Tax Topic 152 2024: What It Means for Your Tax Refund

Last updated on December 14, 2025

Are you wondering why your tax refund is taking longer than expected or if there’s a specific reason for a delay in processing your 2024 tax return? You’re not alone. Many taxpayers encounter IRS notices or processing holds, and understanding “Tax Topic 152” is crucial for navigating these situations.

This article will demystify IRS Tax Topic 152 for the 2025 tax season, explaining what it signifies, common reasons for its appearance on your tax return, and the practical steps you can take to resolve any issues and get your refund as quickly as possible.

Updated for 2025, this guide is designed to provide clarity and actionable advice. By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of Tax Topic 152, empowering you to proactively address any concerns and ensure a smoother tax refund experience. We’ll cover what this topic means for your specific tax situation and outline the IRS’s typical procedures when this code is applied.

Why Your Tax Return Might Take Longer to Process

When you check the status of your tax refund using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool and see “Tax Topic 152,” it generally means your refund is being processed but is taking longer than the typical 21-day timeframe. This doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem with your return, but rather that it requires additional review or attention. Several common factors can contribute to these processing delays:

Common Reasons for Delayed Tax Refunds

• Injured Spouse Claims: If you’ve claimed injured spouse relief on Form 8379, it can add to the processing time. Processing Form 8379 by itself can take about 8 weeks, and it may take longer if filed with your tax return.
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Applications: Returns that include an attached ITIN application (Form W-7) may experience longer processing times. Typically, it takes 7-11 weeks to receive an ITIN after applying, and this can extend further during peak tax season.
• Corrected or Amended Returns: If you’ve filed an amended tax return (Form 1040-X) to correct previous information, these returns undergo a more thorough review. Processing can take up to 20 weeks or even longer.
• Form 1040-NR and Form 1042-S: Non-resident alien tax returns (Form 1040-NR) and requests for refunds of tax withheld on Form 1042-S can also lead to extended processing times. These can take up to six months to process.
• Paper Filings: Tax returns filed on paper generally take longer to process than electronically filed returns.
• Additional Review or Errors: The IRS may require additional review for various reasons, including discrepancies, errors, or if the return was randomly selected for audit.

Key Takeaway: While “Tax Topic 152” can be concerning, it often signifies that your return is undergoing necessary review. Patience and regularly checking the “Where’s My Refund?” tool are key. If delays persist beyond the expected timelines, contacting the IRS directly may be necessary.

Tax Topic 152 is a standard IRS message indicating that your tax return is being processed and that no issues have been identified at this stage. While it signifies that the IRS has received your return, it does not provide specific details about your refund status. This message is generally a procedural update and does not necessarily mean there’s a problem with your return. However, it can sometimes imply that your return is undergoing a more thorough review, which might extend the processing time beyond the typical 21 days for e-filed returns.

To ensure a smooth tax filing process and minimize potential delays, it’s crucial to have all necessary documentation readily available. This includes:

• Personal Identifiable Information: Full names, Social Security numbers, and birth dates for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents.
• Income Statements: Forms W-2 from employers, and various 1099 forms (e.g., 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-K) for self-employment, freelance work, or other income sources.
• Health Insurance Information: Form 1095, if applicable.
• Previous Year’s Tax Return: Access to your prior year’s tax return can help with accurate filing and provide a reference for your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
• Other Relevant Forms: Depending on your financial situation, you may need forms related to investments (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B), retirement income (1099-R), or other specific income types.

Gathering Essential Documents

Having all your financial documents organized before you start filing can significantly expedite the process. This includes:

• Income Documentation: Ensure you have all W-2s and 1099 forms.
• Deduction Records: Collect documentation for any deductions you plan to claim, such as retirement contributions, medical expenses, or mortgage interest.
• Credit Documentation: Prepare forms related to education expenses or other tax credits.

What to Do If You See Tax Topic 152

If you encounter Tax Topic 152 when checking your refund status, remember that it’s a normal processing message. The IRS will contact you by mail if any additional information or clarification is needed. While you cannot directly speed up the IRS’s processing, ensuring your return is accurate and complete is the best way to facilitate a smooth experience. If you have concerns or if the processing time extends significantly beyond the typical timeframe, you can contact the IRS directly.

Pro Tip: Organize your tax documents throughout the year, not just at tax time. This proactive approach will save you time and reduce stress when it’s time to file your return.

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