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
49,358 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. Sharmaine

    @Beth: there’s nothing to worry about she’s done and has DDD

    Reply
  2. Txmomof3girlsnotsignedin

    @jesssis: That code means you designated someone that could talk to the IRS on your behalf.

    Reply
    1
  3. Kori

    @jesssis: It has something to do with power of attorney. Keep watching the mail they will send you a letter if they can’t resolve it on their own

    Reply
  4. jesssis

    i got code 960 on my return can you help with what that means

    Reply
  5. VAisforDEMOCRACYlovers

    @The Middle: I know !crazy right! if nothing else he may screw it all up,by accident or purpose. or just refund nazis

    Reply
  6. 2blessed
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-22
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Cashapp
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20150605
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Walter DOG: Thank you my friend! I can’t wait and see the update. 🙏🏾

    Reply
  7. Beth

    @@starchild1111: no I don’t have any kids to claim or credits

    Reply
  8. @starchild1111

    @GoGators85: you also paid up front and congrats happy spending when you see it, i would. im a pather but i also chose take fee out of refund i noticed last year ones who paid up front were seeing theres before path lifted also you were in the test batch alot of good things were happening for those as well so thast awesome news you fin see your change. smooth sailing we are praying for same turn around…

    Reply
    3
  9. @starchild1111

    @Beth: r u a PATher? with credits ur daughter dont have ?

    Reply
  10. @starchild1111

    @Patiently(not)Waiting: they are like irs it says funded but itll be on ur DD and only early if ur bank authorizes early deposits like cashap/chime etc . SBGT group will show funded around the time u receive ur 2 bars on WMR by the time ur 3rd bar (deposited) then u should have ur $ by that time

    Reply
  11. Beth

    I filed early Jan with TT. Accepted 27th. Filed my daughters on 27th, she accepted same day. She has a refund approved date of 2-4. I have still processing and blank transcripts. I don’t understand. Anyone have any ideas?

    Reply
    4
  12. Mina Mina

    @Bishwhett: if you tax return includes a dependent does not mean your on path

    Reply
    1
  13. 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!

    Who ever that is that’s being obtuse saying and making fun of people on here about Path let me tell you I been helping people on here for 17 years and since Path started in 2015 it’s the same pattern just like in 2021 I got 424 code and instead of path I got take action had a audit every other year I get the good codes and after 15 you get 846 added usually if you get 570 hold or another code like 424 then you won’t update with good codes untill the problem is resolved so happy tax season my peeps

    Reply
    13
  14. Monee
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-8
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Varo
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-15
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    My sister just checked her wmr and it was fine. Then I tried and it keeps saying unavailable.

    Reply
  15. 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!

    @2blessed: you’ll update Friday morning my friend I guarantee it

    Reply
    3
  16. HereEvEyear

    @Patiently(not)Waitin They dnt deposit on weekends it will be tomorrow night or early Tuesday

    Reply
  17. 2blessed
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-22
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Cashapp
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20150605
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-24
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Taxedconfused: Mines is exactly the same! I believe we’re gonna update Friday.

    Reply
  18. Get Real 67

    @The Middle: Why go in here with your conspiracy theories?

    Reply
  19. LWBOSS

    @757VApather: thanks for that info but my state was accepted on the 21st also but mines still says it’s being processed.
    I’m expecting it to update soon with a date this week or maybe tomorrow somewhere.

    Reply
  20. Tykillaa28

    @GoGators85: huh! Lol how so

    Reply
  21. 757VApather

    @Bishwhett: u did all
    That for attention; you don’t have to come to this site and if you know that nothing happens until after path THEN WHY ARE YOU HERE RN? Why aren’t u waiting until
    Path ? Why did u type that whole message?

    Reply
    3
  22. 757VApather

    @LWBOSS: I just had to of verify with the state so I should get my refund soon, I was accepted 1/21 by the state and my id verify letter was dated for 1/29, I got the letter on Friday 1/31, I verified Saturday 2/1, and it says I should receive my funds within “the next several days”(that’s the wording on the website” hope this helps ,
    Also VA HAS A WHERES MY REFUND TOOL FOR THE STATE

    GOOGLE : “Virginia Where’s my refund”

    U will need ur social security number
    Your exact STATE REFUND AMOUNT
    and filing year

    Reply
    2
  23. LWBOSS

    Hey any one in Virginia, have a state dd date? If so when did you receive your date?

    Reply
    2
  24. Yalldtmfr2025

    @Bishwhett: lol this comment right here! I just made a few days ago! I’ve been using this site for at least 10 years and we all know it a wasting game. It is hilarious to see some of these questions.

    Reply
    2
  25. 757VApather

    @Walter DOG: FACTS! I think some people want attention we probably should have ignored his post!! attention is a hell of a “drug”!!!

    Reply
    5
  26. Sounds like BS

    @GoGators85: they can’t release EIC until after 2-15 by law so doesn’t sound like this is true

    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!

    @GoGators85: Advice is you haven’t got EITC or ACTC if your refund is pending not going there if on Path of untill after 15th period go through this every year

    Reply
    6
  28. GoGators85

    I am a pather that claimed EIC and CTC. My federal is pending in my credit union bank account and will be released tomorrow. Filed through TurboTax on 1/8/25 and accepted on 1/15/25 withfees paid up front. I wasn’t expecting anything till at least 2/17/25. It’s the correct amount so I know it’s my federal not state taxes. Should I spend it or will I get in trouble since it’s before path has lifted? Not trying to get in trouble!!! Advice please.

    Reply
    1
  29. Mrs. P(not signed in)

    @Patiently(not)Waiting: to my knowledge they don’t

    Reply
  30. Mina Mina

    @The Middle: 🙄

    Reply
    1
  31. Taxedconfused

    @Walter DOG: I have 2/17 with zeros so my transcript will update on Friday I’m a 05

    Reply
    1
  32. Tab
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Wells Fargo
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Graciousgambino: You’re in the queue. Mine said that too, at first. @Harris: Same here. Mine also never showed zeros. We were in the test test batch? 🤣 Super frozen? 😂

    Reply
    1
  33. Tab
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-13
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Wells Fargo
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-22
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Bishwhett: incorrect. It’s not “moot” to check. Accepted is fine and dandy but what people are looking for is movement. Has a person moved or are they stalled? Did they get “good codes” besides the one we know can’t be done until path lifts (846) or one that signals an issue. Like mine show everything is in good order:
    As of: 2/10
    766
    768
    So I know I’m frozen until Path lifts.
    I know this because I looked I was accepted.
    Last year I was accepted and had 0’s for WEEKS. I checked daily and finally it updated to good codes. I then knew I was fine (I.e. no bad codes). It eased my mind. 😊

    Reply
  34. PrinceTamino

    @Patiently(not)Waiting: my Sbbt has said the same thing since Friday… so I’m guessing no

    Reply
    0
  35. The Middle

    Elon Musk now has access to the Treasury Department’s payment system. Brace yourselves everyone, we’re about to get robbed by the richest man on earth. We might not receive our tax refund.

    Reply
    1
  36. Patiently(not)Waiting

    So, I got a DD od 2/05. Check SBBT last night, it says funded. All of the right info is there…but although it says that it has been transferred, I haven’t received the finds.

    My question is…does anyone know if SBBT even does weekend transfers?

    Reply
  37. Kn

    @Walter DOG:
    So basically Thai Friday is when my actual tax return. Transcript populated

    Last Friday only my account transcript had partially populated like you mentioned ,then finished filling out just this Friday

    Reply
    1
  38. Kj

    @Walter DOG:
    This past Friday was when they finished filling out with codes and the as of date didn’t change from 2/10 ; as the week before I had only the top of 2024 account transcript filled in with name and address info with as of 2/10/25 … the wage transcript blank ( per usual) .but it said 2024 return not filed – verifcation of non filing
    but then this week all the info and codes and processing. Date filled in as well as the record of account transcripts but as of date 2/10 with processing date 2/17

    Reply
    1
  39. Newyorkgirl

    @Harrisongirl: Mine was off IRS website. Did taxes online with TurboTax. Filed the 29 and accepted, refund approved with DDD of 2/5 and bank account showing deposit pending which means I may get it before because last year I got it 2 days before DDD.

    Reply
    3
  40. 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!

    @Harris: that was my theory that the ones that populated the week before with 0 their 2-10 pushed out to 2-17 but I guess that’s wrong if I seen correct where some with as of 2-10 stayed and they had 0 on transcript week before also so don’t know why some has 2-17 and some stayed 2-10

    Reply
    1