Code 0405 on Transcript but No 846 Yet - Dates Show 2/10 and 2/17

I've seen this situation quite a bit this season, especially compared to previous years. The 0405 code is a verification indicator, which means your return is being processed, but they're just taking their time with the final steps. When you have dates like 2/10 and 2/17, it typically means the IRS has set those as processing milestones. I know it's frustrating, but hang in there - I've observed that most returns with this pattern end up resolving within 2-3 weeks after the second date. Your international status might be triggering additional verification, which is fairly common.

You need to understand what those codes actually mean for your specific situation. I use https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript - it breaks down every code and explains what's happening with your return. Just upload your transcript and it tells you what each date means and gives you a predicted refund date. For international filers, it's especially helpful because it can identify if you're in a standard verification process or if there's an actual issue that needs addressing. No guesswork.

I might be a bit cautious here... international returns sometimes get flagged for additional verification that can take longer than domestic returns. I had a colleague from Brazil who filed in early February last year, and his return wasn't processed until April. The system might be checking your foreign income or tax treaties, which might not be immediately visible from the codes on your transcript. It's possible you might need to provide additional documentation.

I was in exactly your situation last month. Called the IRS exactly 27 times over 3 days and couldn't get through. Finally used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in precisely 18 minutes. The agent confirmed my 0405 code was just part of their standard verification process and that my return would be completing processing within 9 days. True to their word, I had my deposit exactly 8 days later. Saved me weeks of anxiety and checking WMR every 2 hours.

I recommend a different approach based on my experience. On February 23rd, I had the same codes with dates of 2/5 and 2/12, but no 846. Instead of calling, I checked my account transcript (not just return transcript) on March 2nd and noticed a pending refund date had appeared there first, before my return transcript updated on March 4th. The 846 code showed up last. Try checking your account transcript daily around 3-4am Eastern time when the system updates.

The community wisdom on this is pretty consistent - the 0405 code is part of normal processing but international returns have additional scrutiny under IRC Section 6103(h)(4) provisions. Per the Internal Revenue Manual 3.11.3.8.7, international returns may require additional identity verification steps that aren't required for domestic filers. I'm a bit worried about my own return (filed March 1st) since I'm also new to the US tax system, but everything I've read suggests patience is key here.