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. Courts

    @MurphysLaw2416: how are you guys getting this information
    @Red Dawn: how are you getting that info@shelleybeanss:

    Reply
  2. Courts

    @MurphysLaw2416: how are you guys getting this information
    @Red Dawn: how are you getting that info

    Reply
  3. Toshaplus3

    Sorry everyone, I couldn’t remember my login and went to post but then remembered it and didn’t realize the comment posted under a different user. I thought I stopped the original post when I hit the back button and wanted to try log in again

    Reply
    1
  4. Toshaplus3

    I verified my identity and tax return 3 weeks ago through the portal and they still show my 23 return as not received and transcripts have n/a. I have had irs id me account for 3 years and nothing has changed on my filing status or dependent in 20 years. This is crazy.

    Reply
    2
  5. flmom3

    I verified my identity and tax return 3 weeks ago through the portal and they still show my 23 return as not received and transcripts have n/a. I have had irs id me account for 3 years and nothing has changed on my filing status or dependent in 20 years. This is crazy.

    Reply
    1
  6. TisTheSeasonOfTorture
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-22
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-23
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-11
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sam: I was told 120 days AFTER they receive documents. For me it’s been a month since I electronically submitted my documents and as of last Monday, to hear the IRS tell it, they still have received my documents.

    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!

    @ShantayG: ikr!!
    🤞🏻

    Reply
    1
  8. Sam

    How long does take irs review documents CP75 notice I’m fax documents February 21 im call March 5 they said review they want birth certificate when should they release my refund I got code 150 and code 766 and 768 and code 810 and 420

    Reply
  9. ShantayG

    Why is it when you really need the money to get important things done, it’s an issue with something. To see ppl who ID verify on 3/7 as me and got a DDD for 3/20 is so frustrating to know you got wait another week or 2 hoping for an update

    Reply
    1
  10. Starr

    @Red Dawn: I do believe you are going to see some type of movement this week!!! 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🤞🏽.

    Reply
    1
  11. Carrie

    Anyone els been told there’s nothing wrong they just need more time to process been about 28 days when my 21 days was up they said give it another 21 days and if I don’t have it call back then should I wait or call again

    Reply
    1
  12. bowl

    @Sly39 My wife checked on Facebook and seen where people had ID verified in person just like we did, and they updated within a few days with a DDD.

    It seems like the majority of those that filed on 2/1 are the ones stuck in this never ending loop. I just logged into my ID.me account and transcripts show 2023 on the bottom two but when you open both it says, “no record of return filed (or whichever message it says in this line)” no codes, no nothing. This is happening at THE worst time for us because we lost our vehicle before Christmas and we have 6 children to get to and from.

    Reply
  13. Shelleybeansss

    @FromFL: in the website it’s been unavailable all week and on the app usually Sunday mornings it’s down for maintenance. That’s all

    Reply
  14. Amy19
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240605
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Mandie: Yes, it is completely normal to receive separate letters and envelopes even though both names are on a joint return. Each letter we have received has come with our name, not both names on the same letter or envelope.

    Reply
  15. Morris

    HR&BLOCK said they are processing my tax refund. So hopefully this is a sign I should get it earlier than 3/20

    Reply
    1
  16. kancme1

    how long after you ID verified did you finally get a DDD? my letter finally came Thursday! After a month and a half of waiting.

    Reply
  17. Morris

    @Red Dawn: I hope the review is quicker than that cause I know u have been waiting a while now.

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

    @Morris: no I haven’t. Just my 60 day letter about reviewing my return

    Reply
    3
  19. Sly39

    Till you see an update to your transcripts won’t be done processing to get any update on wmr.. it’s pointless even checking it … Watch transcripts instead because wmr definitely without zero doubt will not update at all till your transcripts have updated and you have a release of 846 guys

    Reply
    3
  20. Sly39

    @bowl: if y’all go tell tax advocate being evicted or facing foreclosure then yes they can help you have to have a hardship .. . That agent can’t see if you have a hardship..smh I swear they know nothing and people not even in the tax business are experts by now .. not even doin that for a living ..but don’t listen to that agent.. give it little time though because the n/ a and no return means not processed so being not that long it will just take time to process now .. but I have read some was told verified but yet has to again because “didn’t work ” the first time too .. so give it a week or two and if no change call the tax advocate!

    Reply
  21. Sly39

    @bowl: yes a tax advocate can help ! Just because they see nothing wrong means nothing that’s not the point a tax advocate can make them give you your refund… That’s what they do they to get your refund that has nothing to do with being wrong with taxes … They know that too the tax advocate goes and gets your money from them so yes you should get one but when only verified not long ago just gotta wait at this point to process again and finish. Basically when verify for identity it stops processing so once verify it starts again then you gotta wait for it to finish processing but a tax advocate sure can help

    Reply
  22. Sly39

    @FromFL: it doesn’t mean anything… Nobody listens or gets it till your transcripts are updated and show 846 you aren’t done processing and nothing will change on wmr till been processed on transcripts but wmr saying that doesn’t mean anything and if transcripts ain’t updated you won’t get any update on wmr

    Reply
  23. Sly39

    @bowl: you are not done processing was only put back into processing like a week ago or less..won’t be done yet

    Reply
  24. Sly39

    @bowl: means y’all are not done processing anyone’s who says n/a and no return those are ones verify identity and gotta go in person to verify it’s not processing till you do ! I got same and got notice said that gotta verify in person can’t just call and till do won’t process

    Reply
  25. FromFL

    Anyone else’s WMR page say unavailable or just mine? What’s up w/that?

    Reply
  26. Morris

    @bowl: What does your WMR says now?

    Reply
  27. bowl

    transcripts still show n/a on top two and bottom two that say 2023 show no record of return filed

    Reply
  28. bowl

    Filed 2/1
    Accepted 2/1
    WMR Showed Action Required ID Verify
    Verified in person 2/28 (in person agent released return for processing)
    ID.me verify on 3/8
    5071c letter dated 2/27 received on 3/11 (didn’t do anything because we already verified in person
    Transcripts still show N/A at both tops, 2023 on bottoms that read No record of return filed
    Wife called the IRS just now and agent told her that a tax advocate couldn’t help because they could see that nothing was wrong with our return

    Reply
  29. Morris

    @Red Dawn: Have you heard anything about your return yet?

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

    @Starr: thank you! I appreciate your support!💖💖💖😇🙏🏼

    Reply
  31. Locust

    @Ashley G: yes today

    Reply
  32. 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!

    update, the letters were just physical copies of the notice from 03/04, CP05

    Reply
  33. Morris

    @Honeybee82: Yes, that’s what I was thinking around Monday at the earliest.

    Reply
  34. tinabear
    • Tax Preparer:
      TaxAct
    • Date Filed:
      Mar-16
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Traditional checking
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • I Got My Refund!

    Hey everyone! Hope you’re all doing well this year! I have a weird question. I filed my Ca state tax today on FTB but I completely skipped over DD info page. Will they just mail me a check? Anyone ever experience this?

    Reply
  35. Shelleybeansss

    @Candi: I didn’t but I was also already verified thru my id.me. acct.. I think it happened to ppl that hadn’t already set up an id.me account

    Reply
  36. TisTheSeasonOfTorture
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-22
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-23
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-11
    • I Got My Refund!

    @TisTheSeasonOfTorture: sent in documents second week of February. Also forgot to add I have not received a letter about wage verification and no noticed online.

    Reply
    1
  37. TisTheSeasonOfTorture
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-22
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-23
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-11
    • I Got My Refund!

    Noticed 570 code shortly after filing, received a letter beginning of February about 60 day review need to do nothing at this time. I did call the IRS and was told I needed to verify wages. Sent in all info they requested second week of March. As of this past Monday they claim they still have not received documents. WMR updated 2 weeks ago to being processed. No movement on transcript. 570 code with 2/26. As of March 11th. Beyond frustrated and irritated that I keep hoping for movement and there isn’t any. Also CTC filed same time as always no withdraw from 401K.

    Reply
    1
  38. LoLo

    Tax Preparer: TurboTax
    Date Filed: 2/29
    Fees: From Refund
    State Refund DD: 03/06
    Refund Approved WMR: 3/16

    Reply
    1
  39. Candi
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Mar-15
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Date Accepted:
      Mar-15

    I’m late filing this year and I see quite a few comments referring to Id verification. Does everyone have to Id verify, or selected returns?

    Reply
  40. 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!

    @Sheila_33: sorry, forgot to mention that one letter is for me, one is for my husband but i don’t know why they’d mail two separate letters for a joint return. unless that’s normal?

    Reply