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. 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!

    @Taty: and if your 846 is on this years you’re done

    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!

    @Taty: sounds like they may actually be working on it

    Reply
  3. Taty

    @shelleybeanss: my last year also shows July 8th

    Reply
  4. Taty

    @shelleybeanss: I realized that I had some codes twice with different dates 846 971

    Reply
  5. Taty

    @shelleybeanss: I’m going to check hold on

    Reply
  6. 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!

    @Leeloo: kind of what mine did Friday. My
    As of changed 8 times that I’m aware of Friday alone

    Reply
  7. Leeloo

    @shelleybeanss: now mine have gone from July 1 to July 18.

    I don’t think they know what they are doing.
    IN-E-FFISH-UNT
    😆

    Reply
    3
  8. 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!

    @taty: did you check your previous years? A few of us on here had all previous years change, which seems like maybe they’re working on it, reviewing previous years for any errors

    Reply
    0
  9. harrya

    @taty: Dont get excited my as of has changed 5 times since feb.

    Reply
    1
  10. taty

    hey guys woke up to an as of date july 08. what does that mean ? had to id verify in march and been on 970 since may. received letter just stated i had an 60 day reveiw. praying for an code 846.

    Reply
    1
  11. 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!

    @Leeloo: it’s all so weird

    Reply
    2
  12. Leeloo

    @shelleybeanss: all my transcripts for previous years saying the same!

    Reply
    2
  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!

    @Harry a: same to you. This has been the worst. Just the worst. I’ve seen some ppl say they used other services that had issues this year, but the vast majority seemed to have used turbo. Absolutely awful

    Reply
    3
  14. Harry a

    wmr not working transcript updated to as of july 01 no other changes i also used tt and will seek refund if i ever get my money and will not use them again or file early, good luck Shelly

    Reply
    3
  15. 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!

    All 7 years transcripts showing on IRS site showing July 1 2024 as of date this morning. WTH

    Reply
    1
  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!

    @Leeloo: this year has been an absolute disaster for the majority of us. Hopefully your issue gets resolved quickly. I don’t know how everything this year got so messed up. But man…I’ll be happy when it’s just over. I, too, used turbo tax. Last year for that. They still couldn’t tell me what the issue is; just the generic income/credit/withholding.

    Reply
    3
  17. Leeloo

    @shelleybeanss:
    Bless your heart!
    I hope you get answers soon.☹️
    They should be ashamed of themselves!!!!
    They should have to pay you not only interest but a penalty!

    Reply
    2
  18. Leeloo

    @Harry a:
    So my story needs updating now.
    Received my irs letter today.
    Apparently a couple figures were left off my 1099 retirement income when filed by turbo tax.
    While I did input the figures manually, I checked it at least times.
    So who is the culprit? 🤷‍♀️
    Ill take the blame this time but I’m not using TT next year.
    I followed instructions on letter d faxed info the needed.
    They have access to my 1099, so why could they not adjust it? And send me a letter explaining after adjusting it? It should not affect my tax refund at all. I’m a nurse and work part time .
    Instead of this unnecessary delay not knowing why the delay until they grace you with a letter.
    Good luck.

    Reply
    4
  19. 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!

    Just finished my call with the rep. After looking at my account and 4 holds, she agreed it needed a referral to push for a manual review. She said normally they are told to wait 180 days after acceptance date but said it was close enough and put in a referral. Finger crossed that helps. She said normally your refund will process within 60 days or less, but could end up with information request in that 60 days. Man do I get NEED it to be the refund. We are dying. It’s just me and my kids and we need this to survive right now

    Reply
    5
  20. 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!

    On the phone now, Rep is looking at it for me a lot, been on this call for 45 min so far and still going but she’s saying she can’t see the exact thing holding it up, just verifying credits, income, etc. it’s been 5.5 months! Whatever they need they should just ask for so I can supply it. I’m goin to cry. Just cry.

    Reply
    2
  21. 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!

    Trying to find a number with an option to reach someone but doesn’t seem possible now.

    Reply
  22. Harry a

    @shelleybeanss: no about 3 weeks ago then last week changed again then back to 6/24 was 3/18 for a long time

    Reply
    1
  23. 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: did that just change over the weekend?

    Reply
  24. Harry a

    My as of date is june 24th what is the meaning of that?

    Reply
    1
  25. Harry a

    146 days

    Reply
    1
  26. Harry a

    @Ughhh: filed 2/01 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.

    Reply
    2
  27. Ughhh

    @Harry a: When did you file and whats your WMR say?

    Reply
    1
  28. Shelleybeansss

    @Ughhh: it is definitely still being wonky from yesterday. It said it didn’t recognize me today. The WMR app is working but not the website

    Reply
    1
  29. Ughhh

    Is the WMR site down for anyone else?

    Reply
    1
  30. Jennyb

    I need a phone number I can call to speak with a live person. Someone help please!

    Reply
  31. Harry a

    145 days 145 days 145 days thats all i have to say

    Reply
    3
  32. Shelleybeansss

    Unfortunately the site is still telling me attempts exceeded even though I tried once this morning and it said it was down. Never one successful attempt today 😂 but the phone line told me I’m still SOL 😂

    Reply
  33. Shelleybeansss

    @Help needed: question about Tex return?

    Reply
  34. Kamala

    How long after you verified your identity online, did you receive your refund?

    I’m asking those who have received their money already. …

    Sorry for us who are still waiting after filing in January and early February.😓😓

    Reply
    1
  35. Kendraa

    @Shelleybeansss: WMR site is working now!

    Reply
    1
  36. Help needed

    Please Help

    Reply
  37. Harry a

    @Shelleybeansss: Im right there with you

    Reply
    1
  38. Shelleybeansss

    WMR site isn’t back up but the phones appear to be working now. Same message for me: we apologize, but your processing is taking longer than the normal time

    No kidding, been waiting since 1/21 lol

    Reply
  39. Shelleybeansss

    The pop ups on here are getting insane. The site peeps need to find a way to change those. They’re intrusive as anything and make using this page a nightmare some days

    Reply
    1
  40. Shelleybeansss

    @Patrickkk: been down all morning. Phones are down too

    Reply