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. StephTX

    @Shelleybeansss: Do you have a 971 and/or did you receive a 4464c? What does your WMR say?

    Reply
  2. Journee24

    This Thursday will make 2 wks since going in person to ID Verify. My account transcript is still blank with a new as of date 4/1/24. I don’t even have a cycle code on my transcripts. should i call or just wait? has anyone else transcripts been blank this long. i’m starting to think because it’s still showing up under my maiden name, i probably won’t see anything filed under my married name.

    Reply
    1
  3. LostNthesauce

    @Kris123: yeah I logged into the portal and requested a second one! How long did the second one take to come in? They said they sent two and I have yet to see them!

    Reply
    1
  4. Shelleybeansss

    @EDDLEMAN23: I’ve had 570 for over a month. Only letter I received was one saying they were reviewing my income/credits. But it took almost 3 weeks from the mailed date for me to receive the notice :(

    Reply
    2
  5. Mary

    @EDDLEMAN My transcript had a 570 but never had a 971 for a notice issue but I got a 4464c letter

    Reply
    2
  6. waiting impatiently

    I had to do the verification again this year. It took weeks to get the letter. I completed the verification yesterday 3/18 now how long will it take for them to complete the return.

    Reply
    1
  7. LostNthesauce

    @Kris123: well known we have the same dates and knowing you finally got yours gives me hope!!! May I ask what state your located?

    Reply
    1
  8. EDDLEMAN23

    What if you have just a 570 code for 3 or 4 weeks now and no notices issued??

    Reply
    1
  9. Fabfammamma

    @Mroz: oh I hope so. I have those same codes

    Reply
    1
  10. Alison

    I filed my tax return Feb 19th 2024 it says it’s accepted my return but it’s been processing I called the IRS today and they told me my return was pulled by errors. I’m at the end of my divorce they said I could file head of household and I filed on h&r block and it also recommended that filing status. Please contact me at your earliest convenience so I can fix any issues.

    Thank you,
    Alison Peters

    Reply
    1
  11. Kris123

    @LostNthesauce: did you ever request another letter? They said mailed the 22nd but I requested a new letter last week so idk if the original showed up or if I had to request a new one for it to be mailed

    Reply
  12. Mroz

    I just saw in another tax group chat that people are starting to see refunds dates with codes 570 and 971 clearing up on their own. I filed Jan 31st and i am weekly so hope to see an update Friday. Fingers Crossed

    Reply
    3
  13. AnotherTaxyr
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-26
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      First community bank
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-27
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-27
    • I Got My Refund!

    Also that’s my information from last year sorry lol

    Reply
  14. AnotherTaxyr
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-26
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      First community bank
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-27
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-27
    • I Got My Refund!

    Hey everyone, I’ve been following this forum for years, and I wanted to say thank you to everyone for all this assistance. I’ve have truly learned a lot.

    Now the case: I filed 2/26 accepted 2/27 and 3/8 my bottom transcripts updated but nothing since. Not a notice, no codes or anything. I have one dependent and 3 W2’s but nothing alarming. I think the update the IRS before this season is the reasons we are seeing processing delays and the new reps are temps and not equipped to handle our questions… just a waiting game for us all… I pray we all see movement soon.. I know everyone is waiting on their money.

    Reply
    1
  15. Red Dawn
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Credit union
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29

    @Sdiego: my as of date is still February 19th. Nothing has changed on mine☹️

    @Starr: I appreciate you for checking on us! You’re truly an angel ! 🙏🏼💖✨

    Reply
    1
  16. Starr

    @Red Dawn: GM I’m still here checking and waiting for you and @sdiego to update. I’m so confused to why the advocates aren’t taking any cp05 cases. The 60 day hold can put people into hardships. This year is truly fu#*ed up!!

    Reply
    2
  17. Lori

    @Haleyw25: I filed 1/28 accepted1/29 570 code and 971 letter3/11/24 CP05 Called in February delayed trying to verify income they are telling everyone this BS no return no updated cycle code 20240705 nothing!!! These is thousands of people in the same boat

    Reply
    1
  18. 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:
      Apr-29
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Red Dawn: wow. Thanks for the update. We appreciate it. Maybe this Friday 🙏 but I doubt it. My as of date was yesterday. I don’t think the dates mean much.

    Reply
    1
  19. Kris123

    @LostNthesauce: yeah I called and asked same question which I was told it’s mailed to the address on return but yeah I just received it this morning at my new address. Good luck I’m sure you’ll see something soon

    Reply
    2
  20. Red Dawn
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Credit union
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29

    I called the tax advocate line and they said none of the advocates are taking the 60 review cases because it can possibly be resolved in that time frame. Even though I’m starting to experience financial hardships. If the issue isn’t resolved by June 30th then I can try for a tax advocate 😩
    This has been a tough year.

    Reply
    1
  21. Red Dawn
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Credit union
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29

    How do I get a tax advocate ?

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

    i called the irs today and my refund has been returned to the irs . i was stuck in the turbo tax with fees taken out that got rejected by sofi bank. so now i just wait on a check. whew unfortunately they say it can take up to 90 days to get but at least something is happening!

    Reply
    1
  23. Red Dawn
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Credit union
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29

    No change for me. ☹️

    Reply
    1
  24. LostNthesauce

    @Kris123: I would only assume that since we both filed and accepted that mine is coming 5071c letter soon! I f/a 1/29 was told it was sent out on the 22nd of February smh! I hope mines is coming because one rep says it went to old address others say it went to new smh! We have the same dates and told the same dates so where oh where is this dam letter

    Reply
    1
  25. Coco047

    @Haleyw25: It’s the same for me. We file every year the same way. We have twins, and my husband and I are both in graduate school, so they are challenging my twins, saying I have made errors when I have not. Turbo Tax can find no error. And then I call, and they give me unclear instructions on just mailing “proof” in, lol. I have never been reviewed or held ever.

    Reply
  26. Coco047

    @Coco047: they have also indicated that I have another CP05 coming and no one can tell me why. They give such confusing information. I have everything verified “per computer” on tax transcript, except for the education credits they are trying to literally steal from me lol.

    Reply
  27. Haleyw25
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      0905
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-25
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-18
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Harry a: gotcha, yeah I have 3 dependents and I turned in my college credits. I guess that explains it. Thats new for me this year.

    Reply
  28. Coco047

    @Harry a: posting in case this helps others. I filed on 2/1 and accepted on 2/1. Received 540, 971, and a letter indicating transcripts on 3/11 and 3/18 (in calling, was told once it was CP05 (several phone calls, btw). Finally, I got a CP12 letter saying I did not include EIN colleges (they can’t tell me which one) — there are four college students. All of my EINs are correct. Oh I am also under review, so yay.

    Reply
  29. 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:
      Apr-29
    • I Got My Refund!

    @WildCardTaxYear: It would be nice if they did. I hope we don’t have to wait 69 days..

    Reply
  30. Mroz

    @Harry a: Yeah, I have 2 in college and thinking this is what caused mine to be reviewed the College Credits. This is the first time I had 2 in college and maybe put up the red flag.

    Reply
  31. Carrie

    Has anyone who got I’d verify letter verify online and it actually work I’ve seen ppl say it don’t go thru I’ve called 8 times finally got in que said 30-60 minutes at exactly 30 minutes they disconnected the call just says extremely high call volume can’t take your call

    Reply
  32. Not in a rush-but kinda

    @Haleyw25: 45% of returns have these codes this year. 60 day reviews from the date of the 971.

    Reply
    1
  33. Harry a

    @demn: From talking to turbo tax yesterday anyone with eitc, child tax credit ,college tax credit will be under review there was to much fraud the last 4 years this is first for me too my return almost same as last year

    Reply
    1
  34. RoNoBandz

    @WildCardTaxYear: and I filed the second week of Jan. Accepted on the 19th of Jan.

    Reply
  35. RoNoBandz

    @WildCardTaxYear: nope I received mines electronically 3/4
    And in the mail on the 12th

    Reply
  36. Kris123

    Wow so after filing/being accepted 01/29 being told I needed to IDV and letter was sent out 02/22 it finally shows its otw in my informed delivery I’m so happy lol

    Reply
    3
  37. Haleyw25
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      0905
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-25
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-18
    • I Got My Refund!

    Quick question, on my transcript the 570 code has a date of 03/18/24 and then the 971 code has a date 03/24/24 a week apart. When I called the IRS she said the letter is just stating they need more time they are still reviewing my return. Has anyone else had this issue? The processing date shows 03/18/24. The IRS received my return on February 29th. I filed feb 11

    Reply
  38. WildCardTaxYear

    Has anyone with CP05 notice received an 846 yet?? 🤔🤔

    Reply
  39. Boogerbaby089
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-4
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      Credit karma
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-4
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240805
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-11
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-18
    • I Got My Refund!

    @TisTheSeasonOfTorture: Today just hit different I guess. I’ve called once a week for over a month and have also been told 45 days, 60 days, 120days, and just Friday 180 days. The letter confirmed 60 days from today’s date. Fingers crossed and worse case scenario I have to wait! Anything at this point is worth a try!

    Reply
    1
  40. demn
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-5
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Cashapp / Sutton
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-5
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240805
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-18
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-11
    • I Got My Refund!

    And what do they say.,.”9 of 10 people have there return processed and paid 21 days after acceptance “

    So 21 days from the new processing date of 3/11….?
    And by these forums it sure feels like a lot less than 9of 10…

    Ok I’m done for now…

    Reply
    2