How long after 826/971 codes do you get a DDD (Direct Deposit Date)?
Just checked my transcript and spotted the infamous 826/971 combo codes with today's date. Anyone know how long it typically takes to get a Direct Deposit Date after these show up? Feels like I'm in the final boss battle of the IRS game lol. Need this refund ASAP for some medical bills that have been piling up. I've been obsessively checking my transcript every day (yes, I have a problem) but these codes are new to me. 🤔
25 comments


Alice Fleming
The 826 code indicates your refund has been issued a reduction or offset, while the 971 indicates a notice has been generated and sent to you explaining the action. According to the IRS Processing Cycles documentation (https://www.irs.gov/irm/part21/irm_21-004-001r), you can expect a DDD (846 code) within 5-7 business days in most cases, assuming no additional issues are found. The notice will explain any adjustments made to your refund amount. If you check the Transaction Code Date column, it will show when the notice was generated, which can help estimate when you'll receive it (typically 5-7 calendar days from generation).
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Hassan Khoury
•Does this mean they're taking money from my refund? Will I at least get part of it? I'm really counting on this for medical expenses.
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Victoria Stark
•Great explanation of the Transaction Code sequence! I've been tracking these patterns for years and the 826/971 combination specifically indicates an adjustment rather than a full offset. The TC 826 (Refund Cancelled) is actually paired with a TC 971 (Notice Issued) because they're adjusting your refund amount and legally required to notify you of the change. The DDD typically follows in the next cycle update.
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Benjamin Kim
Might not be as bad as u think. 826 can sometimes be a false alarm tbh. Check ur 2023 AGI vs what u reported this yr. Also look for any credits u claimed - CTC or EITC especially. IRS computers auto-adjust these all the time. If the adjustment is small, ur DDD could show up in the next cycle update (Wed/Thurs). Worst case = 2 wks. I'd check WMAR tool too, sometimes shows diff info than transcripts.
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Samantha Howard
I had this exact situation in February! Here's what happened for me: Day 1: Got 826/971 codes on transcript Day 3: Received letter explaining they adjusted my Child Tax Credit amount (I calculated wrong) Day 5: Transcript updated with 846 code (DDD) Day 8: Money in my account I was worried sick but it worked out faster than I expected. Just make sure you: 1. Keep checking your transcript daily 2. Watch your mail for the notice 3. Compare the final amount on your transcript with your expected refund 4. If there's a big discrepancy, prepare to call them Hope this helps! I'm crossing my fingers for you!
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Megan D'Acosta
UGH I FEEL YOUR PAIN! I had these exact codes last month and it drove me CRAZY waiting. I tried calling the IRS for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT and couldn't get through - just that stupid automated message saying they're too busy! Finally I tried Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and got connected to an agent in like 15 minutes. Totally worth it. The agent explained exactly what the 826/971 meant for MY specific situation (small math error they fixed) and confirmed my DDD would come in the next cycle update. Saved me days of anxiety and checking WMR every 5 minutes!
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Sarah Ali
I've seen this pattern quite a bit this tax season. As of March 28th, most people with 826/971 codes are seeing their DDD within 7-10 days. The IRS is actually moving faster now than they were in February when they were backlogged. If you don't see movement by April 8th, that's when I'd start to be concerned. The notice they're sending probably explains a small adjustment - just stay calm and keep checking your transcript once per day (not more, it won't help!).
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Ryan Vasquez
Those codes mean they've adjusted your refund and are sending you a notice about it. You won't know what they changed until you get the letter. Don't panic though. I'm surprised how many people get these codes this year - way more than normal. The IRS is making tons of automatic adjustments, even for simple returns. You'll likely get your DDD within a week, but the amount might be different than what you expected.
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Avery Saint
•I would say this is mostly accurate, though in my experience with these codes last year, it took closer to 10 days to get my DDD. The adjustment was only about $120 less than my expected refund because they recalculated something with my education credits. It seems like the IRS systems are flagging more returns for these small adjustments rather than just accepting the amounts as filed.
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Taylor Chen
•Wait, so they're sending a notice in the mail? Like an actual paper letter? Feels so 1995! 😂 Do they at least tell you about the adjustment in your online account too, or do we really have to wait for snail mail to find out what's happening?
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Keith Davidson
•Why can't they just show us the adjustment amount on the transcript? Wouldn't that save everyone time and anxiety? I mean, they clearly know what they're changing, so why the mystery and waiting game? Is there any way to see what they adjusted before the letter arrives?
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Ezra Bates
Just got through this exact situation! My timeline: • March 4: Filed return • March 18: Transcript showed 826/971 codes • March 25: Got 846 code with DDD • March 27: Refund deposited The notice came a day AFTER my deposit and explained they reduced my refund by $42 due to a calculation error on my health insurance premium tax credit. The whole process was much faster than I expected! Hoping yours follows the same timeline.
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Ana Erdoğan
I had exactly 6 business days between 826/971 codes and my DDD appearing. Got the notice 11 days after the codes appeared. They had reduced my refund by exactly $273.14 because I apparently miscalculated a self-employment tax deduction. So frustrating because I triple-checked everything! The most annoying part was checking WMR every morning at 3:45am thinking it would update faster (it didn't). My advice: set up direct deposit if you haven't already - I got my money 2 days after the DDD appeared.
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Madison Tipne
Hey Alice! I totally get the anxiety - those codes can be scary when you're counting on the money. From what I've seen in this community, the 826/971 combo usually means a small adjustment rather than a major issue. Most people are getting their DDD within 5-10 business days after these codes appear. Since you mentioned medical bills, I'd suggest also checking if you have any outstanding debts that could cause an offset (student loans, back taxes, etc.) - though with a 971 code, they should explain everything in the notice they're sending you. One thing that helped me when I was in a similar situation: try to check your transcript only once per day, preferably in the morning. The constant checking doesn't make it update faster and just adds to the stress. Your DDD will likely show up as an 846 code in the next week or so. Hang in there! 🤞
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Omar Farouk
I went through this exact same situation last year and I know how nerve-wracking it is, especially when you need the money for medical expenses! The 826/971 codes appeared on my transcript on a Tuesday, and I got my DDD (846 code) the following Monday - so about 6 business days. In my case, they had adjusted my refund down by about $180 because I had claimed the wrong amount for my student loan interest deduction. The notice arrived about 10 days later explaining exactly what they changed. A few tips that helped me stay sane during the wait: - Set up text alerts for your bank account so you'll know immediately when the deposit hits - Try to limit transcript checking to once per day (I know, easier said than done!) - The adjustment might be smaller than you think - mine was way less scary than I anticipated Since you mentioned medical bills, you might want to call the billing department and explain you're waiting on a tax refund. Many providers are understanding about payment delays, especially for medical expenses. Hang in there - you should see movement soon! 💪
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Jamal Wilson
•This is really helpful, thanks! The idea about calling the medical billing department is actually brilliant - I hadn't thought of that. I've been so focused on the IRS timeline that I forgot I could potentially buy myself some time on the payment side. Did you find that most medical providers were understanding when you explained the tax refund situation? I'm dealing with a few different bills from a recent procedure, so it would be great if I could get a little breathing room while waiting for this to resolve.
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Alexis Renard
I just went through this same exact situation about 3 weeks ago! Got the 826/971 codes on a Friday and was freaking out all weekend because I needed the money for car repairs. Here's what happened: • Friday: Saw the codes on my transcript • Following Wednesday: Got my DDD (846 code) • Friday: Money hit my account • The following Tuesday: Finally got the notice in the mail Turns out they reduced my refund by $67 because I made a small error calculating my Earned Income Tax Credit. The whole thing was way less dramatic than I thought it would be. One thing that really helped me was downloading the IRS2Go app - it sends push notifications when your refund status changes, so you don't have to obsessively check the website. Also, if you're really stressed about the medical bills, most hospitals and medical offices will work with you on payment plans if you explain you're waiting on a tax refund. I called mine and they gave me an extra 30 days without any late fees. The waiting is definitely the worst part, but based on what I've seen here and my own experience, you should see your DDD within the next week. Try to stay positive! 🙏
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Aisha Abdullah
•Thanks for sharing your timeline - this gives me so much hope! I'm on day 3 since seeing the codes and was starting to spiral a bit. The IRS2Go app tip is genius, I had no idea it could send notifications! Just downloaded it. And you're absolutely right about calling the medical billing offices - I've been putting it off because I was embarrassed, but hearing that you got an extra 30 days makes me feel like it's worth trying. Did you have to provide any proof that you were waiting on a refund, or did they just take your word for it? Really appreciate you taking the time to break down your exact timeline - it helps so much to see real examples instead of just general "5-7 business days" estimates! 🤞
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Natasha Orlova
I'm going through this exact same thing right now! Got my 826/971 codes yesterday and have been checking my transcript every few hours since (I know, I know, it doesn't help but I can't stop myself!). Reading through everyone's timelines here is actually really reassuring - seems like most people are getting their DDD within a week or so. @Alice Fleming - I totally feel you on the medical bills stress. I'm in a similar boat waiting for this refund to cover some unexpected dental work. One thing that's helping me stay (somewhat) sane is remembering that these codes usually mean a small adjustment, not that they're taking the whole refund. The 971 notice code means they're legally required to tell you what they changed, which is actually a good sign that it's probably something minor. From what I'm seeing in all these responses, it sounds like the IRS is processing these adjustments pretty quickly this year - way faster than the horror stories I was reading from 2022 and 2023. Crossing my fingers we both see our DDDs this week! 🤞 Also definitely going to try that tip about calling the medical billing offices. Never thought about asking for extra time while waiting on the refund, but it makes total sense.
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Ellie Simpson
•@Natasha Orlova I m'literally in the same boat as you and @Alice Fleming right now! Just saw my 826/971 codes this morning and came straight to this community looking for answers. Reading everyone s experiences'here has been such a relief - I was convinced something terrible had happened to my return. The dental work stress is so real too, I ve been'putting off a root canal because I was waiting for this refund. It s crazy'how many of us are dealing with medical expenses and counting on these refunds! Thanks for mentioning the hourly checking thing because I ve been'doing the exact same thing and feeling ridiculous about it. Going to try to limit myself to once a day like everyone suggests, though we ll see'how that goes 😅. Really hoping we all get good news this week!
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Dylan Campbell
Hey Alice! I totally understand the anxiety you're feeling right now - I've been there myself and it's rough when you need that refund for important expenses like medical bills. The 826/971 combo can look scary at first glance, but from what I've experienced and seen in this community, it's usually not as bad as it seems. Based on the timelines people are sharing here, you're looking at about 5-10 business days from when those codes appeared to getting your DDD (846 code). The good news is that the IRS seems to be processing these adjustments much faster this year compared to previous years. A few things that might help while you wait: - The 971 code means they're sending you a notice explaining exactly what they adjusted, so you'll know soon what changed - Most adjustments I've seen people report are relatively small amounts (under $200) due to calculation errors or credit miscalculations - Try to check your transcript only once per day - I know it's tempting to refresh constantly, but it won't speed things up and just adds stress Since you mentioned medical bills piling up, definitely consider calling those billing offices to explain you're waiting on a tax refund. Many healthcare providers are understanding about this situation and might give you some extra time to pay without penalties. You should hopefully see some movement on your transcript within the next few days. Hang in there! 💪
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Steven Adams
•@Dylan Campbell This is such a thoughtful and comprehensive response! I m'actually going through this exact situation right now too - just got my 826/971 codes yesterday and have been spiraling a bit. Your advice about limiting transcript checking to once per day is spot on, though I ll'admit I ve'already failed at that today 😅. The point about most adjustments being under $200 is really reassuring - I keep imagining worst-case scenarios where they re'taking my entire refund. I m'also dealing with some medical expenses physical (therapy bills from a car accident and) hadn t'thought about calling to ask for extra time. Did you find that most healthcare providers were understanding when you explained the tax refund delay situation? Really appreciate you taking the time to break this down so clearly - it s'exactly what people like @Alice Fleming and the rest of us need to hear right now!
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Natasha Petrov
I just went through this exact scenario about 2 weeks ago and wanted to share my experience to hopefully ease some of your anxiety! I got the 826/971 codes on a Thursday morning and was absolutely panicking because I needed the refund for some overdue medical bills from a surgery last year. Here's how it played out for me: • Thursday: Spotted 826/971 codes on transcript • Following Tuesday: Got my DDD (846 code) showing deposit for Friday • Friday: Money hit my account • The following Monday: Received the CP12 notice in the mail The adjustment was only $89 - they corrected an error I made with my premium tax credit calculation. I was so relieved because I had built it up in my head to be this massive problem! A few things that really helped me during the wait: - I called my medical billing office and explained I was waiting on a tax refund. They were super understanding and gave me an additional 15 days without any late fees - I set up account alerts with my bank so I'd get notified the moment any deposit came through - I forced myself to only check the transcript once per day (usually first thing in the morning with my coffee) The hardest part is definitely the not knowing, but based on everything I've read here and experienced myself, you should see movement within the next 3-5 business days. The IRS has been processing these adjustment cases much faster this season than in previous years. Try to stay positive - you're in the home stretch! Those codes usually mean a small tweak rather than anything major. Your medical bills will get paid, just maybe a few days later than originally planned. 🙏
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Yara Abboud
•@Natasha Petrov Your timeline is so encouraging! I m'on day 2 since seeing my 826/971 codes and was starting to imagine all sorts of worst-case scenarios. The fact that your adjustment was only $89 gives me hope - I keep thinking they re'going to take hundreds or thousands from my refund. I love the idea of setting up bank alerts, I m'definitely doing that today! The medical billing office tip is something I never would have thought of - I ve'been so focused on the IRS side that I forgot I could potentially get some breathing room on the payment side too. Did they ask for any documentation when you called, or did they just take your word about waiting for the refund? Really appreciate you sharing such a detailed timeline with specific days - it s'so much more helpful than the generic 5-7 "business days estimates" everyone gives! 🤞
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Molly Chambers
Based on all the timelines people have shared here, you're definitely in that nerve-wracking waiting period, but the good news is most folks are seeing their DDD within 5-10 business days after those codes appear. I went through something similar last year and the anticipation was honestly worse than the actual outcome! Since you mentioned medical bills, here's something that really helped me: I called each medical provider's billing department and explained I was waiting on a tax refund that had been delayed due to an IRS adjustment. Most were incredibly understanding - one gave me 30 extra days, another waived late fees entirely. They deal with this situation more often than you'd think, especially during tax season. The 826/971 combo usually means they're making a relatively small adjustment and are legally required to send you a notice explaining what changed. Try not to let your mind wander to worst-case scenarios (easier said than done, I know!). From what I've seen in this community, most adjustments are under $300 and often due to simple calculation errors. One practical tip: if you haven't already, set up mobile banking alerts so you'll know the second your refund hits your account. It saved me from obsessive balance checking during those final few days of waiting. Hang in there - you should hopefully see some movement on your transcript within the next few days! 💪
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