Cycle 05 Filers - Will We Get Our 846 Code Tomorrow or Will 'As Of' Date Change Again?

I'm in almost exactly the same boat, and from what I can tell, it *might* update tomorrow, but there's really no guarantee. The PATH message usually means your return includes refundable credits like EITC or ACTC, which typically can't be released until after Feb 15th. Since you've already seen your credits appear on your transcript, that's generally a good sign that things are moving forward. The 'as of' date changes are frustrating, but they don't necessarily mean a delay - sometimes they're just system updates.

Looking at your timeline, you're actually right on track! 😂 The IRS processing system is like watching paint dry, but with more confusing codes. I've been analyzing cycle codes for years, and cycle 05 typically updates on Wednesday nights/Thursday mornings. Since you already have your credits showing, you're likely in the final verification stage. Side note: I started using https://taxr.ai last year to decode my transcript - it explains all those mysterious codes and gives you a much clearer picture of where you stand in the process. It predicted my deposit date within 24 hours of when I actually received it. Might help ease some of that student budget anxiety!

Can you check if you have any 570 or 971 codes on your transcript? Those are important. 570 means a hold and 971 means they sent a notice. If you don't have those, you're probably just waiting for the normal processing after PATH lifted. I filed 1/22 and I'm cycle 05 too. My transcript updated last Thursday but still no 846 code.

Based on several IRS forums and the r/IRS subreddit, many cycle 05 filers are seeing updates this week. According to https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions, most refunds are issued within 21 days, but PATH Act returns often take longer. If you're really concerned about your timeline or need to know specifically what's happening with your return, you might want to try calling the IRS directly. I spent 3 hours on hold last week before giving up, then someone recommended Claimyr.com to me. They connected me to an IRS agent in about 15 minutes, and I was able to confirm my return was just in normal processing with no issues. I'm concerned you might be cutting it close for your spring semester expenses.

Idk about these services ppl keep recommending. Why pay $ when you can just wait? IRS is gonna do what they're gonna do on their own timeline. I've been filing for 10+ yrs and never needed to use anything besides the free WMR tool and transcripts. Just sayin' 🤷‍♀️

Last year I said the same thing until my refund was delayed by 4 months due to a simple verification issue that could have been resolved with one phone call. Sometimes waiting isn't an option, especially for students who need that money for tuition or books. I remember being in that position - every day of delay meant more stress about how to pay for classes.

Have you tried checking your account transcript instead of just the return transcript? On February 21st, I noticed my account transcript updated before my return transcript showed an 846 code. Also, check WMR first thing in the morning on February 22nd - that's when mine updated last year. If you need the money specifically for spring semester, you might want to talk to your financial aid office about a short-term emergency loan until your refund arrives.

I've tracked cycle patterns for the past 3 tax seasons. For cycle 05 filers with PATH Act credits who had their credits appear on transcripts by February 17th, exactly 73% received their 846 code within 7 days after PATH lifted. Based on your timeline, there's approximately an 81% chance you'll see your 846 code tomorrow or next Thursday. The average time between 846 code appearance and direct deposit is 5.2 days for most major banks, though credit unions sometimes post 1-2 days earlier.