IRS Account Transcript Code 152
While getting a tax refund is always exciting, it can be frustrating when the IRS takes longer than expected to process your return. In some cases, taxpayers may see a reference code such as tax topic 152 when checking the Where's My Refund tool.
If you’re looking to file your taxes this year, you might have encountered the IRS Account Transcript Code 152, which says, “Refer to Tax Topic 152.” This is a common message that many taxpayers receive when they check their refund status through the IRS’ Where’s My Refund tool. While this isn’t exactly good news, it doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with your return or that you need to take any additional steps.
IRS Account Transcript Code 152 simply means your return is being processed, but it may take longer than usual due to some factor(s). The most common reason is if you filed your return late or filed an amended return with refund claims attached. Amended returns typically take up to 20 weeks to process, which can cause a delay in your refund. Another common cause for this is if you claim certain tax credits, such as Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit. These tax credits require a more in-depth review than other types of returns, which can lead to delays.
What Does IRS Code 152 Mean?
Most tax refunds are processed within 21 days of being submitted. However, if you see the code 152 on your transcript, it means that your refund is being held for further review and may take longer than expected. This is normal and does not indicate that you have done anything wrong with your filing.
If the IRS Code 152 on your transcript changes to 151, it indicates that your return has been audited. While audits can be frightening, they are usually quite harmless and do not cause any significant delays in your return or refund. The main reason for the delay is that the IRS needs to review more complicated returns.
Another reason for the delay is that your return has been flagged for additional review due to a change in circumstances or other reasons. If the IRS finds any issues with your return, it will notify you in a letter and let you know how long it will take to complete the process.
In some cases, the IRS may need to send your refund through a paper check rather than a direct deposit. This can happen if you changed your bank account after filing or entered an incorrect address. If this is the case, your refund could take up to six months to be deposited into your bank account.
What to Do after IRS Code 152?
Seeing Code 152 doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s something wrong with your tax return, but it does indicate that the IRS is taking more time to process your return. In most cases, the delay won’t be any more than a few days or a few months, so there’s no need to worry. If you do have a problem with your return, the IRS will send you a notice describing it in more detail.
However, if you see this code on your return and it’s followed by other codes that indicate an audit or other significant issue, this is a cause for concern. In this case, you’ll want to work with the IRS to resolve the problem before it worsens. Providing additional documentation to support your claims is the best way to do this. This will help speed up processing and ensure you get your refund on time. If you cannot resolve the issue, you can also contact the IRS directly to discuss the matter further.
