What you experienced is typical of the Automated Refund Notification System (ARNS) functionality during peak processing periods. The IRS transaction code 846 (refund issued) often updates in their internal Master File overnight, while the consumer-facing Where's My Refund application operates on a separate refresh cycle, typically 72 hours behind the actual refund authorization. I've seen numerous cases where direct deposits are initiated before WMR updates, especially when returns are processed through the Submission Processing Pipeline rather than requiring Examination function review. I'm glad you received your funds without complications!

This gives me hope! I'm on day 23 of waiting with the same message. Did your tax topic disappear at any point during the process? Did you claim any credits like EIC or Child Tax Credit? I keep hearing those can delay things. Also, did your transcript update before the deposit, or did the money just show up? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just trying to figure out if my situation is normal or if I should be worried!

This discrepancy between WMR and transcript availability indicates your return is in the Submission Processing Queue (SPQ) but hasn't yet been assigned to a processing agent for review. The IRS Master File system updates transcripts only after initial validation is complete, while WMR status updates from the Return Database (RDB) which receives the initial acceptance notification. In approximately 68% of cases, this resolves within 21 days without any taxpayer intervention required.

I might be able to provide some context, though I would suggest waiting a bit longer before taking action... The IRS processing centers are experiencing higher than normal volumes this year, and many early filers are seeing delayed transcript updates. If you've received an acceptance confirmation, your return is in the system. The transcript system sometimes lags behind the actual processing status by 1-3 weeks. Unless you receive a specific notice requesting verification, it's likely just in the normal processing queue.

OMG I'm so excited to see someone else with the 0605 cycle code! 😊 I had the EXACT same situation - filed 1/23, PATH hold, then 570 code appeared on 2/16. I was FREAKING OUT but then my transcript updated on 3/1 with an 846 code! The technical reason is that the 570 is often placed automatically on returns with refundable credits as part of their verification protocols. For 0605 cycle filers, the system processes updates on Thursday nights, so check your transcript every Friday morning. Mine took exactly 2 weekly cycles from 570 to 846.

I'm somewhat confused about the relationship between cycle codes and update patterns. Does having a 0605 cycle code mean you'll definitely see updates on Thursday/Friday, or is that just when the processing occurs behind the scenes?

The IRS is severely understaffed this year and processing is taking forever. My tax preparer said they're seeing 45-60 day waits for even simple returns. It sucks but it's happening to tons of people.

Check your account transcript on the IRS website. WMR is notoriously unreliable and sometimes never updates even after your refund is sent. I've seen people get deposits while WMR still shows "Return Received" status.

Did you receive any letters in the mail between February 14th and today? I'm asking because I'm in a similar situation with verification on February 17th, then 570/971 codes appearing on March 12th, but haven't received any physical mail yet. Wondering if I should be looking for something specific.

Just FYI for everyone - the 846 date isn't always exactly when u get paid. Sometimes it's a day early, sometimes a day or two later. Depends on ur bank. If ur using a tax prep service that takes fees from ur refund, might take an extra day to process thru their bank first. Check WMR for the most accurate DD date. Congrats on getting thru the process!