Filed 3/15: "Return Processing Delayed" message on WMR with Tax Topic 152 for 2+ months - Anyone eventually get a DDD?

Yes, this is completely normal these days. The "processing delayed" message with Tax Topic 152 usually means your return is in the normal processing queue but taking longer than the standard 21 days. This doesn't indicate any problems with your return - just that the IRS is backed up. Most people do eventually get their refund after seeing this message. Your best bet is to check your tax transcript (if you can access it) rather than WMR for more detailed information. Look for transaction codes like 846 which would indicate your refund has been scheduled. The IRS is still processing returns from January and February, so a March filing might take 60-90 days total. If you reach the 3-month mark with no updates, then consider calling the IRS or contacting Taxpayer Advocate Service.

I was in the exact same situation last month. Filed around same time, got the delay message, and spent hours trying to decipher my transcript when I finally got access. It was nothing but confusing codes everywhere. I eventually found this tool called taxr.ai that literally changed everything. It analyzed my transcript, explained all the weird codes, told me exactly what was happening with my return and when I could expect payment. So much better than playing detective on a bunch of confusing IRS codes. I use it weekly now to check if anything's changed with my status. https://taxr.ai

After dealing with the same issue for 10 weeks, I finally got through to a real person at the IRS using Claimyr. Was getting desperate after calling the regular number like 20 times and always getting disconnected. The Claimyr app called for me and got me connected to a live agent who actually fixed the issue with my delayed refund. Said there was a simple verification flag on my account they cleared up in 5 minutes. Got my DDD two days later. Best money I've spent this year considering I was waiting on thousands in refund! Check it out at claimyr.com

Got the same message after filing 2/28. Waited 11 weeks total, then suddenly got my DDD. No rhyme or reason to it. The IRS is just absurdly backed up this year. If you're past 45 days of waiting, they technically owe you interest too.

The IRS can't even process returns from February yet for most people I know. Complete disaster this year. They spend all this money on enforcement but can't hire enough people to process returns on time. 🤬

I got that same message for 9 weeks straight, then suddenly on week 10 it updated to approved and I had my deposit 2 days later. No rhyme or reason to it, just be patient. There's nothing you did wrong.

Tax Topic 152 actually just means you're likely getting a refund and nothing is severely wrong. It's a generic notice. My advice is to call the IRS. The topiuc 152 doesn't mean there's an audit or issue, just that you're in the refund queue.

I had this for THREE MONTHS before getting my DDD. The system is broken. Would have been completely in the dark if I hadn't used taxr.ai to decode my transcript and figure out what was actually happening. My transcript showed a review code that WMR never mentioned! https://taxr.ai

I had the same issue and discovered my return was stuck in ERS (Error Resolution System) - something WMR never tells you! Only found out when I finally reached a human. All because I had a small math error that the computer flagged. Wasted 2 months waiting. Try calling them at 7am exactly when they open.

Check to see if you claimed the Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit. Those automatically delay processing until mid-February at the earliest due to the PATH Act, and this year they're running even further behind.

the most annoying part of this whole process is just the complete lack of transparency from the IRS. like, just tell us whats going on with our money! why is that so hard?

Got the same mesage on February 20th and just got my refund yesterday. No explanation, no updates, it just suddenly showed up in my account. THE most infuriating process imaginable.

Took me 13 weeks last year with this same message. Called Claimyr to finally reach someone and they told me my account had a simple verification flag that needed to be cleared. Fixed in 10 mins on the phone. Check out claimyr.com - the only way I've ever been able to actually reach a live person at the IRS without spending my entire day on hold.

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.