By Accountingpedia Staff 
Are you planning to splurge your tax refund on things you like? Or to make ends meet? Well, if you’ve filed for a tax return, then it must be on its way. However, if you land on the IRS website and bump into the term “Tax Topic 152,” you may be tense and surprised why it occurred.
There is nothing to be wary of. Tax Topic 152 is more like a heads-up from the IRS confirming that your refund is being processed and going through the routing checks.
So without any more delay, let’s know why the message pops up, and how you can claim your refund while staying calm.
What Is Tax Topic 152, Anyway?
In a nutshell, Tax Topic 152 is a reference code that appears when you check your refund status. So, instead of finding a direct approved message, you see a reference code that the IRS uses to inform the status of your refund.
Similar to Tax Topic 151, which suggests a possible refund offset, it indicates a generic message that says your “Refund is being processed”.
So, it’s not any type of error or a problem you should be panicking about – it’s a way of the IRS processing system that simplifies the return process in segments for safety.
It’s just a bakery store that performs a quality check before serving a delicious dinner on your table.
Why Did You Get Tax Topic 152?
If you’re scratching your head wondering why Tax Topic 152 picked you, don’t take it personally. It’s not like the IRS is singling you out for a tax time-out. Here are some common reasons this message shows up:
- You Claimed Certain Credits: If you claimed the EITC or ACTC, the IRS is required by law to hold your refund until mid-February (at the earliest) to verify your income and prevent fraud. Tax Topic 152 often tags along with these returns.
- Identity Verification: The IRS might be double-checking that you’re really you. With tax fraud on the rise, they’re on high alert to protect your refund from identity thieves.
- Errors or Missing Info: Maybe there’s a typo in your Social Security number, or your W-2 doesn’t match what you reported. These little hiccups can trigger a review, and Tax Topic 152 lets you know they’re sorting it out.
- Random Selection: Sometimes, it’s just bad luck—like getting picked for a random security check at the airport. The IRS might flag your return for a routine audit, even if everything looks peachy.
The good news? Tax Topic 152 doesn’t mean your refund is denied. It’s just a speed bump, not a roadblock.
How Long Does Tax Topic 152 Take To Process
We know waiting for your refund feels like watching paint dry, but the timeline depends on why Tax Topic 152 showed up. Here’s the lowdown:
- EITC or ACTC Filers: If you file such returns, you’ll have to wait till late February or early March until the IRS releases refunds after checking out everything. There is a 21-day waiting time for digital files.
- Identity Verification: If you’re a verified user, the IRS will send a 5071C letter or something similar to confirm your identity. Once you respond faster, your refund should arrive in a few weeks.
- Amendment: If there’s a mistake or your return is under review, it could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The IRS will usually contact you if more information is required. So, check your mail quite a few times a day.
| Filing Type | Estimated Refund Time |
|---|---|
| Digital filer (Direct Deposit) | Up to a 21-day |
| e-file (Paper Check) | 4-6 weeks |
| Paper Return (Direct Deposit) | Up to a 21-day |
| Paper Return (Paper Check) | Up to 21-day |
How To Handle?
Feeling antsy? We hear you. While you can’t speed up the IRS’s process (sadly, no fast-forward button exists), there are a few steps you can take to stay on top of things:
- Track Your Status: Head over to the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” or speak on the phone to keep tabs on your return.
- React Faster: If you receive any notice from the IRS, review and respond to it ASAP. They might ask for further documents or verify your identity.
- Double-Check Your Return: If you notice any typos errors, you can review your return for mistakes. If you used a tax pro or software, loop them in for a second look.
- Be Patient: You heard it right, government-related tasks can take time. Tax Topic 152 is usually no cause for alarm. However, many people still received refunds, but it just takes a little longer.
Sometimes, it may be time-consuming to process credits. And if your refund is taking an unusual time, you can speak to an IRS agent. They’re like the customer service heroes of the tax world.
Why It’s Not All Doom and Gloom
Here’s a silver lining: Tax Topic 152 means the IRS is working to keep your money safe. In a world where tax scams are as common as cat videos online, their extra caution is a weird kind of reassuring.
Plus, that refund is still coming—it’s yours—it’s just taking the scenic route.
So, while you wait, why not plan how to use that refund? Maybe you’ll pay off a pesky credit card, treat yourself to a dinner out, or sock it away for something big. Whatever you choose, you’ve earned it by navigating tax season like a champ.
FAQs
A: No, it’s a reference code created by the IRS that indicates the refunds are being processed. It’s displayed when you check the “Where’s my refund” tool.
A: When they need something from you in the process, they’ll send you mail with instructions. You may need to verify your identity or submit more documents, as it depends on your file type.
A: Generally, it’s neither, but it’s the way the IRS reviews your return to verify your details. Because it might delay your refund, it may not be an unpleasant experience for many, but it’s not necessarily bad.
A: It’s specifically not related to any direct deposit. It’s just a reference code that the IRS shows in its refund status.
A: Yes, it’s not a hindrance to your refund, but a message that indicates that your credit is being reviewed and will be transferred after the check.
A: It could be a headache, we get it. But it’s been over 8 weeks, and you didn’t receive your credit, you can speak to the IRS representative or hire a Taxpayer Advocate.
A: There is no need to lose your sleep over this message, as it’s just a code that shows the status of your refund. You must wait for a few weeks to process it completely, and then your refund will likely show up.
Wrapping it Up
Tax Topic 152 might feel like a curveball, but it’s really just the IRS doing its thing to make sure your refund is safe and sound.
In this article, we’ve walked you through every aspect of it – why it pops up and how you can handle it with ease.
So, everything is laid out here; you just need to understand your refund status and know when you can get it.