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
49,270 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. meow
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-18
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar

    @Jacky_FL: a week sounds good after all these months

    Reply
    1
  2. 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!

    @Red Dawn: Are you able to view your transcripts?

    Reply
    1
  3. 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!

    @Red Dawn: They can reopen the case if there’s still problems

    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!

    @Louielou: When did you file originally?

    Reply
  5. 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!

    @Red Dawn:
    Closed the case — with what result/outcome? They need to able to tell you. Call the TAS line and ask for the result of the closed case

    Reply
  6. 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!

    @meow:
    Mary said a few days ago that it takes like a week or so
    🤞🏼

    Reply
    1
  7. meow
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-18
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar

    @Jacky_FL: thanks now i wait for a check, wonder how long that will be aghhh

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

    @Harry a: I did that and they closed the case after I amended 😩

    Reply
  9. Louielou

    (This is in addition to my original post (It was too long to post at all at once) I received a notice about the adjustment and that if I was ok with it to call and let them know (which I did) or submit documents supporting my original amount. (Letter 474C on 5/28). Does this mean I should be getting an update Friday? The agent I spoke with said that my refund was reduced to the $10,501.00 (291, 6-10-24)

    Reply
  10. Louielou

    Hello everyone!

    I filed an amended return 5/3/24 and here’s what I currently see on my transcript.

    971 Amended tax return or claim forwarded for processing
    05-03-2024
    $0.00

    977 Amended return filed
    33277-529-06680-4
    05-03-2024
    $0.00

    807 Reduced or removed W-2 or 1099
    withholding
    04-15-2024
    $18,142.00

    291 Reduced or removed prior tax
    assessed
    07254-541-77008-4
    06-10-2024
    -$10,501.00

    570 Additional account action pending
    06-10-2024
    $0.00

    971 Notice issued
    06-10-2024
    $0.00

    Should I be receiving an update Friday?

    Reply
  11. 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!

    @meow:
    I’m so happy for you!!! 😊

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

    @Harry a: i did too i think that could be the reason i finally got refund back to irs

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

    finally i just checked transcripts like i have for over 4 months now and the irs finally has my refund back after the long sofi / turbo tax fiasco.now i wonder how long it takes for a check

    Reply
  14. Harry a

    @Red Dawn: I contacted my congressman they set up ta

    Reply
    2
  15. 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 ahold of a live person? Or TA

    Reply
  16. 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!

    @Harry a:
    I hope they spill all their secrets and your DDdate in that ltr to you- let us know

    Reply
    1
  17. Harry a

    Day 126 still nothing have letter in informed mail today from t.a.s. 2024 may be they can help anyone deal with that?

    Reply
    1
  18. sgorham29
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-4
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • Tax Refund Offset
    • I Got My Refund!

    @MrsStingel2016: Your refund is on the way, in the past whenever they have done changes I get a check in the mail even if I am supposed to get direct deposit! Congratulations

    Reply
  19. MrsStingel2016
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-24
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    Hello all! So I filed an amended return back in February. I’ve been checking periodically and the Where’s My Amended Return has not yet updated. But I checked my transcript and saw all of this added to my transcript:

    766 Credit to your account 04-15-2024 -$688.00
    764 Earned income credit 04-15-2024 -$589.00
    290 Additional tax assessed 20242205 06-17-2024 $0.00
    971 Notice issued 06-17-2024 $0.00
    846 Refund issued 06-07-2024 $1289.62
    776 Interest credited to your account 06-17-2024 -$12.62

    Does this mean a refund was issued and will be sent out on June 7th? I know amended refunds have to be a mailed paper check, so just wondering.

    Reply
    1
  20. meow
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-18
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar

    @Blessed Mommy of 7: oh yea yesterday i never could get to transcripts

    Reply
  21. sgorham29
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-29
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20240705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-4
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • Tax Refund Offset
    • I Got My Refund!

    Well absolutely no movement!! My as of date is today for 2024 but I see that for some reason they are updating my old transcripts, 2016 date is 6/17/2024, 2022 is 4/29/2024 I don’t think they know what they are doing!!!!!!

    Reply
    2
  22. Harry a

    day 125 still nothing

    Reply
    2
  23. PrinceAq

    @Ughh: 3 months. Wmr reads we are aware your refund has been delayed than normal. These people are terrible. I don’t know how they don’t privitize the IRS.

    Reply
    2
  24. Darkphunky

    If I knew I wasn’t get my tax refund, I wouldn’t have filed. Can I get my Turbo tax refund back???? Asking for a friend. At this point, I really don’t think I’m getting my refund.

    Reply
    3
  25. Ughh

    How long have u been waiting?

    Reply
  26. Sunflower173

    @Blessed Mommy of 7: Yes can’t view anything right now smh…🤦🏻‍♀️

    Reply
  27. Blessed Mommy of 7

    Anybody else experienced problems viewing tax records /transcripts today?

    Reply
    2
  28. Coffeebean

    @F.cktheIRS: I’m not expecting anything to happen anytime soon. I was just saying they’re definitely not going in any kind of order. But I have no faith in the IRS. And have actually made it where zero fed comes out of my check from now on. 😂 they get nothing. Can’t manage to handle it correctly anyway

    Reply
    3
  29. F.cktheIRS

    @Coffeebean: ok let us know if you get a DD this coming week or Next since u are an 1st Day Filer; prayers UP 2 Ya!

    Reply
    1
  30. 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!

    @meow:
    I’m so happy for you that you see progress 😊

    Reply
    1
  31. 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!

    @Britt38:
    Where do you see that, which
    Year, what’s before/ after/ below / above ???????

    Reply
  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!

    @F.cktheIRS:
    FOR SURE is: NOTHING in life is for sure!.

    What if they just keep it, making up delay sh*t!?
    There is NOTHING we can do

    Reply
    1
  33. meow
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-18
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar

    @Nimo:MINE was stuck on that date also but finally yesterday it changed to 6/24

    Reply
    2
  34. Britt38

    290,970 $0.00 what does this mean?? Help!

    Reply
  35. Britt38

    290,970 $0.00 what does this mean?

    Reply
  36. Coffeebean

    @F.cktheIRS: there is no rhyme or reason to processing this year. They are definitely not going in any sort of order. Some ppl have gotten their refund 8 days after filing. My kid did. Filed late March, 8 business days later paper check arrived. I myself am a full 4 months in, filed 1/23. Still visiting. Numerous 60 day notices but with zero information about why they need the time. But they are definitely not going in order of when filed.

    Reply
  37. F.cktheIRS

    @F.cktheIRS: I meant I’m 4 months IN no Movement will come back if I get any Updates! 2/29 filer !

    Reply
  38. F.cktheIRS

    @Harry a: yeah lts Crazy wait Game this YEAR but it’s Coming FORSUREEE stay Gracious!

    Reply
  39. F.cktheIRS

    Filed 2/29, June 29th will be my 120 days Currently on DAY 93 still NO Movement on Transcript I’m cycle “05 will check every Friday! If you are a 1/29 Filer You should get a DD in the next coming week or 2 based off what ppl on here Are saying! WTBS I won’t expect mine until the END of JUNE early JULY!! PPL who filed the 1st DAY 1/29 are just getting THEIR DD in JUNE!! So Feb Filers should follow shortly behind those 1/29 Filers so I assume BY July 5th or 12th no LATER for the FEB Filers!!! but I’m no Expert STAY Down stay Hopeful it’s OTW :) will come back and UPDATE Feb Filers if my Status Change BETWEEN Time TTYG at the END of June :)

    Reply
    2
  40. Harry a

    @F.cktheIRS: Mine is the exact same but im on day 124

    Reply
    1