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!

    @Leeloo: not looking forward to too much this week with the holiday mid week. My dates are bouncing everywhere today too. :(

    Reply
    1
  2. Leeloo

    Unbelievable!
    Or is it
    IRS playing with my as of dates again.
    They had changed from March to April to different days in July and now this years account transcript
    Has been pulled a blast from the past and changed back to April .
    No rhyme or reason for this years IRS madness.
    Feeling like Alice in Wonderland falling down the rabbit hole. 🤪

    Reply
    2
  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!

    @Eddleman23: So, they are upping their game by distracting 🤣🤣🤣

    Reply
    3
  4. Eddleman23

    @Jacky_FL: it’s not 🤣🤣 haha the rep said my refund is literally just sitting waiting to be released and done processing just sitting.. wth

    Reply
    3
  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!

    Let’s see if the IRS is so sophisticated 🤣 sending refunds on debit cards is maybe their newest delay tactic/trick out of their box
    🙈🤣

    Reply
    1
  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!

    @Eddleman23: yasssss I hope it’s your 💰
    🙏🏼

    Reply
  7. Eddleman23

    @shelleybeanss: I just checked my irs account and I have no banking info so idk if that means anything lol

    Reply
  8. Eddleman23

    @shelleybeanss: yes I recieved all of those. I’m wondering if since it’s been so long that I’ve been waiting on my taxes that they sent that card instead of my original prepaid card? Idk I am hoping for anything at this point lol

    Reply
  9. 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!

    Did you receive all of your economic impact payments before? I know the go2 card is how they were sending those out to many people. Otherwise go2 is a digital bank, like chime.

    Reply
  10. Eddleman23

    @Jacky_FL: yeah you and me both lmao maybe a card with the money they owe me on it🤣🤣🤣🤣

    Reply
    1
  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!

    @Bishwhett: I verified 3/5. Still nothing

    Reply
  12. 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!

    @Eddleman23: GM
    I can’t wait to hear what IT is
    “Do not bend” 🤣

    Reply
    1
  13. Eddleman23

    Any ideas… I’m getting something in the mail today it says do not bend GO2 FDIC immediate response required. And its got a address of PO box 98285 Washington DC.. WHEN I GOOGLE IT IT BRINGS UP IRS stuff… anyone what this could be? My mail doesn’t run till 1 lol

    Reply
    1
  14. Bishwhett

    @Pam: nope
    Filed March 2024
    Single
    No dependents
    Business credits
    As of date June 26
    Cycle code 05
    Verified may 2024
    Rec’d verification letter
    Verified next business day
    Rec’d 60 we need to hold refund to review letter 6/27
    No movement since

    Reply
  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!

    @Jacky_FL: 07

    Reply
    1
  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!

    @shelleybeanss: What week is your cycle code?

    Reply
    1
  17. 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!

    @tireddddd: from what I was told weekdays, yes, they work on them every day. Just not on weekends

    Reply
    1
  18. 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!

    My WMR says since verification 3/5 ‘us being processed ‘.
    I never received any of those longer explanatory and apologetic msgs

    Reply
    1
  19. 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!

    @Pam: always the past days “You have exceeded…” and no access

    Reply
    1
  20. Pam

    @Jacky_FL: What does your WMR say?

    Reply
  21. 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!

    @Denise N: Does your transcript shows FiledReturn your actual acceptance date January or a date in April? Since your cycle code is 1305

    Reply
  22. Pam

    How long do i have to wait to update again? ??

    I successfully verified my identity online, 2 weeks ago. I had been stuck on “it is still being processed” since Jan 29th.

    Last Thursday, I finally updated to “it is being processed”!

    Reply
    1
  23. 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!

    @Pam: I verified 3/5 over the phone and still waiting – no notices

    Reply
    1
  24. Pam

    Did anyone receive their refund who successfully verified their identity in June or May?

    Reply
  25. Leeloo

    @Sunflower173:
    😮😮😮

    Reply
    1
  26. tireddddd

    Does the IRS work on returns daily ?

    Reply
    1
  27. Denise N
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-27
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-27
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-21
    • WMR Date:
      Jan-1
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250605
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-3
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sunflower173: wow wth

    Reply
    1
  28. Taty

    @Leeloo: I used hr block

    Reply
  29. 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!

    @harrya: that was the message I had before I started getting the “we apologize, your return processing is delayed” crap

    Reply
    1
  30. harrya

    We received your tax return and are reviewing it for accuracy. We are holding your refund until we finish reviewing the information you reported. This review may take up to 60 days.
    You don’t need to contact us at this time. However, we recommend you review your return and supporting documents to ensure you reported all of your income and withholding correctly and that you are eligible to claim the tax credits on your return. If you find an error, you can file an amended return to correct it. We understand your tax refund is very important and are working to complete our review as quickly as possible. If you received a Letter 4464C from us, please visit Understanding Your Letter 4464C for more information todays bs

    Reply
  31. Sunflower173

    I filed January 22nd. It was excepted January 23rd the next day. In March I was sent a 4464c letter saying they needed additional 60 days. When I called they said no it’s 120 days. I am cycle 05, married with 2 children, filed married filing joined. I live in New Jersey. Then in May I received another letter saying they needed an additional 60 days again. I called the irs. And was told no it’s 120 days. I may have to wait til September 6th to get my refund. I asked if they needed any additional information from me that stated no. This is awful I filled in January and I may have to wait til September smh…🤦🏻‍♀️

    Reply
    1
  32. Sunflower173

    My as of date went from February 26th to July 1st. Then back to February 26th. And now as of last night my as of date is July 15th. Smh…🤦🏻‍♀️

    Reply
  33. Denise N
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-27
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-27
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-21
    • WMR Date:
      Jan-1
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250605
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-3
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    My as of updated to July 1st

    Reply
    4
  34. 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!

    @Unmitigated_Gall: it’s a full on dumpster fire this year

    Reply
  35. Unmitigated_Gall

    @shelleybeanss: i filed opening day and it still says no return present or filed on my transcripts lol
    Yet everyone at irs and the tax adv. have told me That there are no errors on my acct/
    Return was correct and amounts right

    Reply
  36. 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!

    @harrya: it’s all insanity. Just tell people what you need from them to process it. These types of requests should just auto populate on our account pages so we can either look for the doc or send off for it or let them know we don’t have it/access to it. ALL of this could be avoided if the IRS was at least in the 21st century. I worked there 2 years ago as a seasonal customer service agent. Their entire system was still in old school crt monochrome Ms-dos type mode. So antiquated and very inefficient

    Reply
  37. harrya

    Congressman’s office just contacted me tas talked to irs and they dont have my wifes w2 from her job now i have to get letter send to congressman who will send to tas then irs to release funds , why irs just didn’t send letter to me to get that after 150 days is bs

    Reply
    1
  38. Leeloo

    @Jacky_FL:
    Re those last 3 words you post…
    Yeah that would be the consensus
    In this forum ..
    watching the Presidential Debate
    Was an aha moment.
    Everything’s a mess .

    Haha

    Reply
    1
  39. Leeloo

    @shelleybeanss:
    I’m getting the same thing!
    All day long.

    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!

    WMR still isn’t letting me in either. Constant “you’ve exceeded attempts” message when no successful attempt has been made 😂

    Reply
    1