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
49,260 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. froglover7m4
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-31
    • Fees:
      In Advance
    • Bank:
      United Cumberland Bank
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-31
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Feb-22
    • I Got My Refund!

    Hi everyone. I filed Friday (1/31/25). Accepted same day. As of yesterday my transcripts wasn’t even there for the most part and what was was blank. I checked just now and everything is populated with an “as of” date of Feb 24th. All good codes. Just waiting on the 846 as I’m a pather. Is movement usually this quick?

    Reply
    1
  2. RuthBaby
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-24
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Chase
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-27
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20250704
    • Cycle:
      Daily
    • As of:
      Mar-10
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-3
    • I Got My Refund!

    @LWBOSS: I filed 1/24, accepted 1/27. Received DD for Va state refund 1/30, I actually got the check in the mail on 2/1. I owed a debt so that was deducted & a check was mailed. It said I would get the check in 7-10 days, but that was not the case at all. VA moved very quickly for me this year, even with a reduced amount

    Reply
    1
  3. jemar707

    @ BMOREMOMOFTHREEANDAHALF: There are batches of returns that get processed before the official opening day.

    Reply
  4. WA State girl 22

    Hear me out. I actually don’t mind being a weekly. I’ve only been a weekly for 3 years now but I actually have had a smoother tax season all three years ….. Things are quicker and I always know what day there will be movement.
    When I was a daily having to stress and check every day is frustrating . Delays etc.

    Reply
    5
  5. BMOREMOMOFTHREEANDAHALF

    @jemar707: I’m not sure what test batch means. I will say that my wmr is still saying received and being processed. But when i log in all of my info is updated to this year now

    Reply
  6. jemar707

    @everyone: Does anyone have a screenshot of 2/5 transcript line?

    Reply
  7. Justin05255

    @jemar707: lol I know I know. Just having a laugh about it.. can the 14th come sooner?

    Reply
  8. jemar707

    @ Justin05255: You can stick around and keep people company, help answer questions lol! It’s a family!

    Reply
  9. jemar707

    @ BMOREMOMOFTHREEANDAHALF: Interesting, that seem like part of test batch. Might have to run this by our Queen Sheila… but congrats!

    Reply
  10. Justin05255

    Back to daily for me everything populated. See you all after path.!

    Reply
    1
  11. BMOREMOMOFTHREEANDAHALF

    @jemar707: i was accepted 1/22 according to tt

    Reply
  12. BMOREMOMOFTHREEANDAHALF

    I’m @jemar707: ok sent

    Reply
  13. jemar707

    Also, were you accepted between Jan 24 and Jan 30?

    Reply
  14. jemar707

    @BMOREMOMOF3ANDAHALF: Would you send us a screenshot of the transcript removing any personal information, or we can do it for you. [email protected]

    Reply
    1
  15. BMOREMOMOF3ANDAHALF

    Just checked my transcripts and i have code 846 for 2/7/2025. I filed turbo tax. Accepted on 1/22. IRS where’s my refund still not updated. No EIC. No ACTC.

    Reply
    3
  16. Mrs. P(not signed in)

    All good codes *

    Reply
    2
  17. Mrs. P(not signed in)

    My transcripts just updated after being blank since last week. All codes except the 846. As of 2/17

    Reply
    4
  18. JocelynTexasMarie

    @shelleybeanss: I believe she has the 766 and 768 which would be an indication that she is complete and waiting on the 846. The 806 for W2/1099 withholdings would appear right after the 150.

    Reply
  19. OneDitzyGirl

    I finally got an update on my 2022 amended and my transcript shows today code 846 1/31/2025 which was last Friday. What date should I expect that in my account? Thank you so much

    Reply
  20. Ashl3y

    Guys with state issues make an online acct in your state mine is tax.ny.gov if there is any issues or they send you a letter by mail you’ll get the exact same info online sooner and will be able to reply instead of waiting for mail

    Reply
    1
  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!

    @Sheleking103: if you’re a pather that’s why. They won’t populate until after path lifts

    Reply
  22. Caliheart

    @Alicia7: mine also says not found for the state

    Reply
    1
  23. JocelynTexasMarie

    @Sheleking103: Tax code 806 would reflect the total amount of federal tax withheld and submitted to the IRS, if any.

    Reply
  24. Cali heart

    @DebMom: how did it go? Never heard of column tax

    Reply
  25. @starchild1111

    @LWBOSS: same day i filed jan 16th but i got rejected twice, once for the 1095a form and once for ippin then finally accepted on the 21st but no transcripts up yet and ive just never gotn my state first as i supposed thats how it wokrs generally im greatful lol

    Reply
    1
  26. LWBOSS

    @@starchild1111: when did you file ur state refund in VA? And when did you get your refund direct deposit date? I’m still waiting on my state I was accepted on the 21st and mines still says processing.

    Reply
  27. Sheleking103
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-28
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Capital One
    • Bars:
      No Bars-PATH Act Message
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-28
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-21
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      May-5
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-17
    • I Got My Refund!

    Why would everything be finished on my transcripts, but missing codes 806 and 846, but codes are 150, 766, and 768 are there. Everything else is there and completed. Every other year, it was always blank until it was completed. I mean everything else is complete. I wish I could share the transcript for reference.

    Reply
  28. @starchild1111

    just received my state im a pather and i dont have no transcripts yet just still on one bar should be on path msg but the irs suprises up everytime , I got ACCEPTED jan 18th and i used cash app and didnt expect anythign until after the path lifts just givin update hope this helps oh im in VA

    Reply
    3
  29. Yalldtmfr2025

    #REPOST
    I forgot to say
    WMR status 1 bar TT 152

    Weekly PATHER I will be back Friday and Saturday for a better update.
    Filed 1/27
    As of 2/17
    Blank transcripts

    Reply
    5
  30. Sharmaine
    • Tax Preparer:
      FreeTaxUSA
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-24
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Faster money card
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-6
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-12
    • Transcript:
      Blank
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-17
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Vanessae: no just mean you are still processing

    Reply
  31. Mandie
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-21
    • Date Approved:
      Feb-20
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Sean: PATHERs will see typically see their refunds after mid-Feb when PATH has been lifted.

    Reply
    2
  32. Sean
    • Tax Preparer:
      H&R Block
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-23
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Emerald Card
    • Bars:
      1st Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Transcript:
      A
    • I Got My Refund!

    Has anyone filed with H&R Block this year? I have. I’m a weekly Pather and I already had my refund advance deposited to my Emerald Card. I filed with them 1/23 and got accepted the next day. When do I expect my DD will be?

    Reply
  33. Clos

    2 years ago was very frustrating
    I filed early got accepted early and I know I am weekly pather so I would check every Friday and I went from we received to being processed to still being processed not once did a I get any notices or had to verify. Eventually I got my 846 end of Feb. This year I have been on Path message for 2 weeks just waiting for path to lift.

    Reply
    3
  34. Alicia7

    Any one here in the state of MS that filed last week, if so do you have an update, mine is saying no matche’s found as if I didn’t file but it was accepted per the software I used

    Reply
  35. 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!

    @TheMadness21: my guess? You are processed but they couldn’t give you an 846 bc of the path act so they gave that message instead.

    Reply
    1
  36. TheMadness21
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-7
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      Andrew federal credit union
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-10
    • WMR Date:
      Feb-26
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      0505
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Feb-24
    • Processing Date:
      Feb-17
    • I Got My Refund!

    Good Evening all! What do this message typically mean

    I just checked wmr for the fun of it because I’m a pather and this is what it said.

    The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act says that if you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, the IRS cannot issue the refund before mid-February. This applies to the entire refund, even the portion not associated with these credits. You can check the status of your refund on Where’s My Refund starting in mid- to late February. The website is updated once a day and is the best way to check the status of your refund.

    Please read the following information related to your tax situation:
    Tax Topic 152, Refund Information

    Reply
    1
  37. Ray the great

    @Sheila_33: i got there codes and cycle and 02/17 so inam good😍?

    Reply
  38. Momof1

    Hello all, Hope everyone has a smooth tax season…

    Reply
    4
  39. Txmomof3girlsnotsignedin

    @Ninaprb: I did not say as of date. I said processing date. Those are two different dates. On your transcript the as of date is a holding date that signifies the computers that something needs to happen to your return by that date. The processing date is next to your cycle code. The processing date is when the IRS expects to have your return processed by. Please go back and read my comments.

    Reply
    3
  40. Ninaprb

    @Txmomof3girlsnotsignedin: thats incorrect the as of date is not the date that they will process your return

    Reply