
  40. 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!

    @Michigander80: ugh I’m in the exact same boat. I was freaking out. If you have it too I wonder if it has to do with the implementation of the new earned income tax changes.

    Reply