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
49,356 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. texasmomof3

    @Mike: lol, almost twinning. I have been sick, so I had been waking up off and on this morning.

    Reply
  2. CeepeeNc

    Just checked transcripts and they’ve updated 3 times since 4am. Now they’ve filled in and I have a DDD of 2/8. Filed in 1/16. Accepted 1/19. Used TT with fees taken out of refund.

    Reply
    7
  3. Ella

    DDD 2/8
    Does credit karma deposit 5 days early like they say?

    Reply
    1
  4. Benita
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-4
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chase
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-4
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-19
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-3
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @NY_gal: Thank you.

    Reply
  5. Cynt_outspoken34

    @Sheila_33: it saying 971 notice issue 02/20/23.

    Reply
  6. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-9
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-17
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      04
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @DWiley: If you’re under the path hold, that 766 is most likely additional child tax credit. 766 can also be for ctc which is not held by path. And education credits are also a code 766.

    Reply
  7. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-9
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-17
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      04
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Cynt_outspoken34: Go into your tax account and see if there are any notices sent
    If not, try checking the verify section of the account and see if it will let you go in and enter a code for ID verify. If it does, then that might be what the 971 is for.

    Reply
  8. Ineedmymoneyhunny

    My transcripts says NA

    BUT account transcript and wages one says 2022.

    I’m a weekly. & EIC CTC.

    why wouldn’t they update instead of partially updating.. help.

    Reply
  9. DebMom
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-3
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Varo
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-3
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-14
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-20
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-24
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-14
    • I Got My Refund!

    @ConfusedinCalifornia: I use chime. Used credit karma last year and got my DD Friday night before WMR updated Saturday for the next week. Hopefully it does the same this year. If not I’m guessing Monday

    Reply
  10. Cynt_outspoken34

    @Sheila_33: the as of date is February 20

    Reply
  11. Kisharai
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-22
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CreditKarma spend
    • Bars:
      What Bars?

    Turned into 420 1/27/2023 sorry forgot the code 😅

    Reply
  12. Kisharai
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-22
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CreditKarma spend
    • Bars:
      What Bars?

    Hey guys. I the 424 1/26/2023 code turned into 1/27/2023 today. Soooo what does that mean?? I looked it up but I’ve got mixed results.

    Reply
  13. Cynt_outspoken34

    @Sheila_33: we have recieved your tax return and it is being processed. February 20 is the date beside the 971

    Reply
  14. Mike
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Citizens bank
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-23
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-3
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-8
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20230505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-13
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @texasmomof3: That is exactly what happened to me this morning without the falling asleep park but The Times almost spot on exact

    Reply
  15. DWiley

    Does anyone who has a DDD have a 766 code? I have a 766 but no 768. I checked my account transcript last year and also had a 766 but I wasn’t on path last year I received my refund on Feb 2nd.

    Reply
  16. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-9
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-17
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      04
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Cynt_outspoken34: What’s the date beside the 971? What’s your Wmr saying and is there an “as of” date? Sorry for so many questions, lol

    Reply
  17. texasmomof3

    Good Morning Y’all

    Here is my situation for any interested.

    Filed w/TurboTax 1/26 and accepted a few mins later on 1/26
    My transcript updated and filled in this morning around 5:30 am CTD.

    Account transcript was still N/A
    I fell asleep yall and I woke up again around 9:30 am
    My account transcripts was filled in with all good codes.

    WMR still showing I’m on the one orange bar so far, I’m a weekly updater so If my WMR Change Saturday I will be sure to let y’all know.

    Reply
    3
  18. Cynt_outspoken34

    @shelia_33 hi I woke up to code 971 on my account transcript no other code is there.

    Reply
  19. Sunflower doll

    I’ve constantly been checking my refund. I’m on step 4 of 4 and have the generic message. When I signed into MyDORWAY all week it was showing my refund amount in green but today when I checked it’s still green but at $0 balance. Does anyone know what that means?

    Reply
  20. Mike
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Citizens bank
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-23
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-3
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-8
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20230505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-13
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sarah Dyer: That won’t update till tomorrow morning WMR

    Reply
  21. Benita
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-4
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chase
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-4
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-19
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250705
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-3
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: Okay, thank you.

    Reply
  22. Sarah Dyer
    • Tax Preparer:
      TaxSlayer
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-20
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Capital one
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-21
    • Date Approved:
      Jan-31
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-5
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    Finally got a DDD of 2/8! I was getting worried. WMR still shows 1 bar though.

    Reply
    3
  23. Mike
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Citizens bank
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-23
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-3
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-8
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20230505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-13
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @lilred44 (15th): I’m guessing the as of 2 – 20 is going to be processed by next week because I had an a** of 2 – 13 and I was processed this morning

    Reply
  24. Maisha
    • Tax Preparer:
      H&R Block
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-24
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Cashapp
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • Identity Theft
    • I Got My Refund!

    @KYMama22: check your transcripts again they have been updating all morning

    Reply
  25. Walter DOG
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-20
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: thanks Sheila didn’t see you sent another one

    Reply
  26. Moo

    @lilred44 (15th): same here

    Reply
  27. Walter DOG
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Netspend
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-19
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-20
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sheila_33: Hey Sheila my friend on sister page has same message as me his transcripts was NA he finally updated with 570 and 971 does that mean mine will to

    Reply
  28. lilred44 (15th)
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-25
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Chime
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-25
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      2023/06/02
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-20
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-8
    • I Got My Refund!

    Account transcript has as of date of 2/20. Everything else is N/A or 0.00

    Reply
    1
  29. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-9
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-17
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      04
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Starr: That’s the best way to look it. :)

    Reply
  30. Moo

    What does it mean if only the account transcript is the only one updated. As of Feb 20?

    Reply
  31. Starr

    I do have a question… if my transcripts didn’t update will my wmr change tomorrow to path still or will I just keep the original one bar screen until I update on transcripts?

    Reply
    1
  32. G

    Transcripts filled. as of 2/20/2023

    Reply
  33. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-9
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-17
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      04
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Walter DOG: Not necessarily. Everyone’s situation is different.

    Reply
  34. Starr

    @Sheila_33: good morning no update to transcripts this morning, but I’m not that worried yet. I filed on 1/28 and accepted on 1/28. So I figured it will update this week or maybe next “HOPEFULLY 🤞🏽” staying positive. I’m really unsure about the miscalculation of my 8812 but they said they will adjust accordingly if needed then continue to process….So I’m expecting an adjust then an update. Maybe 🤔 . I never had an issue with my taxes before.

    Reply
    1
  35. Sheila_33
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-9
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Bluebird
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-17
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-16
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-16
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      04
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-10
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-19
    • I Got My Refund!

    @vanessa: Good codes. You’re just waiting for the path to lift. :)

    Reply
    1
  36. Maisha
    • Tax Preparer:
      H&R Block
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-24
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Cashapp
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • Identity Theft
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Hellothere: yes thats what happened last year. I have unlocked my card and now i wait. Last year it came around 350PM that friday. So happy i want to leave work early but ima stay focused lol

    Reply
  37. ConfusedinCalifornia

    @Hellothere: oh, you’ve got my answer! Hahah awesome

    Reply
  38. ConfusedinCalifornia

    This is my first year not using a traditional bank. I’m using SoFi which is similar to chime I believe. I get my paychecks 3 days earlier. Anyone here use SoFi or chime and know when they usually get their deposit? My DDD is Wednesday so I’m hoping I get it Monday. Today would even be better :)

    Reply
    1
  39. Hellothere

    @Maisha: watch for Cashapp to deposit today, with Feb 8 being Wednesday it is sent today. That is my experience

    Reply
    1
  40. Maisha
    • Tax Preparer:
      H&R Block
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-24
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Cashapp
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-29
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • Identity Theft
    • I Got My Refund!

    Thank you Sheila and Tigerlili ..once again you qualm fears and got me through this with accurate information. I will keep you guys updated when its deposited.

    Reply
    1