Tax Topic 152: What It Means for Your IRS Refund in 2024

Tax season can be stressful, especially when you're waiting for your refund. If you've been tracking your refund status using the IRS's “Where's My Refund?” tool, you might have come across a message referring to Tax Topic 152. But what does this mean? Is it good news, bad news, or something in between? And how long should you wait before getting worried?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Tax Topic 152, what it means for your refund, the IRS refund processing timeline, potential delays, and the best steps to take if you're experiencing delays. By the end, you’ll have all the answers you need to navigate your refund status with confidence.

What Is Tax Topic 152?

A Quick Overview of Tax Topic 152

If you’ve checked the IRS's refund tracking tools and found Tax Topic 152 associated with your return, you’re not alone. This reference code simply means that the IRS has received your tax return and is processing it. It’s part of the normal procedure for refunds and generally doesn’t indicate any problems or issues.

However, there are nuances that taxpayers should be aware of. Tax Topic 152 essentially tells you that no immediate action is required and that your refund is still under review. In most cases, this means the IRS is reviewing your return, verifying information, and performing necessary checks before issuing a refund.

How Long Does It Take for the IRS to Process Refunds Under Tax Topic 152?

IRS Refund Timeline Explained

Understanding the IRS refund timeline will help set realistic expectations when you're dealing with Tax Topic 152. Here's a breakdown of how the IRS processes refunds:

Typical Processing Time:

E-Filed Returns: Refunds from electronically filed returns typically take about 21 days to process. This is the quickest method.
Paper Filed Returns: Returns filed on paper can take significantly longer, often 6-8 weeks or more, depending on the time of year.

The key to understanding Tax Topic 152 is that, in most cases, if your return is being processed and this message shows up, it’s still in the queue for review. Don’t worry too much—the IRS generally processes most refunds within a month.

Why Does Tax Topic 152 Stay for Weeks?

When Is It Normal for Tax Topic 152 to Stay on Your Return?

If you've been waiting for weeks and your status hasn’t changed, you might be wondering what’s going on. In most cases, seeing Tax Topic 152 for an extended period is not a reason to panic. There are several factors that can cause delays:

Complex Returns: If your return includes multiple forms or unusual circumstances (e.g., self-employment income, deductions, or credits like the Child Tax Credit), it could take the IRS longer to verify and process.
Manual Review: Some returns need manual intervention due to issues like identity verification or missing information.
High Volume Periods: During peak times, especially around tax deadlines, the IRS may experience delays due to high volumes of returns to process.

What to Do During This Waiting Period:

Check Your IRS Transcript: Sometimes, the IRS may send a refund status notice to explain why there’s a delay. You can also request an IRS transcript to get more details about the status of your refund.

Be Patient: The IRS often updates the “Where’s My Refund?” tool daily, so check back regularly.

What Are the Next Steps if Your Refund Is Delayed Under Tax Topic 152?

Proactive Steps to Take

While most returns under Tax Topic 152 will eventually result in a refund, there are cases where your return might be delayed. Here are a few tips on what you can do to help speed up the process:

Ensure Your Return is Accurate: The IRS may need extra time to process your return if there are discrepancies or missing details.
Respond to IRS Notices: If you’ve received an IRS letter requesting additional information, make sure to respond quickly to avoid further delays.

Use Direct Deposit: If you haven’t chosen direct deposit, consider updating your details. This method is faster and more secure than waiting for a paper check.

Tax Topic 152 vs. Other IRS Tax Topics: What’s the Difference?

A Quick Comparison to Other Common Tax Topics

Tax Topic 152 is just one of several tax topics that you may see during the refund process. Here’s how it compares to others:

Tax Topic 151: Refers to refunds that may be delayed due to issues like refund adjustments or audits. If you see Tax Topic 151, it’s an indication that the IRS may be reviewing your return more closely.
Tax Topic 203: Refers to amended returns or claims for additional refunds. This is common when you’ve made corrections to a previous return.

Key Differences Between Tax Topics:

152: Return is being processed as usual.
151: Refund may be delayed or adjusted.

203: Amended return processing.

How It Differs from Other IRS Codes

Code	Meaning	Urgency Level
152	Processing delay	Monitor
151	Balance due	Act immediately
303	Data mismatch	Correct ASAP
CP05	Random audit hold	Respond within 30 days

Why Do Refunds Take Longer Under Tax Topic 152? Common Causes for Delays

Reasons Refunds May Take Longer

Self-Employed or Freelance Income: Taxpayers who report business income might face additional verification checks, especially if deductions or credits are claimed.
Identity Verification: If the IRS suspects fraud or identity theft, they may ask for additional documentation to verify your identity.

Complicated Tax Forms: The IRS takes longer to process returns that include special forms, like Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation).

Tax Topic 152: Common FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Topic 152

Q1: What does Tax Topic 152 mean on my IRS transcript?

Tax Topic 152 indicates that your tax return is being processed by the IRS, but it does not provide information about when your refund will be issued.

Q2: Is Tax Topic 152 bad?

No, it’s not bad. It simply means the IRS is processing your return, and no immediate action is required unless notified otherwise.

Q3: Does Tax Topic 152 mean I will get my refund soon?

It means your refund is being processed, but it doesn’t guarantee when you will get it. If you filed electronically and your return is straightforward, you can expect your refund in about 21 days.

Q4: What do I do if I see Tax Topic 152 for several weeks?

If you see Tax Topic 152 for an extended period, it’s usually not a cause for concern. The IRS may need additional time to process your return. You can request your IRS transcript for more details or contact the IRS for clarification if necessary.

Q5: How do I contact the IRS if I have questions about Tax Topic 152?

The best way to reach the IRS is through their official phone lines or by using the IRS website to track the status of your refund. Be ready with your personal details and tax return information.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts on Tax Topic 152

Understanding Tax Topic 152 is essential for managing your expectations and staying informed during tax season. While waiting for your refund can be frustrating, seeing this code is usually a sign that the IRS is processing your return.

By following the proactive tips outlined in this guide and staying on top of your refund status, you can ensure a smoother tax filing experience and a timely refund.

At NJCPA USA, we’re proud to be one of the leading accounting services firms in New York. Whether you're navigating tax season, refund delays, or complex IRS topics like Tax Topic 152, our experienced team is here to help. Trust us for reliable, expert support year-round.