Tax Topic 152: Will I Still Get My Tax Refund? (2024)

Tax topics are a system the IRS uses to organize tax returns and share information with taxpayers. Here's what it means if you receive a message about Tax Topic 152.

Tax Topic 152: Will I Still Get My Tax Refund? (1)

Key Takeaways

  • You may see the message "Refer to Tax Topic 152" when checking the status of your tax return through the "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website.
  • Topic 152 is a generic reference code notifying you that your return may require further review and could take longer than the typical 21 days. No additional steps are required.
  • You may see Topic 152 if you’re making an Injured Spouse claim or you have attached an application for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • You may see the “Tax Topic 303” reference code when tracking your refund. This code indicates that there may be errors in the information entered on your return.

Tax Topic 152

When checking the status of your tax return through the "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website, you may see a message that says "Refer to Tax Topic 152." In this case, you'll want to know why you're seeing this code and what you should do about it.

Let's gather an understanding of what this topic is and what it means for your tax refund.

What is Tax Topic 152?

Topic 152 is a generic reference code that some taxpayers may see when accessing the IRS refund status tool. Unlike other codes that a taxpayer might encounter, Tax Topic 152 doesn't require any additional steps from the taxpayer.

According to the IRS, 9 out of 10 tax refunds are processed in their normal time frame of fewer than 21 days. But if you come across a reference to Tax Topic 152, your return may require further review and could take longer than the typical 21 days.

Keep in mind this tax topic doesn't mean you made a mistake or did anything wrong when filing. It simply means your return is being processed and has yet to be approved or rejected.

TurboTax Tip:

Keeping good financial records will help you avoid errors or delays. The TurboTax Tax Preparation Checklist may help you collect the information you’ll need to report on your taxes.

Why might my tax return take longer to process?

There are several reasons why your tax return may take a little longer to process and lead to you being referred to Tax Topic 152. The following situations are among those reasons:

  • Making an Injured Spouse claim
  • Application for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) attached
  • Refunds from amended returns (refund usually received within 16 weeks of filing)
  • Requesting a refund of tax withheld on Form 1042-S by filing a Form 1040-NR (refunds are usually received within six months of filing)

How can I ensure there aren't any delays?

Before you sit down to prepare your tax return, make sure you have all of the necessary information at hand. This might include:

  • Income-related forms you received, such asW-2s or any 1099s
  • Any necessary forms for reporting your health insurance coverage, such as aForm 1095
  • Your previous year’s tax return and your taxpayer identification number
  • Personal identification information such as full names, Social Security numbers, and birthdates for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents
  • Your Identity Protection PIN if you were issued one by the IRS

TurboTax offers a complete checklist with all of the information you’ll need to report on your taxes. Beyond the basics, this list also includes information on non-work-related income, such as dividends, and information for reporting credits and deductions, such as childcare costs or the charitable contributions you made during that tax year.

It’s important that you don’t guess or estimate when filling in any of these amounts. Keeping careful financial records will help you report accurately and avoid errors or delays.

It's also critical that you double-check all of the information on your return to ensure it is correct and complete. TurboTax helps walk you through these steps when filing your return. You can also use e-file and direct deposit to ensure that you'll receive your refund as quickly as possible.

What is Tax Topic 303?

Tax Topic 303 is another reference code you may see when tracking your refund. This code indicates that there may be errors in the information entered on your return. When using TurboTax to file your taxes, we help detect common problems such as these so you can avoid errors that make it take longer to receive your refund. Common errors that trigger the Tax Topic 303 message and further IRS review of your return include:

  • Incorrect or illegible name, ITIN, address, or ZIP code
  • Incorrect filing status or dependent information
  • Missing names or ITINs for those listed on the return
  • Information entered on the wrong lines or missing schedules (attachments)
  • Incorrect calculations for deductions or credits
  • Incorrect tax tables used for figuring income tax
  • Missing signature or date
  • Missing or incorrect Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
  • Incorrect banking or routing number given for direct deposit refunds

The bottom line is that if you receive a message indicating you should reference Tax Topic 152, there is no need to panic. Your refund will likely continue to process, but it may take a little longer than expected.

With TurboTax Live Full Service, a local expert matched to your unique situation will do your taxes for you start to finish. Or, get unlimited help and advice from tax experts while you do your taxes with TurboTax Live Assisted.

And if you want to file your own taxes, you can still feel confident you'll do them right with TurboTax as we guide you step by step. No matter which way you file, we guarantee 100% accuracy and your maximum refund.

Tax Topic 152: Will I Still Get My Tax Refund? (2024)

FAQs

Tax Topic 152: Will I Still Get My Tax Refund? ›

While the IRS processes most refunds within 21 days, seeing Tax Topic 152 could mean your return needs further review, potentially extending the processing time. The exact timing will vary depending on individual return details.

Does topic 152 mean I'm getting a refund? ›

Tax Topic 152 means the IRS is processing your refund. That's all it means. The IRS has received your tax refund, and the agency is processing it. For some reason, processing is taking longer than usual, but unfortunately, this Tax Topic doesn't explain why processing is taking so long.

How long after topic 152 will I get my refund from TurboTax? ›

Unlike other codes that a taxpayer might encounter, Tax Topic 152 doesn't require any additional steps from the taxpayer. According to the IRS, 9 out of 10 tax refunds are processed in their normal time frame of fewer than 21 days.

What happens when tax topic 152 disappears? ›

Answer. The disappearance of tax topic 152 typically indicates that the IRS has processed your tax return but does not give exact information on the timing of your refund.

How long can the IRS hold your refund for review? ›

If the IRS is reviewing your return, the review process could take anywhere from 45 to 180 days, depending on the number and types of issues the IRS is reviewing.

How long after IRS verification will I get my refund? ›

What happens after I successfully verify? We'll process your tax return. It may take up to 9 weeks to receive your refund or credit any overpayment to your account.

How long does it take the IRS to approve your refund? ›

(updated December 22, 2023) We issue most refunds in less than 21 calendar days. However, if you mailed your return and expect a refund, it could take four weeks or more to process your return.

How do I know if the IRS received my tax return? ›

The most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the Where's My Refund? tool on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of the taxpayer's e-filed return.

What day of the week does the IRS deposit refunds? ›

What days of the week can I receive my refund? The exact day of the week that the IRS will deposit your refund into your account can vary, but they usually send the refund on every business day, from Monday to Friday.

Where's my refund ok? ›

To check the refund status, visit OkTAP at tax.ok.gov and click “Where's My Refund.”

Will I still get my refund with tax topic 151? ›

However, a Topic 151 review may have similar elements as an audit. In some cases, the IRS may complete the review and send your refund as usual. In other cases, they may adjust your return or ask for additional information. Providing additional information is similar to the beginning of the audit process.

How do I know if the IRS will offset my refund? ›

To determine whether an offset will occur on a debt owed (other than federal tax), contact BFS's TOP call center at 800-304-3107 (800-877-8339 for TTY/TDD help).

How do you know if your refund is under review? ›

If the IRS decides that your return merits a second glance, you'll be issued a CP05 Notice. This notice lets you know that your return is being reviewed to verify any or all of the following: Your income. Your tax withholding.

What is the tax topic 151 refund? ›

You received a Tax Topic 151 notice from the IRS because they're reviewing your tax return and have identified potential issues or outstanding debts, such as unpaid taxes, child support payments, federal student loans, etc. The IRS is notifying you as a courtesy to inform you that your tax refund may be affected.

What is the schedule for tax refund 2024? ›

When will I receive my tax refund?
If the IRS accepts your return by:Direct deposit could be sent as early as:Or your check could be mailed as early as:
March 25April 15April 22
April 1April 22April 29
April 8April 29May 6
April 15May 6May 13
8 more rows
Feb 21, 2024

Should I be worried if my tax refund is still being processed? ›

If your refund details state that it's still processing, you can check your tax return to see if you catch any errors. If your refund status instructs you to contact the IRS, you can speak to an agent to get clarification by calling 1-800-829-1040.

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