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
42,535 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. Shelleybeansss

    @TisTheSeasonOfTorture: usually tonight is a WMR update but in all honesty, this year has been anything but usual.

    Reply
    3
  2. 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!

    What if any update is there tonight?

    Reply
  3. 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!

    @Harry a: If you count the actual calendar days today is day 60 for us dated
    570 3/11
    971 3/18

    Reply
  4. Jacky_FL
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bank
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      No Access
    • Cycle Code:
      2024-1205
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Jun-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @PatBrooks: congratulations 🎉

    When did you file?

    Reply
  5. PatBrooks

    GOOD NEWS!!!

    I finally updated on WMR!

    They are moving slowwww this year.

    Hang in there you gals and guys, It’s coming!!

    Reply
    5
  6. 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!

    Hello all, was to be expected, I guess🙄…. A BIG FAT HEAPING SPOONFUL OF 💩!!….

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

    No update. 571 is still dated for 5/20/24. This sucks.

    Reply
    2
  8. 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!

    @GuessI’mWaitingANOTHERWeek!: SAME!! I literally have dreams about it. It’s been a wild season and why can’t it just be over 😭

    Reply
  9. Harry a

    @GuessI’mWaitingANOTHERWeek!: Mine is its like the mailman who throws out the mail so he can finish faster

    Reply
    1
  10. GuessI'mWaitingANOTHERWeek!

    Lately I’ve been imagining my tax forms literally printed out and on the desk of someone who got fed up and just up and quit on their lunch break 2 1/2months ago. Just sitting there with everyone else’s forms who are still in limbo here…just gathering dust, covered in spider webs. Probably won’t be found until next tax season when a new employee gets that desk.

    F/A 1/24…Yup, my mind is going to some very dark places. 😡🤣

    Hope some of you had good news this morning.

    Reply
    1
  11. Harry a

    day 107 1 more day 60 day is up

    Reply
    1
  12. Adkins, TX

    No change, initial 60 day letter is up

    Reply
    1
  13. 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!

    Zip, zilch, nada. Not surprised though. Still holding out hope for everyone else here 🤞

    Reply
    2
  14. LostNthesauce

    @PrinceAq: thank you for the late night early morning thoughts it means a lot at times like this! I wish all the well for you

    Reply
    1
  15. PrinceAq

    @LostNthesauce: I know how you feel I’m in the same situation something so simple became complicated. Don’t let that get to you the system screws us all in some way

    Reply
  16. LostNthesauce

    No update thus far! My 2023 tab disappeared and came back still at 570 dated 5/20/24 along with 971! Now this notice was sent in march verified 3/22/24 and it’s may? Nah we good keep the damn refund! I see why people cheat the damn system they just as trifling but get butt hurt when someone beats they behind! I won’t be filling taxes next year and I’ll stand 10 toes down on it! Idc times 10 “WE STILL OVER IT” f/a 1/29/24

    Reply
    3
  17. Red Dawn
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Credit union
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29

    @Mary: thank you for replying 😊

    Reply
  18. 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!

    Positive vibes going out to all of you tonight!

    Reply
    8
  19. Mary

    @Red Dawn Yes on transcripts

    Reply
    3
  20. Red Dawn
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Credit union
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29

    Tonight the weekly’s update right?

    Reply
    3
  21. Jacky_FL
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bank
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      No Access
    • Cycle Code:
      2024-1205
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Jun-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    👋🏼 C’mon IRS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    ***I am / We are more than exhausted***
    Let’s goooooooi!!!💥💰
    🙏🏼🤞🏼🙏🏼🤞🏼🙏🏼🤞🏼🙏🏼🤞🏼🙏🏼🤞🏼🙏🏼🤞🏼🙏🏼🤞🏼🙏🏼🤞🏼🙏🏼🤞🏼🙏🏼🤞🏼🙏🏼🤞🏼🙏🏼🤞🏼🙏🏼🤞🏼🙏🏼🤞🏼

    Reply
    6
  22. Harry a

    2 more days 60 day letter is up

    Reply
    1
  23. Harry a

    106 days and counting

    Reply
    1
  24. Jacky_FL
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bank
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      No Access
    • Cycle Code:
      2024-1205
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Jun-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @TisTheSeasonOfTorture:
    Omg 😊 🤞🏼

    Reply
    1
  25. 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!

    Finally, SOMETHING!! I heard from my congressional aide who heard from TA. All she requested were my last 4 paystubs. So, so, SO glad I didn’t get rid of the ADP app a few months ago. I about had an entire meltdown this morning over all of this. Maybe the end is in sight 🤞 😊

    Reply
    3
  26. Jacky_FL
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bank
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      No Access
    • Cycle Code:
      2024-1205
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Jun-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Shelleybeansss:
    Hi girl 🤗 I remember

    Stay strong!!!

    Reply
    1
  27. Shelleybeansss

    @Jacky_FL: yes. Mine wobbled back and forth betwixt is processing and still processing for two months. Then it finally went to the “we apologize delay”.

    Reply
    1
  28. Jacky_FL
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bank
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      No Access
    • Cycle Code:
      2024-1205
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Jun-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Vanessa17:
    The cycle code starts with the year you’re looking up , like 2023-………..

    Reply
    1
  29. Jacky_FL
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bank
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      No Access
    • Cycle Code:
      2024-1205
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Jun-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @TomFord: This is incorrect!

    Returns can again flipflop back to the “Still”- message, as seen here multiple times

    Reply
    2
  30. Vanessa17

    How do I find out my cycle code?

    Thanks in advance!🙏🙏

    Reply
    1
  31. Waitingdorever

    @leloo: You should be receiving a letter in the mail soon. There is something holding up your return.

    They’re really backed up this year!😭😭🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

    Reply
    1
  32. TomFord

    @wills: Means you are approved and waring for your DDD!

    Congrats!☺️🤑🤑

    Reply
  33. Jacky_FL
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bank
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      No Access
    • Cycle Code:
      2024-1205
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Jun-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @wills:
    waiting – better than the “is STILL being processed”

    Reply
    1
  34. wills

    its is being processed means

    Reply
    1
  35. Shelleybeansss

    @Jacky_FL: that was me when I worked there. I only had 90 days in the call center. They let all extra seasonals go by mid April

    Reply
    1
  36. Harry a

    @leloo: on this site go on refund help top of page follow instruction’s to get call through, i did it it worked

    Reply
    2
  37. Jacky_FL
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bank
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      No Access
    • Cycle Code:
      2024-1205
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Jun-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    *February -April

    Reply
  38. Jacky_FL
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bank
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      No Access
    • Cycle Code:
      2024-1205
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Jun-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    But I also read somewhere that all those additional agents had Feb-March 3 months contracts. So, idk if they don’t have any humans left to answer

    Reply
  39. Jacky_FL
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bank
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      No Access
    • Cycle Code:
      2024-1205
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Jun-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @leloo: It was difficult for me already in March and April. They dropped the calls after hours of waiting on hold. I reached person calling/trying/waiting /holding right at 7am

    Reply
    2
  40. leloo

    I am like others here still waiting on refund.
    No updates on transcript, war stuck on still processing with no codes or messages.
    I have tried to call but can never get a “ live” person.
    Any suggestions how to talk to a real live person?

    Reply