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
49,269 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. Harry a

    @Red Dawn: Good for you😀😀😀

    Reply
  2. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Red Dawn: congrats!!!

    Reply
    1
  3. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    As of updated again overnight to July 1 2024, after updating yesterday to may27 2024. What is going on…..

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

    I just checked my transcripts and got a DD for 6/20!!! Finally 🙏🏼 Good luck to everyone waiting! 🙏🏼🫶🏽✨

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

    No changes here 😞

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

    @Jacky_FL: oh yea still waiting

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

    @Jacky_FL: oh yea still waiting

    Reply
    1
  8. 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 assume you are still waiting on your check to be delivered?
    🙏🏼🤞🏼

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

    well as of date changed to 7/1 but nothing else.aghh

    Reply
    1
  10. VaMom

    Filed 1/18, accepted 1/19
    ID verify
    4464 review letter
    CP05A letter 4/22
    Sent docs 5/3
    Case review opened 5/6
    No movement until today, As Of date changed from 4/15 to 4/22
    😑

    Reply
    1
  11. Eddleman23

    @Mary: thank you!! They said to call back on the 19th to make sure it’s been pushed out so I’m hoping so! Thank you!!

    Reply
  12. Mary

    @Eddleman23 It makes sense processing wise for the 18th so its possible you will update next week. Fingers crossed

    Reply
    1
  13. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    The last two years also updated to may27 2024 today, and the previous 5 years updated to feb26 2024. All happened today. I have no clue what is going on lol but I hope it means they’re working thru it finally

    Reply
    1
  14. Adkins, TX

    @shelleybeanss: likewise nothing else changed

    Reply
    1
  15. Eddleman23

    @Mary: hey there I have a question so I filed injured spouse with my refund(for my husband) 2/12 accepted 2/14 and a week later a 570 code dated 3/11 and NO UPDATE since and I called the IRS today and they are saying my refund is done processing and just waiting for the 8 week period to end on the 18th of June. So does that mean it will be sent out then? In your opinion they just keep confusing me.. thanks in advance for your time.

    Reply
  16. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    Well wiithin the last hour, my as of date updated to May27, from May6. No other update. Not sure what that means. Before when my as of date updated it updated to a future date

    Reply
    1
  17. Mary

    @Louielou The transcripts update all thru the day, Check your transcripts again later on this evening my transcripts usually didnt update until around 4 or 5 pm

    Reply
    2
  18. Eddleman23

    No change again this week for me…

    Reply
  19. Louielou

    I received a letter (CP21B) stating I was due a refund and that if I haven’t already received a check I should receive it in 2-3 weeks (letter dated June 10) but when I checked my transcript today still no 846… still 570 & 971. What should I expect to happen now? Im so confused someone help please!

    Reply
  20. Adkins, TX

    Another week no change

    Reply
    1
  21. Harry a

    136 days its unreal news station didnt even reply to me just like the irs for the land of the free i feel like a prisoner

    Reply
    1
  22. Jenny b

    @Shelleybeansss: same here! NOTHING! 😭

    Reply
    2
  23. Shelleybeansss

    Another week of nothing :( I’m literally going to cry. Almost 5 months

    Reply
    2
  24. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    Congressman reached out to me again this afternoon. Said they have sent numerous messages to the TAS office over the last month with zero response. I, too, cannot reach anyone to get any assistance. It’s beginning to look like they’re just going to keep my refund

    Reply
    2
  25. Adkins, TX

    @shelleybeanss: i know all about this… was accepted 1/19 hahah

    Reply
    1
  26. Mary

    @Red Dawn Please call 800-829-0582, extension 623, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. You will need a copy of your amended return.

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

    @Mary: yes if you could!

    Reply
  28. Mary

    @Louielou Tomorrow for transcripts

    Reply
    4
  29. Louielou

    Was the mass update supposed to happen today or is it Friday if my cycle code enss in 05?

    Reply
    1
  30. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Harry a: that’s where my WMR status has been stuck since mid March. I am so very tired of their “we apologize but…” message 😑

    Reply
    2
  31. Harry a

    We understand your tax refund is very important and we are working to process your return as quickly as possible.😂😢

    Reply
    2
  32. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    Nearing 5 months since filing. Will there be an end in sight?! Ugh 😑 exhausted, beyond broke, driver of the struggle bus at the moment…

    Reply
    3
  33. Eddleman23

    @Harry a: day 124 and same ughhhhh

    Reply
    1
  34. Eddleman23

    Filed 2/12 injured spouse
    Recieved 2/14
    570 a week after filing dated 3/11
    (After all credit codes)
    No notices
    No verify
    Injured spouse case assigned APRIL 18TH
    No update at all since then.. just keep getting told to wait they said if I don’t have an update by the 18th OF JUNE to call back but I’m a weekly so I’m hoping I update tomorrow and this nightmare can be over…

    Reply
    1
  35. Mary

    @Louielou Yes but I really don’t think it will take that long.

    Reply
    1
  36. Harry a

    day 135 no changes just more broke

    Reply
    4
  37. Louielou

    @Mary: thanks for explaining! It says I should receive a check in 2-3 weeks..is that accurate?

    Reply
  38. Mary

    @Louielou CP21B was sent to notify you that the adjustment resulted in a refund or an increase in your refund.

    Reply
    1
  39. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Louielou: congrats to you!!!

    Reply
    1
  40. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-18
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Louielou: I think that’s a rare good notice, possibly. Mary would be the best to comment on it

    Reply
    1