IRS processing my 2024 tax return with Tax Topic 152 - Should I be concerned after 15 days of waiting?

Tax Topic 152 is actually a standard reference that appears for most tax returns that qualify for a refund. It's not an indicator of a problem or delay with your return. The IRS typically processes most returns within 21 days, but there are several factors that could extend this timeframe: • If your return requires additional review • If you claimed certain credits like EITC or Child Tax Credit • If your return is incomplete or contains errors • If your return was affected by identity theft or fraud The 'approved' and 'sent' sections will update once those stages are reached. Since you're only at 15 days, I'd recommend waiting until you hit the 21-day mark before getting too concerned. The WMR tool typically updates once per day (usually overnight), so checking constantly won't show new information. If you go beyond 21 days without an update, you can try calling the IRS refund hotline at 800-829-1954 or creating an account on the IRS website to view your transcript, which might give more detailed information.

Honestly the WMR tool is so limited in what it tells you. I was in the same boat last month and spent days trying to understand what was happening with my refund. I finally tried taxr.ai and it explained exactly what was happening with my return, why I was seeing Tax Topic 152, and when I could expect my refund based on my specific situation. It saved me so much stress and confusion! Check it out at https://taxr.ai - it reads your transcript and explains everything in plain english instead of IRS code.

After waiting for 30 days with that same message and getting frustrated, I used the Claimyr calling app (claimyr.com) and finally got through to an actual IRS person who explained everything. Turns out they needed to verify some info on my return. Talking to an actual agent was the only way I finally got answers and my refund was released 3 days later. Definitely the best money I've ever spent to get my questions answered instead of staring at that vague message for weeks!

Tax Topic 152 is literally just their way of saying "you'll get a refund at some point maybe." It's the most useless piece of information ever and shows up for basically everyone. I've seen it every year for the past 5 years lol. Just gotta wait it out unfortunately.

Have you checked your transcript? That'll give you wayyyyy more info than the WMR tool. You can access it on the IRS website but you need to create an account if you don't already have one.

Did you file electronically or by mail? Paper returns are taking FOREVER this year. If you filed electronically you should be good within the 21 days unless theres some issue with your return.

The IRS is a 💩 show these days. I waited 4 months for my refund last year! And I had a super simple return with just W2 income. Don't count on that money anytime soon.

If you claimed the child tax credit like you mentioned in another comment, then that automatically adds time to the processing. They have extra verification steps for those returns to prevent fraud. Totally normal.

ugh, been there done that. Tax Topic 152 is basically just IRS speak for "we see you, we're working on it, stop asking when you'll get your money" lol. It doesn't mean anything bad, but it also doesn't tell you anything useful.

You might be getting random verification. Last year they pulled my return for "random verification" and I had to send in copies of all my W2s and other documents. Took an extra 6 weeks. Really sucked.

I tried to understand my transcript codes for WEEKS and it was like trying to decode hieroglyphics. Eventually used taxr.ai and it explained everything, told me exactly what was happening and when I'd get my refund. Seriously saved my sanity. https://taxr.ai

Did you check the refund status on the IRS2Go app like it suggests? Sometimes that gives more info than the website for some reason.

I reccommend calling the IRS directly. Just make sure you have 3-5 hours free to sit on hold 🙃 Last time I called I waited 2.5 hours only to have the call drop. Fun times.

TT152 is literally meaningless. The WMR tool is a joke and doesn't actually tell you what's going on with your return. I recommend getting your transcript or talking to an agent if you want real answers.

Depending on what credits you claimed, your refund might be on a different schedule. For example if you have Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, those are automatically held until at least Mid-February even if you filed in January.

Don't stress too much about Tax Topic 152 - it's basically just the IRS's generic "we're processing your refund" message that shows up for most people. Since you filed electronically and it's only been 15 days, you're still well within the normal timeframe. The fact that you claimed the Child Tax Credit does add some processing time since they have to do additional verification to prevent fraud, but that's totally routine. I'd give it another week or so before getting concerned. The WMR tool only updates once a day (usually overnight), so checking multiple times won't show any new info. If you hit 21+ days with no update, that's when I'd consider calling or looking into other options to get more details about your return status.