What does tax topic 152 mean exactly and not answering with geneal

[Critter-3]

There are a lot of delays for federal refunds.  Did you mail your return or e-file?

If you mailed it:

MAILED RETURNS

The IRS has been working  through millions of mailed returns that have been piling up in trailers during the pandemic.  All you can do is watch the IRS refund site to see when your return makes it to the surface and goes into processing. Sorry.

Per the IRS website IRS Operations During COVID-19: Mission-critical functions continue:

IRS operational status and alternatives

Processing Delays for Paper Tax Returns: Taxpayers should file electronically through their tax preparer, tax software provider, or IRS Free File. 

We’re experiencing delays in processing paper tax returns due to limited staffing. If you already filed a paper return, we will process it in the order we received it.

Do not file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.

If  you mail a tax return (or a payment) to the IRS, it is a good idea to use a mailing service that will track it like UPS or certified mail so you will know it was received.

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. 

TurboTax will not know anything about your mailed return, and will continue to show “Ready to Mail” on your account.  TurboTax will not know that you put your tax return in an envelope and took it to a mailbox.  TurboTax does not get updates on mailed  (or e-filed) returns.

When the IRS finally opens its mail and begins to process mailed returns you can check the status on the IRS site. https://www.irs.gov/refunds

State returns have to be mailed to the state.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund

Or......

Did you e-file?  Did you click a big orange button that said “Transmit my returns now?”

When you e-file your federal return you will receive two emails from TurboTax.  The first one will say that your return was submitted.  The second email will tell you if your federal return was accepted or rejected.  If you e-filed a state return, there will be a third email to tell you if the state accepted or rejected your state return.

First, check your e-file status to see if your return was accepted:

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/

If the IRS accepted it, what does it say here? 

https://www.irs.gov/refunds        

  Or does your account say “Ready to Mail?”

Note: If it says “Ready to Mail” or “Printed” that means YOU have to mail it yourself.  TurboTax does not mail your tax return for you.

If your e-file was accepted:

To check on regular tax refund status via automated phone, call 800-829-1954. (This line has no information on Economic Impact Payments.)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/

TurboTax gives you an estimated date for receiving your refund based on a 21 day average from your date of acceptance, but it can take longer.  Many refunds are taking longer during the pandemic. 

Once your federal return has been accepted by the IRS, only the IRS has any control. TurboTax does not receive any updates from the IRS. Your ONLY source of information about your refund now is the IRS.

You need your filing status, your Social Security number and the exact amount  (line 20 of your Form 1040) of your federal refund to track your Federal refund:   

https://www.irs.gov/refunds

To track your state refund:    

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901548-why-do-some-refunds-take-longer-than-others

[Hawk8]

I recieved a letter a couple months ago from the IRS stating I owed x amount of money. I got the topic 152 message. So if you owe money they are probably taking what's owed to them. So if you are aware of some IRS debt, expect the message.

[Eboniemilhouse]

Why is

[ChondelLO]

Topic No. 152, at the IRS website, means that some tax returns may require further review and could take longer. For more information please click the link below.

https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc152

[Rwchille]

I filed my taxes with tax free USA and 152 showed up so what does this mean please someone fell me the problem

[Rwchille]

 I don't have a dependant or any earned income on my taxes so what's the hold up

[Rwchille]

I don't have a direct deposit 

[Critter-3]

Only the IRS controls when and if a tax refund is Approved and Sent.

Since the season started 2 weeks later than normal more returns then normal piled up in the processing pipeline   so  it is understandable that it will take a bit longer than normal  to clear the backlog of returns so patience will be needed ... check the IRS site every couple of days for a progress report :  

https://www.irs.gov/refunds

Call the IRS:  1-800-829-1040  hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Monday-Friday

When calling the IRS do NOT choose the first option re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.  

So after first choosing your language, then do NOT choose Option 1 (refund info).  Choose option 2 for "personal income tax" instead.

Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".   

Then press 3 "for all other questions."

Then press 2 "for all other questions."  

- When it asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, don’t enter anything.  

- After it asks twice, you will get another menu.

Then press 2 and then 4 …       

It should then transfer you to an agent.

Or you can contact your local IRS office.  See this IRS website for local IRS offices - http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-Your-Local-IRS-Office-1 or call 1-844-545-5640 to set up an appointment

Or you may want to contact a Taxpayer Advocate in your area.  See this IRS website for Taxpayer Advocate in your area and a toll free number - http://www.irs.gov/Advocate/Local-Taxpayer-Advocate

[jzinibi]

My return says it is being processed and then at the bottom it says topic152. See for more tax information.

what does that mean.

[JeanneLO]

Topic 152 is a generic message the IRS gives to let you know they are still processing your tax return. You will not receive a refund until the processing is complete. 

If the IRS changes the code and needs additional information they will mail you a letter. Please see this from the IRS for more information: https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc152

@jzinibi

[jzinibi]

Thank you, also my refund page says still being processed. Should I be worried. I filed on February 13 and it was accepted on the 13th. I got my state refund but haven't received my federal. Can you help. I filed thru turbo tax so everything should be correct.

[KatrinaLO]

There are a lot of delays for federal refunds this year. The IRS is working overtime to get stimulus payments sent out to you and process your tax returns. Per the IRS website IRS Operations During COVID-19: Mission-critical functions continue: Please visit here and see all services that have slowed down or been delayed due to Covid-19.

Once your tax return has been submitted, the most up to date information will come from the IRS. The IRS releases most refunds within 21 calendar days after the e-filed return has been accepted (received), not 21 days from the e-filing date. 

[Shellygirl127]

I do not understand why TT would not receive updates beyond accepted. Would you please explain

[Shellygirl127]

I do not understand why TT does not receive updates beyond "accepted". Could you please explain this to me?

[Shellygirl127]

@CassLO 

Second posting as I did not see the @ hint until I had already hit send and would like to ensure it is linked to your content.

I do not understand why TT does not receive any updates beyond "accepted". Could you please explain this to me.