Don't panic about Tax Topic 151! I got this last year and still got my full refund. The IRS is just doing extra verification. In my case they were double-checking my earned income credit and child tax credit amounts. The worst part is definitely the waiting and lack of clear information. If you can, sign up for informed delivery from USPS so you know when any IRS letters are coming to your mailbox.

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Got Tax Topic 151 about 3 weeks ago and have been checking Where's My Refund obsessively. The waiting is absolutely killing me. I did manage to get through to the IRS last week (took about 2 hours on hold) and they told me they're reviewing my return because I claimed the Child Tax Credit and they need to verify my dependent information. The agent said it could take another 4-6 weeks but couldn't give me a definitive timeline. What's frustrating is that all my dependent info is correct - same kid I've claimed for years! But apparently they're being extra thorough this year. The agent did say that as long as everything checks out (which it should), I'll get my full refund plus any interest for the delay. Hang in there - from what I'm reading here it sounds like most people do eventually get their money, it just takes way longer than expected. The uncertainty is the worst part!

dont stress it. mine did that last year and i still got my refund. the system is just overwhelmed rn

I've been through this exact same situation! The "Return Processing Delayed" message with Tax Topic 152 is actually pretty standard when the IRS needs extra time to review your return. Topic 152 just means general refund information - it's not indicating a specific problem with your return. The delay could be due to high volume, identity verification, or just routine review. Most people I know who got this message still received their refunds, it just took 4-6 weeks instead of the usual 21 days. Try not to stress too much - the IRS is just being extra cautious this year!

I had this happen and finally got through to an agent using claimyr.com (they get you a callback from IRS instead of waiting on hold forever). The agent told me my return was flagged because my W2 information hadn't been received from my employer yet. Once they got that, my return processed quickly. Talking to someone was the only thing that gave me peace of mind during the wait. Worth every penny when you're dealing with refund delays.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed early February as Head of Household and had the standard 21-day message for weeks. Just checked yesterday and now it says "still being processed" with completely blank transcripts. From what I'm reading here, it sounds like this is unfortunately pretty common this year, especially for HOH filers. The blank transcript seems to indicate they've pulled it for manual review rather than it being lost in the system, which is somewhat reassuring. I'm trying to stay patient but it's really stressful when you're counting on that money. Planning to wait another week or two before trying to call, since it sounds like the hold times are absolutely brutal. Thanks for posting this - at least now I know I'm not alone in dealing with this frustrating situation! Keep us updated if you hear anything or see movement on your transcripts. Fingers crossed we both get some answers soon! 🤞

If you're getting the Tax Topic 152 message, it generally means your return is in the normal processing queue and you're going to get a refund eventually. It's annoying but not actually indicating a problem.

I'm in the exact same boat! Filed 3/12 and have been seeing that same "processing delayed" message with Tax Topic 152 for about 8 weeks now. It's so frustrating not knowing what's actually happening. From reading everyone's responses here, it sounds like this is unfortunately the new normal and we just have to wait it out. Some people are getting their refunds after 10-13 weeks, so hopefully we're getting close. The lack of transparency from the IRS is really the worst part - just give us some idea of what stage we're actually in! I'm going to try accessing my transcript like others suggested, and if I hit the 3 month mark with no movement I'll probably try one of those calling services people mentioned. Hang in there!

I'm an accounting student and just wanted to add - make sure whatever educational expenses you're claiming actually qualify for tax benefits! Not all educational purchases are deductible or eligible for credits. For example, if these are for a degree in a field you're already working in, they might be deductible. But if it's for a degree to switch careers, the rules are different. The laptop might be partially deductible depending on how much you use it for education vs. personal use.

Don't panic! You're actually in a much better position than you think. The IRS has specific provisions for situations exactly like yours - it's called "reasonable reconstruction" of records when original documentation is lost through no fault of your own. Your detailed Excel spreadsheet is actually considered "contemporaneous documentation" since you maintained it at the time of purchase, which is exactly what the IRS looks for. Combined with your credit card statements showing the transactions, you have solid supporting evidence. Here's what I'd recommend doing: 1. Print out your credit card/bank statements showing all the educational purchases 2. Make sure your Excel spreadsheet includes dates, vendors, amounts, and educational purpose for each item 3. Search your email for any digital receipts or order confirmations 4. For the laptop and monitors, note down serial numbers if you still have the items The key is being able to show a consistent pattern that ties together your spreadsheet records with your payment records. As long as the expenses are legitimate educational costs and you can demonstrate reasonable documentation, you should be fine claiming them. The IRS understands that receipts sometimes get lost - that's why these alternative documentation rules exist. Just make sure all your claimed expenses actually qualify for educational tax benefits before filing!