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
37,102 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 β€œqueue” 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.

We anticipate 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. VaMom

    Seeing others accepted 1/21 start to get refunds is starting to give me hope. Still no 846 for me yet.

    Reply

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    4
  2. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Aug-3
    • WMR Date:
      Aug-7
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Aug-19
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @dj: thank you!!! I

    Reply

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    1
  3. Eddleman23

    @shelleybeanss: Congrats!! I hope I’m next out of the group lmao I been waiting about as long as you and @harrya. !! Ughh!! That’s awesome!

    Reply

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    2
  4. dj

    @harrya: congratulations

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    1
  5. dj

    @harrya: congratulations o

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  6. dj

    @shelleybeanss: congratulations so happy for you!!!!!

    Reply

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    1
  7. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Aug-3
    • WMR Date:
      Aug-7
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Aug-19
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Leeloo: thank you!! I have been opening the transcript every few minutes. Honestly can’t believe it’s real lol. Felt like it was never going to happen

    Reply

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    1
  8. Leeloo

    @shelleybeanss:
    OhMyGiddyAunt!!!
    i am doing a happy dance for you sweet girl!!!
    your long wait is over!
    celebrate!
    Hallelujah!

    Reply

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    2
  9. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Aug-3
    • WMR Date:
      Aug-7
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Aug-19
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Jacky_FL not logged in: thank you!! I’ve been in shock since 4am when I first opened and that 846 was staring back at me

    Reply

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    3
  10. Jacky_FL not logged in

    @shelleybeanss: Congratulations πŸŽ‰πŸŽˆβœ¨

    Reply

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    1
  11. Bob

    I wonder if you owe the it’s do they add interest since it took so long. Probably not!

    Reply

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  12. harrya

    @shelleybeanss: i hear you

    Reply

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    1
  13. harrya

    @shelleybeanss: it was direct deposit from turbo tax and they didnt take out dd fee

    Reply

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    1
  14. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Aug-3
    • WMR Date:
      Aug-7
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Aug-19
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @harrya: did you originally request direct deposit and did they direct deposit the actual refund or mail you a check? I’ve seen some on here say they were sent a check after the delayed processing

    Reply

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  15. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Aug-3
    • WMR Date:
      Aug-7
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Aug-19
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @harrya: thank you!!! It shows interest on my transcripts. Now just a waiting game to see when I get that cash. I feel the same way you did. I’ll believe when I have that money in my account. :)

    Reply

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    1
  16. harrya

    @shelleybeanss: good for you i did the same did you get interest too

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    1
  17. NeishaB
    • Tax Preparer:
      Other
    • Date Filed:
      Feb-3
    • Fees:
      Free
    • Bank:
      Navy Federal
    • Bars:
      What Bars?
    • Date Accepted:
      Feb-3
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      20241005
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Mar-25
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-25
    • I Got My Refund!

    Hello

    My amended return was adjusted today.The last TC code on my transcript is 290,When should I expect a ddd?

    Reply

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    1
  18. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Aug-3
    • WMR Date:
      Aug-7
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Aug-19
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    Oh. My. Gawd!!! I FINALLY woke up to an 846 for 8/7!! I am crying! Is my nightmare actually over?! I’ve closed and opened the transcript 5x.πŸ₯Ή

    Reply

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    12
  19. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Aug-3
    • WMR Date:
      Aug-7
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Aug-19
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @JennyC: seems to be the case this year. Unfortunately. I’m truly dumbfounded

    Reply

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    1
  20. F.cktheIRS

    Day 153 AND the saga Continues SMHπŸ™πŸ½πŸ™πŸ½

    Reply

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    1
  21. JennyC

    @shelleybeanss: it’s been well over 9 weeks for me. I verified the first week of march. Smh and still nothing!

    Reply

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  22. F.cktheIRS

    @harrya: Woohooo Congratulationsss πŸ’ͺπŸ½πŸ’°

    Reply

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    1
  23. Jacky_FL not logged in

    @harrya: Congratulations πŸŽ‰

    Reply

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    1
  24. harrya

    My nightmare is over money in my account today, only wish you guys were done too it would make it so much better

    Reply

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    12
  25. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Aug-3
    • WMR Date:
      Aug-7
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Aug-19
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    It’s early but nothing today

    Reply

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    2
  26. JAhloel

    @shelleybeanss: I verified over the phone and also had to submit my ip pin the same day.

    Have you updated today?

    Reply

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    1
  27. Popeye

    Has anyone updated on WMR today?

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  28. Jacky_FL not logged in

    @shelleybeanss: nada πŸ˜”
    πŸ™πŸΌ

    Reply

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    1
  29. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Aug-3
    • WMR Date:
      Aug-7
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Aug-19
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Jacky_FL: nothin. I’ve had no movement of any kind and have yet to hear from the TA I was supposed assigned to a month ago :/
    Anything for you yet?

    Reply

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  30. 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: any news??

    Reply

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    1
  31. Jacky_FL not logged in

    I verified 3/5 over the phone. Still waiting

    Reply

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    3
  32. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Aug-3
    • WMR Date:
      Aug-7
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Aug-19
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Jahloel: by chance did you verify online? Or in person/over the phone?

    Reply

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  33. Jahloel

    @thebig1: We are all still waiting!

    I verified over 9 weeks ago and still waiting. 🀦

    They’re moving extra slow this hear because of more fraud than normal.

    Reply

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    1
  34. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Aug-3
    • WMR Date:
      Aug-7
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Aug-19
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @thebig1: the irs can take up to 9 weeks after they process your ID verification to process the return

    Reply

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    2
  35. thebig1

    I verified my return on 7/11 with idme yet my account transcript still shows 0 as well as nothing printed. the date listed is 8/5/24 any advice?

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    1
  36. derek5248

    Yay finally getting my refund after 7 months

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    10
  37. Sunflower173

    @Jimmy122 Congratulations 🎊 πŸ‘ πŸŽ‰

    Reply

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    1
  38. shelleybeanss
    • Tax Preparer:
      Turbo Tax
    • Date Filed:
      Jan-21
    • Fees:
      From Refund
    • Bank:
      CK
    • Bars:
      2nd Bar
    • Date Accepted:
      Jan-24
    • Date Approved:
      Aug-3
    • WMR Date:
      Aug-7
    • Transcript:
      Online
    • Cycle Code:
      05
    • Cycle:
      Weekly
    • As of:
      Aug-19
    • Processing Date:
      Mar-4
    • I Got My Refund!

    @Jimmy122: congrats 🍾

    Reply

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    1
  39. Jimmy122

    I finally updated!!πŸ€‘πŸ€‘

    Reply

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    5
  40. Leeloo

    @harrya:
    Yay!!!
    So happy for you! πŸ˜€πŸ˜€
    It’s been a long wait!

    Reply

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    2