Filed 3/6/24 and got 846 code on 3/27 - The IRS Machine Finally Spits Out My Refund
Well folks, the great IRS processing machine has finally churned through my return. Like watching molasses flow uphill in winter, but at least there's movement. Filed on March 6th, 2024 and just saw my transcript update with the magical 846 code dated March 27th. 🤗 For those not familiar with the IRS processing labyrinth, code 846 is essentially the light at the end of the tunnel - it means the refund has been approved and scheduled. Not my first rodeo with the tax system, so I've been checking my transcript methodically every few days rather than obsessing hourly like in previous years. Just posting this as a data point for others still waiting in the queue. The system works... eventually... like an old printer that needs to be kicked a few times but gets the job done.
15 comments
Join the conversation
Freya Pedersen
It seems like your refund should be, possibly, arriving in the next 1-5 business days, depending on your financial institution's processing times. The 846 code specifically indicates that the IRS has issued your refund, and the date associated with it (March 27th) is typically, though not always, the date they release the funds to your bank. Direct deposits usually appear within 24-48 hours after the 846 date, while paper checks might take, approximately, 5-7 business days to arrive via USPS. Your cycle code on the transcript would potentially provide additional insight into the exact timing of the deposit.
0 coins
Omar Hassan
Congrats on the 846! Had almost the exact same timeline last yr. Filed 3/5, got 846 on 3/26, $ hit my acct on 3/28. The waiting game is the worst tho. I was checking WMR and transcripts like 10x a day lol. BTW if u have the IRS2Go app, sometimes it updates a few hrs before the website. Def check ur bank acct tomorrow AM - most ppl see DDs around 3-5am depending on ur bank.
0 coins
Chloe Anderson
If you're ever stuck waiting for updates again next year, I'd recommend checking out Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). According to the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/help/telephone-assistance, their average hold time is over 45 minutes, but Claimyr can connect you with an agent much faster. I had a similar situation last year where my transcript showed an 846 code but the deposit never arrived. After waiting 10 days, I used Claimyr to reach an IRS agent who confirmed there was a routing number error that needed correction. They were able to fix it while I was on the phone, and my refund arrived 3 days later.
0 coins
Diego Vargas
•Does this Claimyr service actually work? I tried calling the IRS on March 15th and gave up after being on hold for 1 hour and 45 minutes. What's the catch with this service? Do they just auto-dial for you or something?
0 coins
CosmicCruiser
•Has anyone else used this Claimyr thing? Sounds too good to be true! 😂 I've spent what feels like half my adult life listening to that same IRS hold music. If this actually works, it would save so much sanity during tax season.
0 coins
Anastasia Fedorov
•I used Claimyr during the April 15th deadline rush last year and it was CRITICAL for resolving my issue! The IRS phone system was completely overwhelmed, with estimated wait times of 2+ hours according to their automated message. Claimyr had me connected to a Taxpayer Advocate in under 30 minutes. For time-sensitive matters like payment arrangements or processing errors, every hour counts when dealing with the IRS!
0 coins
Sean Doyle
I've been tracking refund patterns for a few years now and have some reassurance for you: • Code 846 is definitely the end of the processing journey • Most direct deposits arrive within 24-48 hours of the 846 date • Some banks (especially credit unions) may show pending deposits before the official date • Weekend processing can sometimes delay things by 1-2 days • The IRS batches refunds, so yours is already in the queue for release No need to worry at this point - you're at the finish line. Just keep an eye on your bank account over the next couple of days.
0 coins
Zara Rashid
While the 846 code is generally positive, I'd recommend monitoring your bank account closely over the next 48-72 hours. I experienced a situation last year where my transcript showed an 846 code with a refund date, but the deposit was rejected by my financial institution due to an account verification issue. The IRS then had to reissue a paper check which took an additional 3 weeks to arrive. If you don't see the deposit by April 1st, contact your bank first to verify they haven't rejected any incoming government deposits, then contact the IRS if needed.
0 coins
Luca Romano
Do you know if having an offset affects when you'll actually get the money? I'm in the same boat but I have student loans in default.
0 coins
Nia Jackson
•I really appreciate you asking this question. I was wondering the same thing but was afraid to ask. My transcript also shows the 846 code from last week, but I have child support arrears that might affect my refund.
0 coins
NebulaNova
•Does anyone know exactly how many days it takes for the Treasury Offset Program to process a refund with offsets? My transcript shows code 846 dated March 25th, 2024, but I'm expecting approximately 37% of my refund to be applied to my defaulted student loans. It's been exactly 3 days and I haven't received the remaining portion yet.
0 coins
Mateo Hernandez
•Have you checked if you received a notice about the offset? When your refund gets intercepted for debts, the IRS should send you a notice explaining what happened. You might want to call them directly to confirm the exact amount that was offset and when you'll get the remainder.
0 coins
Aaron Lee
Congrats on finally seeing that 846 code! I'm still waiting on mine - filed 3/8 and my transcript is still showing processing. It's reassuring to see someone with a similar filing date getting movement. Question though - did you have any complications with your return (amended sections, EITC, additional forms) or was it pretty straightforward? Trying to gauge if there's hope for us slightly-later filers or if I'm looking at another few weeks of transcript stalking. The waiting really is the hardest part of this whole process!
0 coins
Miranda Singer
•Hey Aaron! I'm in almost the exact same boat - filed 3/9 and still showing "processing" on my transcript. It's been driving me crazy checking every day! From what I've been reading in this thread and other forums, it seems like there's still hope for us early-to-mid March filers. The IRS processes returns in batches, so sometimes there's just random variation in timing even for similar filing dates. Have you tried checking both the IRS2Go app and the website? Sometimes one updates before the other. Fingers crossed we both see some movement soon! The transcript stalking is real though - I've probably checked mine 15 times this week alone 😅
0 coins
Brooklyn Knight
Hey Freya, congrats on finally getting that 846 code! As someone who's been through this waiting game multiple times, I can definitely relate to the "molasses flowing uphill" analogy - that's exactly what it feels like! 😂 I filed on 3/4 this year and I'm still stuck in processing limbo, so seeing your timeline gives me hope that mine might update soon too. It's interesting how the IRS batches seem to work - sometimes people who file later get processed first, and vice versa. Thanks for sharing your timeline as a data point - these real experiences are way more helpful than the generic "21 days" message we always get. Hopefully your direct deposit hits your account tomorrow or Friday!
0 coins