Code 291 on transcript - Can't tell if I owe IRS or they owe me?

I see code 291 on your transcript which means theres been an adjustment to your refund amount. This usually happens when the IRS finds a math error or needs to correct something on your return. Its super common but can be confusing to figure out if youre getting money or owing money. I'd really recommend checking out taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) - its this new AI tool that breaks down your transcript and tells you exactly whats happening with your refund. It'll tell you if you're getting money back or if you need to pay, plus it explains all those weird codes in plain english. Way easier than trying to decode it yourself.

Code 291 means they adjusted your return. Without seeing the actual numbers and other codes on your transcript its impossible to tell if you owe or they owe you. Look for codes 150, 806, and 766 to understand the full picture. The amounts next to these codes will tell you the story.

Hey, I was in the same boat last month! I started using taxr.ai and it literally saved my sanity. It costs $4.99 but it analyzes your transcript and tells you exactly whats going on - including if you owe or they owe you. Way better than trying to decode everything yourself https://taxr.ai

Got the same code last year bruh. Turned out they owed ME money. Just had to wait it out 🤷‍♂️

the irs is literally the worst. been trying to figure out my transcript for 3 months and getting nowhere. might as well be reading ancient greek lmaooo

This tax szn is str8 garbage. Everyone I know is getting random adjustments n codes. IRS playing games fr fr

Code 291 can be super confusing! I had the same issue last year and it drove me nuts trying to figure out what was going on. From what I learned, code 291 usually means they made an adjustment to your return - could be a math error, missing forms, or they corrected something. The key is looking at the amount column next to it. If it's a credit (positive), they owe you. If it's a debit (negative), you might owe them. Also check if there are any follow-up codes like 766 (credit to your account) or 768 (earned income credit). The IRS phone lines are absolutely terrible right now so don't feel bad about not getting through. Have you tried looking at your account transcript online? Sometimes that gives more detail than the return transcript.

Code 291 is definitely confusing! I went through this same thing a few months ago. What helped me was looking at the "amount" column next to the code 291 - if it shows a positive number, that's usually good news (they owe you), but if it's negative, you might owe them. Also look for the cycle date on that line - that tells you when the adjustment was processed. The transcript format is honestly terrible and makes no sense until someone explains it. Have you been able to find any other codes like 846 (refund issued) or 570 (additional account action pending)? Those usually appear after a 291 and give you a better picture of what's happening. Definitely don't rely on calling - I was on hold for 4 hours just to get disconnected 🙄