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.

Is topic 152 a good thing? ›

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.

Does tax topic 152 mean refund soon TurboTax? ›

Topic 152 is a generic message the IRS gives to let you know they are still processing your tax return. You will not receive a refund until the processing is complete. TurboTax does not receive updates from the IRS once they have accepted your return.

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

See our Held or Stopped Refund page or our video for more information. 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. However, if we find other problems, we'll contact you again and this may delay your refund.

How long after code 152 will I get my refund? ›

How long after seeing Tax Topic 152 will I receive my 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.

What is the tax topic 152 common? ›

Tax Topic 152 is a code on the IRS “Where's My Refund” tool. It simply means that the IRS has accepted your tax return and is processing your refund. Taxpayers with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or an Injured Spouse Claim may experience longer refund processing times.

What is the tax topic 152 for 2024? ›

Although the Where's My Refund tool typically shows a status of Received, Approved or Sent, there are a variety of other messages some users may see. One of the most common is Tax Topic 152, indicating you're likely getting a refund but it hasn't been approved or sent yet.

What is Section 152 of the IRS? ›

Dependent Defined. a qualifying relative. If an individual is a dependent of a taxpayer for any taxable year of such taxpayer beginning in a calendar year, such individual shall be treated as having no dependents for any taxable year of such individual beginning in such calendar year.

What happens when tax topic 152 disappears? ›

If you\'re seeing tax topic 152 and your refund status bar has disappeared, it generally means that the IRS is still processing your tax return. It\'s a common message that indicates your return is being reviewed and that there may not be any action required from you at this time.

How do I know if my tax return has been flagged? ›

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 happens when your refund is under review? ›

When the IRS officially places your return under review, you'll receive a CP05 notice. This will immediately put your refund processing on delay until the review is complete. However, if you owe money, you're still expected to pay the IRS no matter that your refund is on hold.

Why is IRS still reviewing my refund? ›

The IRS is reviewing your return because there is something in your return that they want to verify or look at more closely. It still does not automatically mean that you are being audited, but it does mean the IRS is taking a closer look at your return.

How long after IRS says processing will I get my refund? ›

If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued in about six to eight weeks from the date IRS receives your return. If you file your return electronically, your refund should be issued in less than three weeks, even faster when you choose direct deposit.

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

In most cases IRS will electronically send refund to your bank/financial institution on Friday and in most cases, you will see it in your account on the following Tuesday. Electronically filed returns generally get refunds more quickly than mailed returns.

How long after code 150 will I get my refund? ›

Direct deposit: Refunds scheduled for direct deposit are processed in fewer than 21 days. Paper filing: Complete and accurate returns should result in refunds issued in 6–8 weeks.

What does it mean when tax topic 152 disappears after? ›

If you\'re seeing tax topic 152 and your refund status bar has disappeared, it generally means that the IRS is still processing your tax return. It\'s a common message that indicates your return is being reviewed and that there may not be any action required from you at this time.

What does tax topic 152 mean on Reddit? ›

152 is standard, if you don't receive your refund by 21 days call the irs. You should have it by Feb 22 though. Upvote 5 Downvote. MelissaW3stCherry. • 6mo ago.

Is tax topic 151 bad? ›

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.

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