Filed 2/17, Tax Topic 152 Disappeared, Now 'Still Processing' - No Transcript Available

This is actually quite common right now. I filed on January 29th and was accepted that same day, but didn't see any movement until March 12th. The disappearance of Tax Topic 152 sometimes indicates your return is moving to the next stage of processing. When the system transitions between processing stages, the WMR tool can show these temporary changes that don't necessarily indicate problems. Have you verified if you claimed any credits that might delay processing?

According to the IRS2Go app and the official IRS refund status page, most returns are processed within 21 days, but many factors can extend this timeline. When my transcript was in this state, I used https://taxr.ai to analyze my previous year's transcript to understand the normal processing pattern. The tool explained that "no transcript available" often means your return is in the pre-processing queue and hasn't been assigned to a processing team yet. Once it's assigned, the transcript typically appears within 3-5 business days, followed by the refund 7-10 days later.

I went through almost the exact same situation last filing season. My return was accepted on February 15th, showed Tax Topic 152 initially, then it disappeared around the 3-week mark. My transcript also showed nothing for 2023 at that point. In my case, it turned out that my return was selected for a standard verification process - not an audit, just a routine check they do on a percentage of returns. I finally got my refund on April 8th without ever receiving any notification or having to take any action. The system just worked through it slowly. The lack of transparency is frustrating, but patience is unfortunately the only option sometimes.

Have you tried contacting the IRS directly? Based on your timeline, you've now passed the 21-day standard processing window, which means you're eligible to speak with a representative about your return status. Unfortunately, reaching the IRS by phone can be extremely challenging - average wait times are currently 45-90 minutes, and many callers get disconnected before speaking with anyone. I'd recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to connect with an IRS agent quickly. They'll secure your place in the phone queue and call you when an agent is available. This way you can find out if there's an actual issue or if your return is just working through the system normally. What specific credits or deductions did you claim this year?

OMG I'M GOING THROUGH THE EXACT SAME THING RIGHT NOW!!! Filed 2/15, accepted same day, and now NOTHING!!! Tax topic 152 disappeared last week and I'm FREAKING OUT because I need this money for my car payment!!! I called the IRS yesterday and waited TWO HOURS only to be told they can't tell me anything specific except that my return is "in process" and I should "be patient." WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN??? How much longer am I supposed to wait?? This is absolutely ridiculous and I'm beyond frustrated. The agent wouldn't even tell me if there was a problem or not. Just said to wait for either my refund or a letter. UGHHHHH!!!

Your situation indicates a standard processing delay rather than an audit flag. The absence of Transaction Code 570 (indicating a hold) or 971 (indicating a notice being issued) on your account transcript suggests your return hasn't yet completed initial processing. The disappearance of Tax Topic 152 from WMR often correlates with batch processing transitions within the IRS Master File system. Typically, returns filed in mid-February are processed in sequential batches, with priority given to returns claiming EITC/ACTC after the PATH Act release date (which was February 15th this year). Without any error codes appearing, your return is likely still in the verification queue awaiting assignment to a processing team. This is consistent with current processing timelines for non-complex returns.

I was in a very similar situation last year, but with a much smaller refund than most people here (only about $600). Even with that small amount, the waiting and uncertainty was incredibly stressful. What helped me was setting up a payment plan for my medical bills while waiting for the refund. Many medical providers will work with you if you explain the situation - I was able to make a small down payment and then pay the rest when my refund finally arrived. Much less stressful than watching WMR every day! My return was in limbo for about 5 weeks total before suddenly processing and depositing. No explanation for the delay was ever provided.

I completely understand your frustration - this waiting period is incredibly stressful, especially when you have important expenses coming up. Based on what you've described, your situation sounds very typical of what many filers are experiencing this year. The disappearance of Tax Topic 152 after 21 days often indicates your return is moving between processing stages rather than indicating a problem. A few things that might help while you wait: • Try checking your transcript early in the morning (around 6 AM) when the system updates • Consider reaching out to your medical provider about payment plan options - many are understanding about tax refund delays • Document your filing date and acceptance confirmation in case you need to reference it later The "still processing" message is unfortunately the IRS's default response when returns are in the verification queue. Since you filed on 2/17 and it's now been over 21 days, you could try calling the IRS, though as others mentioned, wait times are brutal right now. Hang in there - based on the experiences shared here, it seems like most people in similar situations eventually get their refunds processed, it just takes longer than the advertised 21 days.

I'm going through something very similar right now! Filed on 2/14, accepted same day, and my Tax Topic 152 disappeared about a week ago. My transcript still shows "N/A" for 2024, and WMR just says "still processing" with no updates. What's been driving me crazy is the complete lack of communication from the IRS about what's actually happening. I understand they're processing millions of returns, but a simple status update explaining whether it's in review, verification, or just in the regular queue would save so much anxiety. I tried calling twice but gave up after waiting over an hour each time. From reading everyone's experiences here, it sounds like this is unfortunately normal this year, even though it's incredibly frustrating when you're counting on that money for important expenses. The suggestion about contacting your medical provider about payment arrangements is really good advice - I wish I had thought of that earlier for my own situation. At least knowing that others have eventually gotten their refunds after similar delays gives me some hope that it will work out eventually. Hang in there - it sounds like patience is really the only option right now, as awful as that is when you need the money!

I'm experiencing the exact same thing! Filed on 2/19, accepted same day, Tax Topic 152 disappeared about 10 days ago, and now it's just "still processing" with no transcript available. What's really helped me manage the stress is setting up account alerts with my bank so I'll know immediately when the deposit hits, rather than obsessively checking WMR multiple times a day. I also reached out to my landlord about my rent payment (which I was planning to cover with the refund) and they were surprisingly understanding about a short extension. One thing I noticed from everyone's timelines here - it seems like most people who filed mid-February are hitting this same wall right around the 3-4 week mark. That suggests it's probably a systematic processing bottleneck rather than individual return issues. The waiting is absolutely brutal when you have bills depending on it, but reading through all these similar experiences has convinced me this is just an unfortunately slow year for processing. Hoping we all see movement soon! 🤞

I'm dealing with this exact situation too! Filed on 2/18, accepted immediately, and Tax Topic 152 vanished about a week ago. Now it's just the dreaded "still processing" message with no transcript available. What's been really helpful for managing the anxiety is checking the IRS Processing Statistics page - they're currently running about 2-3 weeks behind their normal timelines due to staffing issues and increased verification procedures this year. Seeing the actual data helped me realize this isn't personal to my return. For your medical procedure payment, definitely reach out to the provider's billing department. Most have hardship or payment plan options, and many are familiar with tax refund delays. I had to do something similar last year and they were surprisingly accommodating. One tip that's saved my sanity: I switched to checking WMR only on Fridays. The daily checking was driving me crazy with no changes. Most updates seem to happen over weekends anyway based on what I've read in various forums. Hang in there - from everything I'm seeing, mid-February filers are all hitting the same processing bottleneck right now. It's frustrating but appears to be completely normal for this tax season! 💪