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
49,356 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. Ulan

    @Not in a rush: 8008291040
    Then press 1 for english
    Then 2 then 1 then 3 then 2
    It will ask for ssi twice dont enter it will skip it then press 2

    Reply
    1
  2. 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!

    @Motherlove: Did you try your local IRS office? Sometimes they are more willing to help.

    Reply
    1
  3. Motherlove

    Ok spoke to tax advocate again ..they are not helping anyone no matter what hardship is for 2023 returns untill June 28…Don’t understand this at all…my.wages are already on irs account page …this is crazy …

    Reply
    3
  4. 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!

    @Mommyof3: Yes, those are normal codes for the amended return process. Once it is worked on, you will get new codes that it is being processed, notices sent and codes that you either owe or are getting a refund. Generally speaking it takes a few months.

    Reply
  5. 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!

    @amharrison130: Yes,the date by the 846 is your direct deposit date, it could be sooner if you use a bank that releases funds a day or two sooner. Congratulations

    Reply
  6. Jennyb

    @amharrison130: yes. WMR sometimes doesn’t update until after you get your money.

    Reply
    1
  7. Not in a rush

    Phone number again to get through to a person?

    Reply
    1
  8. GotaHeadache

    Will they process my original return ( 60 day review up May 4th) before they process my amended return? ( filed 3/28 already been fwd for processing showed up on transcript 4/6. Codes 971/977) or will I have to wait for the amended to get processed before I see anything

    Reply
  9. Fact$

    @Sly39: it was because of the good Friday holiday 😆

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

    I just filed my amended return and now even a longer wait of 60-90 days .

    Reply
    2
  11. GotaHeadache

    @Adkins, TX: same. Its almost like u had to , in order to see any type of movement. But now I’m seems everybody that had the same codes-dates, have been getting DDDs but I still haven’t

    Reply
    1
  12. Mirah

    Had anyone heard about the CTC payment stating in July?

    Reply
  13. Shelleybeansss

    IRS account page is down and I keep getting an error message saying the request can no longer be completed..after I click sign in to online account. IDME is also gone on IRS website

    Reply
    1
  14. amharrison130

    Transcripts updated with 846 code and an as of date if 4/15/20204 WMR still on 1 bar. Should I still expect refund on 4/15?

    Reply
    4
  15. meow
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-18
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar

    anyone ever get a 290 code on transcripts . it has $0.00 after it

    Reply
  16. Mommyof3
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-15
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-15
    • Date Approved:
      Mar-3
    • WMR Date:
      Mar-8
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-13
    • I Got My Refund!

    Good morning to all I have a question I had to amend my returns and i am due a refund I have codes 971 and 977 amount0.00 aod is 4/22 is this normal

    Reply
    1
  17. Mommyof3
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-15
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-15
    • Date Approved:
      Mar-3
    • WMR Date:
      Mar-8
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-13
    • I Got My Refund!

    Good morning to I have a quick question.I just checked my transcripts and I have Both the 971 and 977 code.Because I had to amend my returns.I’m due a refund, but where says the amount has 0.Is it going to update or is this normal and my as of date is April 22nd?Thanks in advance

    Reply
  18. Adkins, TX

    So I bit the bullet due to my 570 action code and filed my amendment. Was thrown off as during the e-filing process it asked me how I was going to pay back my over refund, which was never received. It was accepted pretty fast so hopefully this thing gets a move on as I have bene in limbo since 1/19….

    Reply
    4
  19. Rogue

    Good morning, everyone!
    I am on the 570 code as of date 4/8/24 00.00.
    971 code as of 4/8/24 00.00.

    I spoke to an IRS rep last week and I was told I will have to wait up to 120 days.
    My daughter received a letter to ID verify on 3/20 and according to the representative,
    that’s when the hold phase starts. I was really hoping for it to be resolved by the time
    summer starts and now am just stressed.

    Reply
    2
  20. Harry a

    @Sharon40: I have that message for over a month, called irs they said they are checking w2 s from employers to match our returns eitc and college credits being checked for fraud so we just wait broke and mad

    Reply
    5
  21. Harry a

    @Richie: jump in the boat with us i filed 2/1 no movement on transcript just sits and no money

    Reply
    1
  22. WaitingStill

    @NotInARush-ButKinda: Received my 2nd one yesterday as well. Been hanging on since 1/24 when I was accepted. 570 as of 2/26 and 971 as of 3/4.

    Nothing special about my return. Just EIC which I claimed for my 3 year old. Have been since he was born.

    Reply
    1
  23. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-9
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-17
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      04
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Amy19: Good morning Amy! Appreciate you too

    Reply
  24. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-9
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-17
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      04
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Motherlove: My asssumption is to get you off the phone. After a certain amount of time, you are eligible to receive an tax advocate just because of the length of time processing, and that is clearly stated in the IRS manual. Fax a 911 TAS request form to your local TAS office. They have to respond to the request.
    https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f911.pdf
    https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-advocate

    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!

    @Richie: Hi Richie! Welcome to the club 🍍

    Reply
    1
  26. Richie

    Never got my refund when I filled jan31

    Reply
    2
  27. Shelleybeansss

    @Sharon40: that’s the message I’ve been sitting at since 2/21. Filed 1/21, accepted 1/23.

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

    It’s supposed to say w2g form

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

    I contacted my congressman today. And the IRS got back to them quickly. They stated that the W-2 form I filed was not yet received to the IRS or the SSA now I was told that I missed a W-2 that I forgot to file. Now I have to file an amended return and it’s gonna take another 60 to 90 days.

    Reply
    1
  30. Sharon40

    I got a message today that says We apologize, but your return processing has been delayed beyond the normal timeframe. You can continue to check back here for the most up to date information regarding your refund. We understand your tax refund is very important and we are working to process your return as quickly as possible.
    Helpful Information

    Please read the following information related to your tax situation:
    Tax Topic 152, Refund Information accepted around March 19

    Reply
    4
  31. NotInARush-ButKinda

    Got a 2645C today in the mail.

    What the hell?

    I’m so irritated.

    Filed 1/29 accepted same day
    570/971 as of 3/11

    Got initial 60 day letter. Now another one.

    Reply
    1
  32. 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!

    @TisTheSeasonOfTorture:
    Idk
    I was told by “mine” that they don’t even accept requests until 4/15

    Reply
  33. 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!

    So what’s the point of contacting your congressman?

    Reply
  34. Mandie

    @Sly39: I can’t remember the exact date but it was at the end of March. I’m weekly as well, have been for years, but I checked every day because someone else said it’s possible to update on any day of the week if the review gets resolved. So I’ve been checking every day. Fairly certain the updates went out today because when I checked my transcript yesterday, there weren’t any changes.

    Reply
    1
  35. photodude416
    • Tax Preparer:
      TaxAct
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-24
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      03
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-17
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-17
    • I Got My Refund!

    Finally got my refund.
    Filed and accepted 1/19
    Went through the 570/970 drama for 2 months to find out they needed my 1099-R.
    Something they could have told me in February.
    846-4/11
    DDD in bank today -4/09

    Reply
    5
  36. Mari

    @Sly39: Thank you. I’ve received nothing in the mail no notices. Even my irs account shows no notices being sent.

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

    @Sly39: I appreciate your positivity! I hope so too! 🙏🏼

    Reply
  38. Sly39

    @Red Dawn: I would say y’all will be next to update if didn’t today or whenever they did because wasn’t Friday like normal because checked all day wasn’t updated I would say y’all waiting to update check it everyday .. because some didn’t update till today being weekly so right now throw away checking only Fridays for weekly and check it daily guys I really think those that didn’t yet like ones seeing updates today y’all will be any day now so check them daily guys

    Reply
    2
  39. Sly39

    @Mari: my daughter’s has said same thing for 2 months ..means nothing really she’s in 60 days review and didn’t update yet my other daughter finally updated today to 846 from 60 day review but one hasn’t yet and she’s had same message for 2 months so it’s nothing bad

    Reply
    1
  40. Sly39

    @Mandie: your second notice when was it given ? Because my daughter same she updated to 846 but not sure when because she’s weekly and checked Friday and wasn’t updated but treasury sent something in mail see it for today so checked and was updated to 846 so don’t know what is from Treasury department because doesn’t show any new notices sent out

    Reply