What Is Tax Topic 152? The Tax Topic 152 is neither bad nor good, it is neutral. It only means that the IRS has your tax filing and that it is working on it. This code is viewed by many taxpayers before getting approval to get back the refund. It does not mean that it is a warning or failure message but a normal part of the processing cycle. When it remains on your account months and weeks without updating it might mean another review or checking. Otherwise, it is a standard procedure that can be followed by a refund approval letter. Imagine that it is a your refund is in progress message and not something to worry about.