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 “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.

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. Sunflower173

    @shelleybeanss: thank you sweetheart. I’m even crossing my toes at this point.

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    1
  2. Wheresmy$

    Filed 1/29 rec’d 4464c letter 2/15 (60 day wait) 60 days came was told 60 more days. I have called up to 50 times each rep tells different info. Was told by one in May to send in paystubs from both my employers. I faxed them, was never rec’d. July was told to again send in paystubs but use irs tool. Called last week they rec’d them but still no update. School has started.. we’ve been living in hotels since the winter was planning on using return to get our family back up very disappointed 😔 they have money for everybody else but not the money you worked for and is owed to you

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    3
  3. Eddleman23

    Check mailed on the 3rd… still no check on my informed delivery today 😭

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    1
  4. Jenny v

    Can I do an amended return today?

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  5. 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!

    @Sunflower173: I think that significant of a date change is positive news!! Fingers crossed for you this week

    Reply

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    1
  6. 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

    I have TC 290 8/12/2024 on my amended return.What’s next?

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  7. Sunflower173

    I checked my transcript and my as of date changed from February 26th 2024 to now August 26th 2024. Whatever that means smh… 🤦🏻‍♀️Hopefully that’s a good sign. I guess I have no choice, but to wait and see. Congratulations to all who received a their refunds and deposit dates.🎊🎉

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    4
  8. F.cktheIRS

    Day 163 not a sound not a Peep!😭😭😭😭😭 I’ll be back on day 180 to let you guys know if I haven’t updated! Calling has been useless for ME.

    Reply

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    1
  9. harrya

    @Eddleman23: good for you!!

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    1
  10. Eddleman23

    Tax advocate just confirmed my check was mailed on the 3rd!!!!!! Any day now!

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    9
  11. Joe Shmoe

    Filed amended return for 2023 back in may. Now transcripts are updated with 846 as of 8/9. It’s a paper check

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    5
  12. Eddleman23

    @shelleybeanss: that’s okay girl!! Haha I understand and thank you I’m hoping wmr updates tomorrow with some info lol

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    1
  13. 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!

    @Eddleman23:
    @Eddleman23: I’m not sure. If they are mailing the check, my son received his paper check 4 days after approved. Fingers crossed you see it in the next few days

    (Sorry bout the partial post, page reloaded as I was typing 💬 grrr 😂)

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  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!

    @Eddleman23: I’m not sure. If they are mailing the check, my son received his paper check 4 days after approved. Fingers crossed you se

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  15. Eddleman23

    @shelleybeanss: THANK YOU!! 😊 do you know how long it will take for me to recieved if it has a date of 8/1 beside the 840 and interest code?

    Reply

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  16. 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!

    @Eddleman23: the light at the end of the tunnel!!! Congrats 🎉

    Reply

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    1
  17. 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!

    @VAMom: congrats!!!!! 🎊

    Reply

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  18. Eddleman23

    @harrya: it says refund issued so I’m gonna call today and see if it’s been mailed.

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    2
  19. Lele91

    Only change I have made today is my as of date changed to 8/26 I’m so over it.

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    2
  20. harrya

    @Eddleman23: 840 is a manual refund , being processed by a person

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    2
  21. harrya

    @VAMom: get the money!!!

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    1
  22. Eddleman23

    Omg guys!!! I have an 840 refund issued and then interest and then it have a 971 for hardship??? Those codes have 8/1 beside it.. when will I recieve my refund I’ve always gotten the 846 not an 840.. also I’m missing about 1700 dollars on my refund the amount went down I wonder why ! But THIS IS GOOD NEWS!!!!!

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    2
  23. VAMom

    Finally!!! 846! 8/14 …7 month wait is almost over.

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    5
  24. harrya

    @shelleybeanss: nice🤑

    Reply

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    1
  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!

    @Sunflower173: thank you!!

    Reply

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  26. Sunflower173

    @shelleybeans Congratulations sweetheart 🎉🎊

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    1
  27. Eddleman23

    @shelleybeanss: I’m so happy for you!

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    3
  28. 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!

    SBTPG just now updated to FUNDED! Expecting to see the funds in ck bank by tomorrow. Oh my gosh!! Oh my gosh!! One more step to actually being real

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    10
  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!

    @harrya: I can’t figure out where my money will end up. I got the advance when I filed in January. And sbtpg has that listed as well as my original expected refund. But no funding or anything updated. And ck bank shows nothing. They deposit a few days early and have no indication a deposit is coming. :(

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  30. harrya

    @shelleybeanss: Mine showed nothing they took the filing fees out 2 months ago from my checking, gave me the whole refund and didnt take out elec trans fee

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    2
  31. 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!

    @India21: thank you for the response. My ddd is tomorrow but I really thought sbtpg would have at least had something show on their end yesterday. Hopefully I see they at least are funded on their end today and with the updated dollar amount. It’s being sent to ck bank after sbtpg does their part. Fingers crossed!! Thank you again

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    2
  32. India21

    @shelleybeanss: Yes the day before normally shows they received the refund however there’s been times when the day of they posted and sent to the tax payer bank

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    2
  33. 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!

    For anyone that uses TT with fees taken out, did SBTPG show they at least were funded on their end by the day before scheduled ddd? It’s still not showing for me and now I’m getting concerned that TT and sbtpg have screwed this up, after this 6 month wait

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  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!

    @harrya: it’s not in there yet. It still shows on sbtpg site that they’re going to process it first but they haven’t even gotten the transmission yet either :/ hopefully I’ll see something this afternoon or tomorrow

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    1
  35. harrya

    @shelleybeanss: Did you get some good news today?

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    1
  36. 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!

    @alex7661: it looks like it’s doing maintenance. Sundays are usually maintenance days for irs account page and WMR

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  37. alex7661

    Is where’s my refund working for people today? I got my refund approved message yesterday and then today it switched to “We cannot provide any information about your refund. If you electronically filed a complete and accurate tax return you should receive your refund in about 21 days from the received date. If you mailed your return please allow 6 weeks.” anyone have this issue before?

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    1
  38. Waitingonmines2

    Been observing since March learned a lot from other people situations even though I’m going through the same but inspired to know it’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Congrats to everyone who made the famous “846” code

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    4
  39. harrya

    Hang in there everyone

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    9
  40. 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!

    @VaMom: it has been a ridiculously drawn out amount of time on processing but they are starting to process. Feels like literally one at a time. Sending all the positive vibes that I have that you process very very soon

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    4