Filed 1/24 - Transcript Updated with Good Codes but No 846 - When Will I Get My Refund?

Your tax return is like a package traveling through a complex delivery system. It's made it through most checkpoints but is waiting at the final station. When you see those "good codes" but no 846, it's like your package is packed and labeled but not yet loaded onto the delivery truck. In my experience, you're likely 3-10 days away from seeing that 846 code appear. The system is particularly backed up this season, but the fact that you have positive codes is a very good sign.

Based on the Refund Processing Timeline (RPT) metrics for the current tax season, your situation indicates a Standard Processing Completion (SPC) phase. The Transaction Code Sequence (TCS) suggests you're in the final verification stage. I've analyzed numerous similar cases, and the average timeframe between final verification codes and TC 846 issuance is approximately 5-7 business days. The Direct Deposit Initiation (DDI) typically occurs 1-3 business days after TC 846 appears on your transcript.

It seems like you're probably, in my opinion, in what might be called the "final processing stage" before refund issuance. I've seen this situation quite frequently this tax season. If you're perhaps feeling a bit anxious about the timing, you might want to consider using Claimyr to get through to an IRS agent. I was possibly in a similar situation last month, and after waiting on hold for what seemed like forever, I used https://claimyr.com and was connected to an agent in about 20 minutes who could actually confirm my exact status and when to expect the 846 code. It was, in my experience, worth it just for the peace of mind.

Here's what I learned about the 846 code timing: Step 1: Check your transcript for cycle code (usually top right) Step 2: The first two digits tell you which day of the week your account updates (01=Monday, 05=Friday) Step 3: If you have 570/971 codes with future dates, wait until those dates pass Step 4: Once those dates pass, expect 846 within 1-2 update cycles Step 5: Direct deposits usually come 3-5 business days after 846 date I'm curious - what other codes do you see on your transcript right now?

I was in this exact situation last month! My transcript updated on February 18th with all the good codes but no 846. I checked every morning at 6am (I know, I'm obsessive) and exactly 6 days later the 846 appeared with a direct deposit date for the following week. The IRS is processing returns in batches this year, and they seem to be issuing refunds in weekly cycles. Based on what I've researched and experienced, if your transcript updated recently, you should see that beautiful 846 code appear within the next 5-7 days. I'm slightly worried for you though - if it goes beyond 10 days without an 846, you might want to call them.

I've seen this pattern every year since 2018. Last year, I had a client who filed on January 22nd, saw transcript updates on February 15th, but didn't get the 846 code until March 3rd. The IRS was completely backlogged. When he finally called (after I suggested it), they discovered his return was stuck in the Taxpayer Protection Program queue despite having all "good codes." Sometimes what looks like normal processing isn't. If you don't see an 846 code within 7-10 days of your transcript update, I'd recommend calling. Don't just assume it's moving forward properly.

Look for cycle code ending in 05. That's important. It means Friday updates. Most refunds follow a pattern. Good codes appear first. 846 comes next cycle. Check transcript Fridays. Also check Wednesdays. System updates twice weekly. My 846 appeared exactly 8 days after good codes. Deposit came 5 days later. Be patient. You're close.

I was in the EXACT same boat last month! Filed Jan 20th, accepted same day, waited forever for updates. My transcript finally showed good codes on Feb 28th and I got the magical 846 code on March 7th. My refund hit my account on March 12th. The funny thing is, WMR didn't update until AFTER my money was already in my account! 😂 So don't stress too much about WMR - your transcript is the real MVP here. Hang in there, your money is coming soon! (And I'm putting mine straight toward vacation this year instead of bills - finally!

I'm feeling your frustration! The community wisdom on this is pretty consistent - once you see those positive codes, you're in the final stretch. Most people report seeing the 846 code within 5-10 days after transcript updates with good codes. The WMR tool is notoriously behind the actual processing status. I've been through this dance with the IRS many times, and while it's maddening to wait, the fact that your transcript has updated is genuinely the best sign possible. Hang in there!