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
41,946 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. Eddleman23

    @Jacky_FL: it was not 🤣🤣

    Reply
    1
  2. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • I Got My Refund!

    How’s this working for those who are having the fees taken out of the refund but the IRS is sending a check instead of direct deposit? Is the paper check still coming direct to you or is it being sent to the tax prep first? Just asking because I see a lot of people saying they’re getting a paper check when they signed up for direct deposit

    Reply
    1
  3. 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!

    @Denise N: What does your Refund Issued date say?
    That is the mailing date, right?

    Reply
    1
  4. Denise N
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-27
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-27
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250605
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-3
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    I need my money Friday not Monday

    Reply
    1
  5. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • I Got My Refund!

    @harrya: hopefully they’re working on it far faster than that ridiculous generic 60 more days crap. We’ve all waited for too long and I’m really hoping we all wake up sometime this week with that elusive 846

    Reply
    3
  6. harrya

    So the letter today was same info that has been on my wmr for weeks they are still verifying my return ,letter 4464c how long to reveiw im on soc sec my wife works part time kid in college going on 160 days now they suck

    Reply
    3
  7. meow
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-18
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar

    @Jacky_FL: @Jacky_FL: im happy to say YESSSS i got my check.they mailed it on a wednesday and i got it on a monday which was my birthday!!. i seriously had my doubts after all this time. well next year ill definately do it differently.

    Reply
    4
  8. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Leeloo: thank you!!! ☺️

    Reply
  9. Leeloo

    @shelleybeanss:
    Happy Birthday!
    🎉🎂🎈

    Reply
    3
  10. 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!

    Someone saw Eddleman? Was the expected go2Card loaded with the awaited refund?

    Reply
  11. 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!

    @meow: Have you received your check?

    Reply
    1
  12. harrya

    @shelleybeanss: ill let you know i get my mail between 1- 2 this afternoon

    Reply
    2
  13. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Jacky_FL: aww thank you 🥰 my only bday wish this year is that all of us waiting get some kind of news with that glorious 846

    Reply
    4
  14. 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!

    @shelleybeanss: Wishing you a very happy birthday this week ✨🎂🎉🎈

    Reply
    2
  15. 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!

    @Denise N: I’m so sorry! I hope you receive the check swiftly

    Reply
    2
  16. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • I Got My Refund!

    @harrya: fingers crossed for you that it’s good news

    Reply
    1
  17. harrya

    congressman and senator have contacted irs now today i have letter from kansas city but its not on my transcript, any thoughts people?

    Reply
    2
  18. Denise N
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-27
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-27
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250605
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-3
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    I had direct deposit set up so why does it say a check is being mailed 😤😤😤

    Reply
  19. Shelleybeansss

    @Avery: yes, the IRS always sends a letter for something like that so you know when and what to expect and to set up how you would like to receive payment. Lots of fake posts out there about the ctc. Some states implemented their own but it was very few. The fed one never made it before they went on summer break :/ unfortunately

    Reply
  20. harrya

    159 days

    Reply
    2
  21. Avery

    @Shelleybeansss: letter I meant

    Reply
    1
  22. Avery

    @Shelleybeansss: Thank you. I was wondering because like in the past, a little would have been sent out.

    Reply
    1
  23. Shelleybeansss

    @Avery: it never made it to the house floor, so the bill died.

    Reply
    1
  24. Avery

    Hello. Just wanted to ask, is the child tax credit payment true? I was told that it starts July 15th but haven’t heard from the IRS. I feel that it’s not true

    Reply
    1
  25. harrya

    158 days no changes

    Reply
    3
  26. harrya

    @Lolee143: Happy birthday!!

    Reply
  27. Lolee143

    Wasn’t expecting to see a transcript update however I just checked and received my 846 for 7/11! I amended on April 9th
    It’s coming good luck everyone!

    Reply
    5
  28. Denise N
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-27
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-27
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250605
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-3
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Jacky_FL: thanks that was a longggggg wait

    Reply
    1
  29. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • I Got My Refund!

    Did anyone see anything today at all? Even if it was just date changes?

    Reply
  30. harrya

    you cant have your cake and eat it too. lol

    Reply
    2
  31. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Leeloo: aww happy birthday! Mines next week. It would be the best birthday present ever to see that 846

    Reply
    2
  32. Leeloo

    @harrya:
    Same here…
    Don’t they know it’s my birthday today?!!
    And no gift from IRS
    Haha

    Reply
    2
  33. harrya

    day 157 with nothing

    Reply
    6
  34. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Jennyb: I wish they did. Only feels right that they should. Unless they’ve changed it though, today is one of their 8 holidays they all have off :/ likely their code was put in last night and updated with the overnight site maintenance

    Reply
    1
  35. Jennyb

    So they work on our transcripts today? I mean I guess that’s why my as of date said July 8th. Maybe not.

    Reply
    1
  36. 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!

    @Denise N: Denise ✨Congratulations 🎉

    Reply
    1
  37. Denise N
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-27
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-27
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250605
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-3
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Denise N: I amended 3/29

    Reply
    1
  38. Denise N
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-27
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-27
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250605
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-3
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    Finally woke up to my 846 for 7/12/24🤗🫶🏾💰

    Reply
    6
  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!

    @shelleybeanss: You, your family too 🙏🏼

    Reply
    1
  40. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • I Got My Refund!

    Be safe y’all

    Reply
    2