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
34,937 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 β€œqueue” 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. Izzy320

    @Honeybee82: It’s not dishonesty. The IRS is giving you an extra week to respond. It’s in your favor.

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    0
  2. Jennifer

    What’s the turnaround time from getting an 846 to SBTPG actually updating?

    Reply

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  3. CheckUrAccounts

    Check y’all’s bank accounts! I can’t give specifics because I can’t check my transcripts but I filed and was accepted 1/29. WMR has one bar and delayed message. My deposit just hit varo and varo didn’t even send me a notification! I only saw it because I needed to check the balance to pay a bill!

    Reply

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    9
  4. 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!

    @Kei: Yes, that means the IRS has officially released your funds to your bank 😊

    Reply

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  5. Kei

    Hi.question for anyone. Once the 846 is on transcript I’m good to go correct?

    Reply

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  6. Denise N
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-9
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Transcript:
      A
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @LostNthesauce: right 😀

    Reply

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  7. Jennifer

    Ebank/Neobank people> Other than Chime and Current, do you like whatever bank you use? Do they deposit early?

    (I keep reading stuff going both ways on the Chime/SBTPG whatnot and it’s weirding me out a little…also I just wanna know if anyone really likes their bankπŸ€·β€β™€οΈ)

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    1
  8. Jennifer

    @Show Shmoe: I asked an IRS rep that the other day. He said they can help and aren’t burdensome to the IRS because they know where to look/get the answers for stuff

    Reply

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  9. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Apr-1
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Show Shmoe: In my experience seeing them when I worked the irs call center, they do help because they know the ins and outs of where to go to get things answered which in turn helps get them solved.

    Reply

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  10. Show Shmoe

    Do tax advocates actually help? Or do they delay the process and muddy the waters.

    Reply

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  11. Show Shmoe

    Do tax advocates actually help? Or do they delay the process and muddy the waters.

    Reply

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  12. 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!

    @Honeybee82: I was told my letter was mailed on the 9th, but when I got it….it showed the date it was printed was the 15th. So they’re definitely not being honest about the dates they’re being mailed….

    Reply

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    1
  13. 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!

    @Denise N: I just saw someone say on the IGMR Facebook page that they called today, and the agent told them they are extremely backed up with getting the letters sent out. Originally they told him his was mailed on the 12th, then the 17th…and then told him today it was mailed on the 28th. That would explain why a lot of people still haven’t received them, even though they were told it was mailed out 3+ weeks ago

    Reply

    moderated
  14. LostNthesauce

    @Denise N: smh it’s like groundhogs day of a non processed tax return!!!

    Reply

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    1
  15. Jennifer

    Question for NEW Chime users – did you have fees taken from your refund? If so, did it still deposit on time?

    (I’m reading alot of wacky stuff about SBTPG amd Chime but it says it’s specific to new users and it just has me confused tbh)

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  16. Jennifer

    Question for NEW Chime users – did you have fees taken from your refund? If so, did it still deposit on time?

    (I’m reading alot of wacky stuff about SBTPG amd Chime but it says it’s specific to new users and it just has me confused tbh)

    Reply

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  17. Kei

    @Sheila_33: Hi. Once the 846 is on transcript I’m good to go correct?

    Reply

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  18. Denise N
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-9
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-16
    • Transcript:
      A
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    Still no letter after it was sent feb 13th I called the hotline it was so busy they hung up on me

    Reply

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  19. Morris

    Just got off the phone with an agent and she told me that my verification is confirmed and they are still reviewing my account and I should update soon. This tax season has been the worst.

    Reply

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    2
  20. LostNthesauce

    Have anyone who filed and accepted around 1/29/24 that had to verify already received their 5071c letter

    Reply

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    3
  21. Keewee

    Mines stating still beening process
    my last year cycle code was 5
    can’t get a transcript just yet
    what should I do

    Reply

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  22. Kira29

    Just for anyone who needs to hear this verified over the phone Tuesday and got 846 code with dd 3/6 this morning. It’s coming guys was told I might see update next week and some of y’all will good bless all πŸ€—

    Reply

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    5
  23. Sdiego
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      bankmobile
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Blank
    • Cycle Code:
      04
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Mar-18
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Waitingonmine24: maybe next week?πŸ™

    Reply

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  24. Asking for daughter

    Does anyone know if there is a link to check your refund through H&R Block (Pathward, I think.) if you had fees taken out of their refund?

    Reply

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  25. Waitingonmine24

    @Harry a: yes I have the same code and dates

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  26. Waitingonmine24

    @Sdiego: I have the same codes and dates. Last night it updated to 3-18 from 3/11..

    Reply

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  27. Jennifer

    Came across this on reddit from someone who said he had an an extra helpful IRS agent (here’s a snippet of it):
    He said that now that I have been verified and the flag has been removed on their end to check WMR and transcripts next Friday or Saturday… doesn’t matter what your cycle code is TRY YOUR BEST to AVOID checking every day… regardless of your cycle code they update everyone FRIDAY and into SATURDAY…DO NOT CHECK EVERY HOUR and EVERY DAY because if you check WMR and TRANSCRIPTS excessivly their system WILL POTENTIALLY flag you for identity verification again and again leading to an endless loop of your return being flagged for verification!

    Reply

    moderated
  28. meow
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-18
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar

    @lakeriver09: my refund was also sent back to irs. i have turbo tax with fees taken out but problem was my bank sent it back they said it had correct account number but was coded wrong. so i talked to irs today and they said i have to wait till the 14 th to see if a paper check shows up here. that would be 5 weeks since refund was sent back if that helps any

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  29. Starr

    @Hazel143: just weird πŸ€·πŸ½β€β™€οΈπŸ™ˆπŸ˜©πŸ™πŸ™πŸ’΅

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  30. 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!

    @Cedes: If you could use just one user name it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you πŸ™‚

    Reply

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  31. 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!

    @VERYBERRYBLUBERRY: It happens sometimes. Not sure why. It could be as simple as a glitch and the system didn’t acknowledge the direct deposit info.

    Reply

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  32. Boogerbaby089

    Good afternoon Kill the IRS PPL with kindness when you call.. they will help.. rundown filed accepted 2/4 had n/a until the Friday after path. updated to 570 3/11/24. Today updated with 971 3/18/24 notice sent.. called at 7 this morning lady pretty much said screw you, wait 45 days after 3/11… I just called and was really sweet and the lady just told me the letter being sent on the 18th is from irs for wage and withholding verification from employer… My freaking job hasn’t even sent in our w2’s yet that what the hold up is nothing for me to do but wait for these pin heads to do their job.. Of course I tried to call the office and they already left for the weekend. Story of my life.

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  33. StephTX

    @Cedes: you got your federal refund deposit without your transcript updating??

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  34. Hazel143

    @Starr: we are still in the same situation. My WMR went from path to being processed today. Still 570 0.00 2/26 and 971 3/4.. my SSA has my self employment.

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    2
  35. Sdiego
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      bankmobile
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Blank
    • Cycle Code:
      04
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Mar-18
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Cedes: you don’t have a 846 code on your transcripts?

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    1
  36. Cedes

    Lurker this yr here….lol been coming on here for yearssss!
    Was worried no movement filed and accepted 3/11
    No update on transcripts just 2 bottom 2023 blank pages.
    Already had idme.
    Woke up to dd in netspend today!!
    Transcripts not updated.

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    2
  37. Evar05

    @COOPDOG: I filed the 13th, had zero movement and got my DD today. WMR still on the first bar, even with the money in my account. Happened last year too. Hopefully you will be getting an awesome surprise at the beginning of the week. Don’t worry about WMR. They clearly don’t actually update every day correctly.

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    1
  38. VERYBERRYBLUBERRY

    @Sheila_33: why would they send a check if I have direct deposit?

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  39. Evar05

    Hi everyone. Been quietly lurking here, like I do every year but figured I’d jump on to give out some hope. I file Feb 13, have had zero movement, even now I’m sitting on “received”. Just got a direct deposit out of nowhere. We use chime. The same exact thing happened last year. No update on wmr and the Friday before the 21 days we got direct deposit. I know yall are all stalking wmr like I do, but it’s not reliable at all. Even with the money in my account I’m still on “received” and “we are still processing your return” with topic 152. I hope you all get surprised…in a good way.

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    5
  40. Sweetjane
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-27
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-27
    • Transcript:
      Blank
    • Cycle Code:
      1105
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-18
    • Processing Date:
      Apr-1
    • I Got My Refund!

    Greetings everyone since updates on Friday is all day , what is the actual cut off time. Years ago I thought 05 transcripts was updated on Saturday and wmr was on Sunday. I could be wrong

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