Got Code 846 Dated 2/22/24 but Processing Date Shows 3/04/24 - What's the Timeline?

The code 846 with date 2/22/24 indicates that a refund has been scheduled for distribution on that date. However, the processing date of 03/04/24 represents the IRS internal cycle date when your return completes its administrative processing cycle. This temporal discrepancy could potentially indicate a verification hold or secondary review of your return. The Transaction Completion Date (TCD) suggests your refund may have already been issued, but banking institutions typically require 1-5 business days for fund settlement. Have you verified your banking portal for pending deposits?

So does the 846 date mean the money is already sent? I'm in the same boat but my 846 date is 2/28/24 and processing date is 3/11/24. Tax season... when we all become amateur code breakers! 😂 Anyone know if direct deposit hits faster than paper checks in this situation?

I had a similar situation with my transcript last year. The 846 date is typically when the refund is issued, while the processing date is just when your return completes internal processing. Have you tried calling the IRS to confirm? If you haven't received your refund within 5 business days of the 846 date, it might be worth checking. I spent 3 hours trying to reach someone at the IRS last tax season. Finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in about 20 minutes. They confirmed my refund was already sent despite the later processing date. Saved me days of worry and redial attempts. Did your transcript show any other codes besides the 846 and processing date?

You might want to check your bank account directly if you haven't already. Sometimes the refund is actually deposited even before the Where's My Refund tool updates. The 846 date (2/22) is generally when the refund was scheduled to be sent, while the processing date (3/4) could possibly be related to when your entire return is considered fully processed in their system. If you don't see anything by early next week, it might be worth following up, especially if you had any tax credits that could potentially delay things.

I'm not convinced these dates mean exactly what others are saying. In my experience, the 846 code with date doesn't always mean immediate refund. Here's what actually happens: 1. The 846 code appears with a projected refund date 2. The processing date shows when all internal reviews complete 3. Sometimes refunds get held even after 846 appears 4. Bank processing adds 1-5 more business days 5. Direct deposits typically process faster than paper checks The IRS systems are archaic and don't always communicate properly between departments. I've seen plenty of cases where the 846 date passes with no refund.

The dates are confusing. I know. Been there. Code 846 is your refund date. That's when they send it. Processing date is internal. Doesn't affect your money. Check your bank account. Should be there already. Maybe pending. If not by Monday, call them. Don't panic yet. System works. Just slow sometimes.

According to Internal Revenue Manual section 21.4.1.3, the 846 code indicates a refund has been scheduled. Per IRS Publication 2043, the standard timeframe for direct deposit receipt is 1-5 business days after the 846 date, while paper checks may take 7-10 days for delivery. Your processing date of 03/04/24 simply indicates when your return completes its processing cycle in the IRS master file system, which often occurs after refunds are already issued. This is entirely normal and within established parameters for the current tax season.

Last year I had almost the same situation - my 846 date was 3/15 but processing date was 3/29. I called the IRS three times trying to figure out what was happening. Turns out the refund hit my account exactly on the 846 date despite the later processing date. The processing date seems to be more about when they consider your return fully closed in their system rather than when you get your money. Don't be like me and waste hours on hold!

To clarify what others have said: think of the 846 date like shipping a package, and the processing date like when the paperwork for that shipment is completed. The package (your refund) is already on its way as of the 846 date, even though the shipper (IRS) is still finishing their internal paperwork until the processing date. Did you file with direct deposit or are you expecting a paper check? That makes a big difference in timing.