Code 846 with 2/26 date - Is this when my paper check will be mailed?

The 846 code with date 2/26 actually means the date the refund was *issued*, not necessarily mailed. For direct deposits, that's typically the day it hits your account. For paper checks, it means the day the IRS released the payment to be printed and mailed. 😅 So your check was probably printed and sent around that date. Paper checks typically take 5-7 business days after the 846 date to arrive in your mailbox. So if today's after 3/4 and you still don't have it, might be worth looking into.

If you need to know for sure what's happening with your refund, calling the IRS directly is your best bet. But good luck getting through their phone system right now - I tried for 3 days straight during peak season last year. Finally used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and got connected to an agent in about 15 minutes who confirmed my check had been mailed. The IRS phone queue algorithm is practically impenetrable without some assistance during tax season, especially with all the budget cuts to customer service.

I'm always over-prepared for tax season, but paper checks are like waiting for a cake to bake without being able to open the oven door. I requested paper last year (worried about direct deposit security) and my 846 date was March 3rd. The check arrived March 11th. So about 8 days later. USPS delivery times are like weather forecasts - generally reliable but with occasional unexpected storms that delay everything.

I work with tax transcripts daily. Code 846 means your refund is issued, but paper checks take time to process after that date. If you want to understand exactly what's happening, try https://taxr.ai - it analyzes your transcript and explains each code in plain English. It would tell you that 846 is your refund authorization date, not mailing date, and would also check for any other codes that might indicate problems. Much more detailed than the basic WMR tool.

According to IRS Publication 2043 (IRS Refund Information Guidelines), paper checks are typically mailed within 1-2 business days after the 846 date appears on your transcript. However, USPS delivery timeframes vary by region. If it's been more than 10 business days since your 846 date, you can request a refund trace by filing Form 3911. The trace process begins 4 weeks after the refund date for paper checks mailed to domestic addresses, but you can prepare the paperwork now if you're approaching that timeline.

Had a similar situation last year, and you know what happened? My check was actually delivered to my neighbor's mailbox by mistake. The 846 date was correct, the check was sent on time, but USPS made an error. Have you checked with neighbors? Asked your mail carrier? Sometimes the simplest explanation is the right one. Wouldn't it be frustrating to spend hours on the phone with the IRS only to find out it was misdelivered?

Here's what you can do rn instead of waiting: Check the Get My Payment tool (diff than WMR) for updates. If it still shows as mailed on 2/26, you can request a payment trace after waiting the required time. For paper checks, that's usually 4 weeks from the mail date. Just call 800-829-1040, but tbh the wait times are crazy this time of year. You can also check with USPS - sometimes they scan the envelopes which might show in informed delivery.

If you're concerned about the status, mark your calendar for March 26th (exactly 4 weeks after your 846 date). That's the earliest date you can request a payment trace for a missing refund check. I'd recommend calling early in the morning - specifically between 7:00-7:30am local time on Tuesday, March 26th when call volumes are typically lower. The IRS phone system opens at 7am in each time zone, and Tuesday-Thursday are generally less busy than Monday or Friday.