What Does IRS Tax Topic 152 Mean?
Clarify the IRS Tax Topic 152 message. Understand this common communication about your tax refund's processing status and what it implies for you.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employs various “Tax Topics” to communicate information and status updates to taxpayers. These topics serve as reference guides, offering insights into common tax-related inquiries and situations. Among these, Tax Topic 152 is frequently encountered by individuals monitoring the status of their tax refunds. This particular topic provides details relevant to the processing and timing of tax refund disbursements.
Understanding Tax Topic 152
Tax Topic 152 is an informational message from the IRS, indicating that a taxpayer’s return is being processed and a refund is expected. This message appears when checking the status of a refund through the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool or the IRS2Go mobile app. While it confirms the IRS has received and is reviewing the return, it does not provide a specific refund date.
The appearance of Tax Topic 152 means the tax return has passed initial checks and is awaiting finalization. It is a routine notification and does not suggest an issue or error with the return itself. However, it can imply that the processing period might extend beyond the typical 21-day timeframe for e-filed returns. This message signals that the IRS is working through the return and the refund is on its way, though perhaps not as quickly as some other refunds.
Common Reasons for Tax Topic 152
Tax Topic 152 appears when the IRS requires additional time to review a tax return before issuing a refund. One reason is the claiming of refundable credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). By law, the IRS cannot issue refunds involving these credits before a specific date in February, even if the return was filed earlier.
Other factors that can lead to this message include identity verification checks or discrepancies between the information provided on the return and data already on file with the IRS. Returns that require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) application or involve an Injured Spouse claim can also trigger Tax Topic 152. General processing delays due to high volumes of returns, especially during peak filing seasons, can result in this message.
Next Steps After Seeing Tax Topic 152
Upon seeing Tax Topic 152, taxpayers should generally exercise patience, as it signifies that the refund is being processed. The most effective action is to continue monitoring the refund status daily using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool or the IRS2Go app, as these platforms update information once every 24 hours, overnight. The message will eventually change once the refund is approved and a direct deposit date or check mailing date is set.
No immediate action is typically required from the taxpayer unless the IRS specifically requests more information, which would usually occur via mail. If the message persists for an unusually long time—exceeding 21 days for e-filed returns or 6 to 8 weeks for paper returns—or if the tool indicates a specific issue, then contacting the IRS may be appropriate. When contacting the IRS, taxpayers should have their Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from their return readily available.