40 IRS Transcript Codes Explained: From Processing (150) to EIC (768) and Refund Status (846) - Complete Guide for PATH Act Filers

Been seeing lots of folks stuck on PATH message and checking WMR daily, so I thought I'd share this detailed breakdown of IRS transcript codes I found. Maybe it'll help some of you understand what's going on with your returns. I've compiled a comprehensive list of all the IRS transcript codes that might appear on your account: 150 - Your return was processed and the tax amount was recorded 196 - Interest was added to your balance 276 - You were charged a penalty for late payment 290 - Additional tax assessed 291 - Reduction of assessed tax (abatement) 300 - Additional tax assessed due to an audit 301 - Reversal of TC 300 (audit assessment) 420 - Examination of tax return initiated 421 - Examination of tax return closed 424 - Examination request indicator 425 - Reversed TC 424 460 - Extension of time to file granted 480 - Offer in compromise pending 520 - Bankruptcy or other legal action pending 521 - Reversal of TC 520 (legal action) 570 - Your return is on hold for further review 582 - Lien placed on assets 583 - Lien released 610 - Payment made with return 611 - Payment made with extension 640 - Payment applied 670 - Payment applied to account 806 - Credit for taxes you already paid (from W-2s, 1099s, etc) 810 - Refund freeze 811 - Reversed refund freeze 846 - Your refund was approved and issued 898 - Refund applied to non-IRS debt (e.g., student loans, child support) 766 - A credit was applied to your account (ACTC) 768 - Earned Income Credit (EIC) was applied 826 - A refund or credit was used to pay other debts 971 - Miscellaneous transaction: often indicated a notice or letter sent by the IRS 977 - Amended return filed 992 - Reversal of TC 977 (amended return) For those getting EIC, look for code 768 which means Earned Income Credit was applied. For Additional Child Tax Credit, you'll see 766 showing a credit was applied to your account. If you see code 570, don't panic immediately - it just means your return is undergoing additional review. This is common for returns with certain credits. If you see TC 810, your refund is currently frozen, but look for TC 811 which would indicate that freeze was reversed! For those with complex tax situations: - TC 480 means an offer in compromise is pending - TC 520 indicates bankruptcy or other legal action is pending - TC 521 is the reversal of that legal action - TC 582/583 show a lien was placed on assets or released For amended returns, look for code 977, and code 992 would show that amended return filing was reversed. Hope this helps everyone understand their transcript codes better while they're waiting! Remember, the PATH act delays some refunds until mid-February, but understanding your transcript can give you insight into where your return stands.