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You logged into the "Where's My Refund" tool to check your refund status, and now you see a message with the words "Refer to IRS Topic 152." You may be wondering what that means, or worried that you did something wrong. But there's no need to worry. This article will explain what code 152 IRS means, why it happens, and how to prevent it in the future.
What does IRS Topic 152 mean?
IRS Topic 152 (aka Tax Topic 152 or code 152 IRS) is neither good nor bad. In the simplest terms, Tax Topic 152 means that the IRS needs some additional time to process your tax refund. You will still get your refund, and it does not mean you are being audited.
In 9 out of 10 cases, you can expect to receive your tax refund in 21 days or less. However, in some cases, additional reviews are needed and will take more time. Tax Topic 152 does not mean you made a mistake when filing your taxes (Tax Topic 303 indicates that there is an error). Tax topic 152 also does not require you to take any additional steps. It is just the IRS's way of letting you know your refund will be later than expected.
What does it mean when code 152 IRS disappears?
So long as you still have a message saying 'Refer to Tax Topic 152,' it means your return is still processing. If the Tax Topic 152 message disappears, it simply means that the process is moving along!
You may also see the Tax Topic change. If the tax topic changes to 151, this means your refund is under review. This shouldn't cause you to worry. Sometimes, they just need more information. They may also believe you owe money to the government (for instance, because of unpaid taxes or child support) in which case they will take a tax offset. You can accept or contest this offset. The IRS will send you more information on what to do next in the next four weeks
Why might there be a processing delay?
There are a few different reasons why your tax refund is taking longer to process:
• refund is from an amended return (refunds are usually received within 16 weeks of filing but could take up to 20)
• you filed an Injured Spouse Claim
• you filed with an application for an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) attached
• you requested a refund of tax withheld on a Form 1042-S by filing a Form 1040-NR (refunds may take 6 months)
In the past two years, historic backlogs at the IRS have also caused processing delays, especially for people who filed early.
What can I do to prevent delays in the future?
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to speed up the processing of your tax return. However, you can help yourself avoid delays by being well prepared when you file your taxes. Before you start filing, make sure you have the following on hand:
• Personal information such as the full names, Social Security numbers, and birth dates of yourself, your spouse, and any dependents.
• Your previous year’s tax return and your taxpayer identification number
• Any income-related forms you receive, such as W-2s or any 1099s
• Forms for reporting your health insurance coverage, such as a Form 1095
• Any financial records related to charitable donations, childcare costs, or tuition fees
Additionally, you may want to consider filing electronically as opposed to a paper return. This can help you get your refund faster. Plus, mistakes are less likely when you e-file, meaning you won't overpay your taxes.
Learn more about e-filing.
Sources
"Tax Topic 152: A Complete Guide To Refund Information" - Silver Tax Group
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when the "Where's My Refund" tool shows a reference to Tax Topic 152?
Tax Topic 152 simply means the IRS needs additional time to process your tax refund — it is neither a good nor bad sign. You will still receive your refund, and it does not mean you made an error on your return or that you are being audited. No action is required on your part; it is just the IRS's way of letting you know your refund will arrive later than the standard timeframe.
How long does it typically take to receive a tax refund, and when might it take longer?
In 9 out of 10 cases, taxpayers can expect to receive their refund within 21 days or less. However, certain situations can extend that timeline significantly — for example, refunds from amended returns can take 16 to 20 weeks, and refunds requested on a Form 1040-NR for tax withheld on a Form 1042-S may take up to 6 months.
What specific situations can cause a tax refund to be delayed beyond the normal processing time?
Several circumstances commonly trigger processing delays, including filing an amended return, submitting an Injured Spouse Claim, filing with an attached ITIN application, or requesting a refund of tax withheld on a Form 1042-S via Form 1040-NR. Historic IRS backlogs in recent years have also caused delays, particularly for taxpayers who filed early in the season.
What does it mean if Tax Topic 152 changes to Tax Topic 151?
If the tax topic changes from 152 to 151, it means your refund is under review, which may be because the IRS needs more information or believes you owe money to the government — such as unpaid taxes or child support. In that case, the IRS may apply a tax offset, which you have the right to accept or contest. The IRS will send you additional information on next steps within four weeks.
What steps can taxpayers take to avoid refund processing delays in the future?
While there is little you can do to speed up processing once a return is filed, being well-prepared before filing can help prevent delays. You should have key documents ready, including Social Security numbers and birth dates for yourself and dependents, your prior year's tax return, all income-related forms such as W-2s and 1099s, health insurance coverage forms like a Form 1095, and records for deductions such as charitable donations or childcare costs. Filing electronically rather than submitting a paper return can also help you receive your refund faster and reduce the likelihood of errors.
About the Author
Tax Professional
Jessie Seaman is a tax professional at IRS.com with expertise in U.S. federal and state tax law. Their articles are written to help taxpayers understand complex tax topics in plain English.