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
35,392 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. StephTX

    @Confusedmama: why would you be concerned if you got a DDD? That’s what the 846 is.

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  2. Starr

    @JennyC: that’s what we’re hoping . Myself and a few others that verified Monday didn’t update today either , so we’re thinking next week too 🤷🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️

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  3. Confusedmama

    My account shows no return processed up top. But it has my return info under summary. My trans all updated except wage. My as of date changed 2/19 to 3/25 but I have an 846 of 3/13 with no other codes. Should I be concerned?

    F 1/19 a 1/24, Verified online 3/2, verified otp 3/4, wmr update 3/7 to processing after being still processing since 2/3.

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  4. Starr

    @Morris: ok let me know how it goes for you . I’m going to try to wait for the full 2week is up before I call . I see a lot of people say it took them 2 weeks after verification to update .Plus the irs pisses me off when I call , and I don’t need no more headaches today.

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  5. JennyC

    @Ladyjay: so I’m guessing I will process next week since I verified on Monday.

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  6. JennyC

    So I verified on Monday online. Would today be too soon to process? My as of date is still feb 12. The request date of above says 3/8. 😔

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  7. Ladyjay

    846 today after verifying last tues. incase anyone is wondering

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    2
  8. LostNthesauce

    @Mommyof3D: what all do they require for the in office appointment? I don’t mind printing and taking my return downtown? A agent did give me a number a few weeks ago some hotline or protection number heck it could be the main number directed back to the irs

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  9. LostNthesauce

    @Alliee: well thanks for that run down that was a lot of much needed information!!! All I know is I’ll be at 3 weeks waiting for this letter and this situation is giving MTV ridiculousness and not in a good way!! They said it was sent on the 22nd of feb last week, a few days ago they said it was sent last week! Two weeks from 22nd was yesterday the 7th for me unfortunately

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  10. EDDLEMAN23

    2nd week with no update on transcripts. Sitting with a 570 code with date 3/11 and also a processing date of 3/11. Does that mean it’ll wait till 3/11 to clear. I have no 971 code just 570 should I call?? Because this is so frustrating. How long does injured spouse take to process. ??

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  11. Mommyof3D

    Hopefully this help filed and accepted on 2/2. I set at id verification needed until yesterday. I thought I verified over the phone on 2/19 and it would be process nope nothing. On 2/26 still no letter in sight or one even being issued I made an appointment to be verified in person. Took my printout of my return, id and social security card in on 2/29. The irs agent said 9 weeks I have a ddd for 3/13. So if you have been waiting for the mystery letter try to make an appointment to do it in person. It literally took less than 20 minutes.

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  12. sns6712
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-18
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19

    @Morris: I didn’t have anything on transcripts either just an N/A and as of date of 2/12 for weeks. Verified on 2/24 and got the 846 today. You’ll update next week if you don’t today!

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  13. Alliee

    @StephTX: if you verified by phone on 2/27 then something happened on 2/20 that you didn’t verify. I would count 2/27 as the start of the two full weeks it’ll take. You *should* update next Friday, as that’s a full two weeks. But the irs seems to be having some fun this year.

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  14. Alliee

    @LostNthesauce: I would bet money that those that verify over the phone dint actually verify. It HAS to have that control code, which is why some can do so in person. I was told my letter was mailed 2/9, but I didn’t get it til 2/23.
    It’s incredibly frustrating and I never thought this day would come but here we are. Keep looking for for the letter. Maybe ask for it to be resent out. I did, because I was worried it’d never come and it didn’t change anything. I only have gotten one letter. So maybe the one I requested was the one that came. I’m here rooting for you though. 💕

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  15. JJ

    Good morning. I guess I was right about my transcript doing the same thing my lady’s did. Stayed N/A until the 846 came. I know I was an 05. I was an 05 last year. I was hoping that was the reason we all saw NA. But Id verify I’m not sure how that affects processing. Guys I know it’s nerve wrecking sitting with the same ole stuff months after you’ve filed. You still have into the morning for movement. Then the next update Tuesday for daily and Thursday for weekly again. I’m hoping for movement for all who have seen none so far

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  16. LostNthesauce

    @Alliee: two weeks? We still waiting on this darn letter and was told to phone 23rd of march that’s a Saturday I’ll be calling again this morning and I’m going to be frank “ how is it that your agents can verify some individuals over the phone and others can’t” that following a few other concerns of mine? Let Uncle Sam not deposit their funds into a agents account I bet we won’t be getting a friendly agent otp

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  17. StephTX

    @Morris: still no codes here either just as of pushed out another week

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  18. StephTX

    @Adkins,TX: I got the freaking same…smh…this is some BS. I’m calling again today. This is ridiculous. I’m all the way over it. I have verified online (2/20) and by phone (2/27) and been told ID verify case closed (2/27) and sat at N.A. and 2/12 til last week when my as of went to 3/18 WMR changed from still being processed to being processed last week. And all I got last night was as of 3/25 now. This is the last free loan IRS is getting from me.

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  19. Alliee

    @Iwantitnow: 971. I had to I’d verify. I did so two weeks ago on Friday. So it took a full two weeks to update. My wmr still says action required you need to verify. Married filing joint. I haven’t bothered to check my own account. Just my husband’s. I’m so over the moon. Keep the faith. If you haven’t ID Verified that’s likely what you’ll need to do and it seems to take two weeks to gst back in.

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  20. Morris

    @Starr: I’m calling one time today somebody got to explain to me where’s is my return. It’s like I haven’t even file. Even though a few of us has n/a’s at least they have some type of codes I have nothing.

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  21. 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!

    You might check into this link and see if it could get you a number to fax. From what im finding, it seems to be a common number for faxing information. https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-cp259-notice

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  22. WorryWart

    ….this is getting depressing to go through every week. Still no changes, 570 and 971

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  23. Iwantitnow

    Well my as of pushed out from 3/11 to 3/25 but that mf 570 still hanging around lol

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  24. Starr

    @Morris: I’m over this .. not checking again till next week . I’m throwing in the towel . Irs has officially beat me down !!!

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  25. Starr

    No update for me either

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  26. Iwantitnow

    @Alliee: Congrats!!! Did you have a 570? 971? Did your WMR update or transcript? I was accepted 1/19 no change on WMR

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  27. Alliee

    Guys. I actually can’t believe it. I got my DDD. I’m sifting here crying cuz I filed 1/19. 😭😭😭😭😭😭

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    5
  28. 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!

    Congratulations to everyone that updated to a refund date. For those of you that haven’t yet, transcripts can update until late morning so still a chance for some movement. As of dates moving out are a positive, and it means something is being worked on. Pushing out and snapping back to a previous date, means the system tried to resolve the hold, but couldn’t and its manually going to have to be resolved.

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  29. Morris

    I could see something tonight and that’s a big if but you mostly right Honeybee I’ll probably have to wait another extruating week.

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  30. Morris

    @Honeybee82: This waiting is killing me. Thanks for the encouragement. Still think I better call just to be safe. Is there’s updates tonight/morning?

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  31. AD

    I finally received some updates.
    I filed 1/30
    Transcripts N/A
    My account stated needed ID VERIFY
    I couldn’t wait on the letter so I verified in person 3/1
    Just got the letter 5071 3/7 but already verified.
    Transcripts finally filling in 971 and 570 , which I think is the verification letter but my bottom transcript is still blank.
    So I assume I will update next week.

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  32. 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!

    @Morris: There might not be anything wrong….it seems to be taking 1.5-2 weeks for most people to fully process after they verify. I verified on a Tuesday, & had zero updates by that Friday….my as of date didn’t even move, nothing. It wasn’t until a week & a half later before everything updated & I got my 846. Since you verified a week ago, & don’t see any updates whatsoever…I have a feeling you’ll be like me, & won’t see anything until you fully process. I didn’t process until almost 2 weeks after I verified, so next week will be 2 weeks for you too. It wouldn’t hurt to call and make sure your case was closed, but I think yours will take the 2 weeks like mine did.

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  33. Morris

    I’m calling this morning something not right. I want to make sure they close my case when I verified. I should’ve updated already.. I do believe there are updates again tonight/Saturday morning but it will be the same for me. What could be the hold up?

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  34. Red Dawn
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      Credit union
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Date Approved:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      04
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    No changes for me🙁

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  35. Adkins,TX

    I guess next week :)

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  36. xopinkpearlss

    Well that was strange. I’ve had N/A, as of 3/4 for the last couple of weeks. Checked about an hour ago and both 2023 and 2022 (I filed an amendment) said as of 3/25 … Flipped back to as of 3/4 🤷‍♀️

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  37. QushunT
    • Tax Preparer:
      TaxAct
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-16
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Varo
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      1205
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Apr-8
    • Processing Date:
      Apr-8
    • I Got My Refund!

    The only thing updated was my as of date 2/12 to 3/25 😭at this point I give up.

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  38. Morris

    @JJ: if I don’t see anything by 3am I’m not updating. I had said I’ll be the one not updating.

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  39. Qweet

    @Morris: Don’t give up hope yet. It’s still early!! 🤞🏽🙏🏽

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