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
49,275 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. Denise’s

    @LostNthesauce: right every update is a month on the as of date

    Reply
  2. Worrywart

    @Shelleybeansss: Yeah I thought it may be that they’re running behind but the letter is dated 5/9 which is almost a month after I received my refund. Could also be indicative of a system glitch which would explain a lot of this years headaches

    Reply
    1
  3. PrinceAq

    @Jacky_FL: I filled in 02/26

    Reply
    1
  4. 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!

    @PrinceAq: GM! You filed in January?

    Reply
    1
  5. Harry a

    105 days of nothing congressman now has my return

    Reply
    1
  6. PrinceAq

    @Helpusall: me I hope 🙏. We get an update

    Reply
    1
  7. Refundgrl2020

    I filed my 2020 taxes to receive my recovery Rebate for 2nd EIP. My cycle code is 20211505. What does that mean?

    Reply
  8. victor

    @Helpusall: what time does it happen?

    Reply
  9. Helpusall

    Who’s up waiting for their big update?

    Reply
    4
  10. Red Dawn
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Credit union
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29

    @WorryWart: my 571 has a future date too. Wonder if I’ll get mine early. Wishful thinking!💭

    Reply
    1
  11. Jacky_FL not logged in

    Nice last three name pickings 😊 makes me smile – all the submitted energy!
    I’m a Jan filer, verified 3/5.
    STILL WAITING on SOMETHING

    Reply
    2
  12. Cody96

    Apparently they’re going to take the full 16 to 20 weeks. Amended February 22nd, and it has not moved on my transcript or the check my amended return site since then… figured something would atleast change.. has anyone else amended around that time, and have any news yet?

    Reply
  13. Ughhhhh

    Filed in January and submitted my ID verification in March. How long will I have to wait?

    Reply
    1
  14. Curious10101

    Who is still waiting for their refund and your already completed yoir ID verification?

    Reply
    4
  15. Waitinggggg

    Who all verified their identity in March or April and have not received their refund yet?

    Reply
    4
  16. Shelleybeansss

    @WorryWart: wonder if they’re just that late in sending their mail. They’re late on everything else

    Reply
    4
  17. WorryWart

    Weird….I just got a letter from the IRS saying they need 60 more days to review my account but I got my refund on 4/12 (dated for 4/17). I did have a 570 prior to receiving my refund but it was resolved with a 571 dated for 4/29. Wonder if I’m getting more money lol, nothing new is showing on any of my transcripts and my account balance is still 0.00

    Reply
    1
  18. Dj

    Everything still the same on my end
    I stop checking T.S and wrm because
    nothing has moved since Feb and Mar
    60 days ended April 8th
    120 will end June 7th
    Day 96 of 120

    Reply
    1
  19. arcioneo

    Single 42-year-old employed in NYC, living in Jersey with no dependents. Filed 2023 taxes via freetaxusa, owing $10k+ to Jersey, expecting $11k refund from NY, paid Jersey online, requested NY refund by mail.

    Mar/8: NY audit selection, received mail on Apr/2, created NYC tax account for electronic notifications and document uploads.

    Apr/4: Confirmed document receipt, processing in ≤ a month.

    May 13, 2024: Audit closed, unaware due to no notifications. Contacted NY, advised to wait for a letter within a month or call. Worried about refund delay affecting Jersey payment. Seeking similar experiences.

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

    @Harry a: mine passed on the 11th

    Reply
  21. PrinceAq

    @Jacky_FL: good luck 👍. I’m on your side

    Reply
    1
  22. 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!

    @Jacky_FL: and I can almost guarantee that at the 120 day mark a letter will be generated letting me know they need more time, they need documentation, or I need to amend. I do not see my return being released at 120 days. At that point I will have to cut my losses, which will be greater than what my refund even amounts to, and get legal representation.

    Reply
    1
  23. 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!

    @Jacky_FL: definitely not processing in order received! People that filed in March and April have received their return and mine is sitting on a cart somewhere. I’m unable to work and waiting on a disability claim, my car needs work done, I have three kids I take care of my dad and basic needs are not being met because my return was supposed to tie us over until the disability claim went through. Congressional aide is aware of all of this. At this point my entire return is going to catch bills up. On top of it I desperately need a break and haven’t been able to get one since my mom passed almost two years ago. Something has to give.

    Reply
    1
  24. Harry a

    @TisTheSeasonOfTorture: First time i talked to congress office told me to send her my tax papers im doing that today

    Reply
  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!

    @TisTheSeasonOfTorture:
    Agree 💯.
    If this is not coming to an end soon (or anyways), I will find an Attorney for class action suit against the Feds for all those basic violations to provide information and also for inflicting emotional distress and for damages!
    What are they all doing all day?
    Obviously not processing in order received.

    Reply
    3
  26. 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!

    28 days and it will be 120 I’ve waited for my return. Still uninformed about what is happening with my money. Congressional aide and TA have still been no help. I’m seeing that people are being told it takes 30 days to hear from TA, congressional aide told me 60. Others have also stated they’ve had to submit a copy of their return. I’ve been asked for nothing. Hardship means nothing to any of them. My basic right to be informed has been violated over and over again this past 4 months.

    Reply
    2
  27. Victor

    For some reason the past two weeks I had a update of verifying my identity waited on letter to come but checked today on wmr and it’s back to your return is being processed, I verified last year for my return

    Reply
    2
  28. Harry a

    104 days 4 more till 60 day is up today im sending my whole tax form to my congressman they said they will work with advocate

    Reply
    1
  29. Shelleybeansss

    @Shelleybeansss: * very dark tunnel* grr autocorrect 😂

    Reply
    1
  30. Shelleybeansss

    @Sheila_33: I assume it won’t change much. I didn’t earn a lot that year. I got divorced and was a stay home mom until the divorce. So I only worked a little over half the year and this income that I think got missed was just $4k.it was side gig amazon. I don’t see it in my transcripts for last years taxes so I’m almost positive that was it. I’m just hoping they adjust it quickly. I’d just like to see a light at the end of this be try dark tunnel

    Reply
  31. 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!

    @Shelleybeansss: If there’s a 0 beside the 922 with the 5/27 date, then they’re looking at the unreported income to see if it would have changed the tax liability or the refund that year. If not, it may just stay 0.

    Reply
    2
  32. SpeakOut!

    @SpeakOut!: Irs 1st told me I’d be approved for a harship..then the ADVOCATE says nope sorry, can’t help. Call back sometime in July around the 120 days mark.

    Reply
    1
  33. SpeakOut!

    Do we get interest for waiting so long? Because, I need my vehicle fixed, or a new one, maybe do something nice for the kids. I mean, my kids go to their mother’s in July, Will I even be able to take them anywhere before then? I hv already exhausted my funds for Christmas 2023, I’m on hold for a new client at my job, so Ive been without pay for 2 months. I’m a single father with 2 kids at home, one who needs band funds and another needs football funds. Irs is definitely over here dangling my money above my head. Congressman hasn’t returned any of my calls or messages. Protest, news, whatever it takes to get our money. I’m over this. Also,got denied a hardship, (having a child with a TBI and my not having work). ITS JUST PURE EVIL.

    Reply
    2
  34. PrinceAq

    @shawty: for how long has it been like that on wmr.I mean date? Same situation that is why I ask

    Reply
  35. shawty

    We have reviewed your return and any information we may have requested from you and are now processing your return.

    Reply
  36. PrinceAq

    @Miss A: any info from where’s my refund?

    Reply
  37. Miss A

    Three months not refund. No letter explaining why there is a delay. I have been advised by the IRS representative to consult an advocate.

    Reply
    1
  38. 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!

    30 more days and the 120 is up. Wonder how this is going to go.

    Reply
    1
  39. Harry a

    day 103 5 more days 60 day letter is up

    Reply
    3
  40. BeeBee40
    • Tax Preparer:
      TaxAct
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-28
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-28
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250605
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-3
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    @*sigh*: good morning I’m here with you.

    Reply