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
49,361 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. Mandie
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-21
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-20
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    @KatieA: My as of dates are the exact same as yours, got the notice the same day (3/04), have been stuck like this for about a month. The notice basically told us that we really can’t do anything, there’s no verification needed, we were just selected for extra review and to wait it out. Now the thing is my wage/account transcript says ‘no record of return filed’. I didn’t think anything of it because I’m a SAHM and didn’t have a W-2 to contribute when we filed and I don’t really check those to know if it’s normal or not, but when I checked my husband’s wage/account transcript, his says the same thing. All other transcripts are filled in for this year, though, so I really don’t know what that means.

    Reply
    1
  2. CHICAGOSRB

    @S.S: What docs did you send and where did you upload the docs to? Thanks!

    Reply
  3. S.S

    @KatieA: they take their sweet time so I wanted to make sure I was covered on my end..it’s ridiculous that they make us wait and just randomly review..

    Reply
  4. S.S

    @KatieA: mine was the same I had to comment when I seen your comment .i had a 570 for 2/26 and 971 for 3/4 .what I did when I first found out I was getting sent a cpo5 letter I went ahead and uploaded every document I knew they would want or possibly ask for I got a 846 this morning.ive been audited before so I knew what they possibly would ask for even though it was just a letter basically telling me they were just reviewing it and to do nothing I still did.

    Reply
    3
  5. JustAshe
    • Tax Preparer:
      TaxAct
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-26
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      BoA
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-27
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    My daughter got identity verify. Her transcript date is 2/26. No letter yet. Can she call and phone verify? If so, what number? I tried to search, but I didn’t find it. Thanks all!!!

    Reply
  6. KatieA

    I’m sorry if this is a duplicate, I hit send earlier but it doesn’t appear to have posted. Concerned… I have code 570 2/26, 971 3/4, received CP05 electronically on 3/4. My as of date has been stuck on 3/4 for at least 3 weeks now. No updates. Is this a bad thing that as of date is not moving? I know I am under review but seeing others under review moving as of dates. I have checked my return for accuracy a dozen times. 1 W2,
    2 W2-Gs, no credits, deduction for win/loss. First time ever getting these codes and delayed like this. I just have to ride it out right? Or is there anything I should do to be proactive.
    Reached out to Congressman and representatives, one will inquire after 3/12. The other office says 4/16.

    Reply
  7. 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!

    @bossca: Thank you for your suggestions 😊
    I tried/did it all (local office appt:NO) and the agents see right away that I called often – I’m being put in timeout by now🤣waiting for their gracious processing

    Reply
    1
  8. bossca
    • Tax Preparer:
      Jackson Hewitt
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-6
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Republic
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-6
    • Date Approved:
      Mar-8
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-25
    • I Got My Refund!

    @CC: it’s in some type of processing.

    Reply
  9. bossca
    • Tax Preparer:
      Jackson Hewitt
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-6
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Republic
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-6
    • Date Approved:
      Mar-8
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-25
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Susanwinters67: you may have been put into processing. It seems to be happening to a few people. I would call the # on the letter just to make sure.

    Reply
  10. bossca
    • Tax Preparer:
      Jackson Hewitt
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-6
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Republic
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-6
    • Date Approved:
      Mar-8
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-25
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Jacky_FL: you might be able to verify in person or over the phone then, if their system is not updating your address & your not receiving the letters. Have you asked about scheduling an appointment in person?

    Reply
  11. bossca
    • Tax Preparer:
      Jackson Hewitt
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-6
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Republic
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-6
    • Date Approved:
      Mar-8
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-25
    • I Got My Refund!

    Some Hope for people with ID Verification who are waiting for processing…I Verified in person 3/1 & transcripts were n/a since filing. A couple days ago ID notice went away & as of date pushed out. Woke up today with Transcripts, Code 846 for 3/13. DD came today. WMR is still at 1 bar, not reliable for me any year tho. So it’s coming!!!

    Reply
    4
  12. Susanwinters67

    Finally got my verification letter today I go to login to IRS account verification button is gone. What is going on here

    Reply
  13. Davids

    @Sparkyplops: I filed 2/27 and accepted 2/27.. transcript as of date is 3/25 but shows no return filed

    Reply
    1
  14. CC

    What does it mean when your as of date change?

    Reply
  15. CC

    What does it

    Reply
  16. LostNthesauce

    @Pnicole: smh tbh I think they change scripts on a daily it’s just maddening that last week was all 14 day speech and now it’s 30 days! Anywho I had the same concern about my new address and all the previous agents stated it went to the new addy until yesterday when a agent said yeah it went to old addy and to contact usps to have Mail forward! I had suppose to receive a letter on the 22nd of February and two weeks from that Thursday was yesterday the 7th so I call bull on everything they speak

    Reply
  17. Sparkyplops

    @Davids: 10 days ago it was accepted

    Reply
  18. Davids

    @Sparkyplops: when did you file

    Reply
  19. Shelleybeansss

    Just saying, the IRS should also operate on a first come/first serve basis. 😂 it would certainly help to understand a little of what is happening 😂 and make the website user friendly with actual updates.

    Reply
  20. Eddleman23

    Should I call the IRS if I’ve been sitting with a 570 code for 2 weeks or will it flag me? I have all the credit codes just waiting on the 846

    Reply
  21. Itsmymoney&ineeditnow

    @Sly39: I was asking about SBTPG not my refund date itself. Don’t be mad at me bc you’re still waiting lol

    Reply
    3
  22. Sparkyplops

    I do have an as of date of 25 March tho but no cycle codes

    Reply
  23. Ohio girl

    @sheila_33

    This year finally and over
    Filed 1/22
    Accepted 1/23
    2/1 irs online account shows verify return and transcript shows as of date 2/12
    2/26 letter arrives and I verified return online.
    3/7 wmr changed back to your return has been received
    3/8 846 for 3/13
    As of date changed this morning from 2/12 to 3/25
    Thank God it’s over

    Reply
    6
  24. Sparkyplops

    Well had my transcripts populate this morning but no cycle codes any of yall have that happen?

    Reply
    1
  25. 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!

    @Emarto1: I would call the number given in the letter anyways to get it done : verify over the phone to ✓ this verification of return filed and/or Identity in case there’s other kinds of problems with the return.

    Reply
    1
  26. Shelleybeansss

    @Sly39: yeah I was just making sure bc 826 is something completely different. So I was verifying that’s what they meant

    Reply
  27. Starr

    @Morris: ok that’s sounds great !!! Thanks for the update . I just might call myself also

    Reply
  28. Emarto1

    I waited all this time to receive the stupid verification letter and I go online to verify and the link is gone. It’s like I don’t need to verify anymore. My transcript still has n/A and my as of date is still Feb 19. I don’t understand any of this.

    Reply
  29. Sly39

    Thing alot don’t realize is 971 notice issued doesn’t mean it’s just for to verify identity… 971 just means notice issued it can be for anything! Can be for review or for identity or for a different amount any number of things so really no way to know till you get the letter and then see what it says . I have seen it one of my daughters got 971 got notice that it is being reviewed can take up to 60 days another got 971 and notice for verify identity and tax return information.. so don’t just assume you have to verify just because you got 971 that’s a general code for a notice not what kind of notice .

    Reply
    1
  30. 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!

    @Pnicole: I’m still waiting on the ✉️’s allegedly sent 2/14 and 2/28. I read others received by the 14day-mark.
    I also had a change of address – I mailed Form8822 B4🎄 and another via
    certified mail in January B4 filing with new address. Per today my address is still not updated.

    Reply
    1
  31. WorryWart

    Oh, and his 571 is with 846 for DD on 3/13.

    Reply
  32. WorryWart

    So my husband got 570 last week and 571 this week…FML! I got 570 on 2/16, and 971 on 2/23 and have been just stuck there ever since smh. The difference between us tho is that stupid 401k early withdrawal I did.

    Reply
  33. JennyC

    Good morning you guys, so I just got off the phone with a lady from the IRS just to confirm that everything was verified because I did online she told me everything was good and to give it 30 days for me to receive my refund. They say nine weeks just in case but she said it usually never takes that long so I’m hoping I see my transcripts update next week I usually get paid the same day my transcripts update. We shall see.

    Reply
    3
  34. Sly39

    @Shelleybeansss: it’s 846

    Reply
    1
  35. Sly39

    @Itsmymoney&ineeditnow: not trying to be rude but people here filed in Jan was accepted in January and still no update ..you just filed February 27 like 2 weeks ago ..if it says be there it will be there ! It can be early depending on the bank or can be date it gives but by that date will be there it will not be there today !

    Reply
    7
  36. Sly39

    Unless you do whatever needed won’t finish and it can take up to 9 weeks from when verify! Just because someone takes a week after verify doesn’t mean yours will too it’s different for everyone. Sometimes when call to verify without the letter you really aren’t verified like these people on phone say …you need the letter ! My daughter is weekly she verified over phone before cut off for week also went in and then went in said was already verified and she has no update ! Also just because getting code 971 notice sent doesn’t mean it’s to verify!! One of my daughters got 971 for 60 day review one got 971 for verify! 971 doesn’t mean it’s strictly for verify it means that notice coming that’s it not what it’s for .

    Reply
    2
  37. Itsmymoney&ineeditnow

    @Shelleybeansss: sorry…it’s 846

    Reply
    1
  38. Shelleybeansss

    @Itsmymoney&ineeditnow: 826 or 846?

    Reply
  39. Red Dawn
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Credit union
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29

    At this point I’m giving up on getting my taxes. Lol nothing has changed the last 2 weeks.

    Reply
    1
  40. Itsmymoney&ineeditnow

    Hey yall…good morning! I updated to 826 today…filed Feb 22nd and accepted same day. Never Id verified so this year was smooth (thank God!). My question is….when will it reflect on SBTPG bc it says it can’t find my account

    Reply