Topic 152 vs. Topic 151: What Do These IRS Tax Topics Mean for Your Tax Refund Status?

If you’ve checked your IRS refund status online and seen a change to Tax Topic 151 or Tax Topic 152, you might be scratching your head and wondering what it all means for your tax refund. These IRS tax topics are codes representing different stages or actions on your tax return, and understanding them can help you know what’s happening behind the scenes.

Let’s break down these two common IRS tax topics and explain what they mean for your refund in clear, simple terms.

What Does Tax Topic 151 Mean?

Tax Topic 151 is generally a red flag showing your refund is on hold or frozen because the IRS has put your return under review. Reasons for this can include:

• You owe past-due debts like back taxes, child support, or student loans, and the IRS is offsetting your refund to pay those.
• Your return has been selected for additional review due to discrepancies or possible errors.
• You may need to provide extra documentation or verify information.

While 151 feels serious, it does not automatically mean you are being audited. Instead, it indicates your refund is temporarily paused—usually because the IRS wants to confirm certain details. When you see 151, expect a letter explaining the issue and your appeal rights.

What Does Tax Topic 152 Mean?

Tax Topic 152 signals the IRS is processing your tax return and refund, though it might take longer than the standard 21 days. It means your refund is no longer frozen or under appeal, but there may still be delays due to:

• The PATH Act refund holds on refundable credits like EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit.
• Additional verification for complex filing statuses or identity confirmation.
• Situations like Injured Spouse claims or ITIN applications that require extra processing time.

Topic 152 is often good news—it means your refund is actively moving through the IRS system and should be released soon.

What Triggers These Topics to Appear?

• Topic 151: Triggered when your refund is frozen due to offsets, review needs, or errors. You will receive IRS correspondence detailing specifics and how to respond.
• Topic 152: Appears when your return is in queue for processing but delayed beyond normal timelines, often due to verification or credit claims subject to additional scrutiny.

How Do These Topics Affect Your Refund Timeline?

• Under Topic 151, refunds are on hold until resolved—this can add several weeks or months depending on the issue and appeal process.
• Under Topic 152, refunds usually follow typical delayed schedules and should arrive within weeks.

What Should You Do If You See Topic 151 or 152?

• For Topic 151, wait for IRS letters explaining the reason for the hold and your appeal rights. Respond promptly with requested documents or dispute information as needed.
• For Topic 152, be patient and check the “Where’s My Refund?” tool regularly. No immediate action is usually needed unless the IRS contacts you.
• Keep copies of all correspondence and have your tax return handy when contacting the IRS.

Final Takeaway

Tax Topics 151 and 152 indicate different stages of refund review and processing—151 means a hold or review often linked to offsets or discrepancies, while 152 means your refund is processing but delayed. Understanding these codes helps you stay informed and prepared during tax season delays.

Stay proactive—watch your IRS mailbox and online account, respond quickly if contacted, and remember delays are often a protective measure to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud.