Is 846 the code for refund deposit date on my transcript?

Actually, TC 846 is the 'Refund Issued' code, not 864. When you see code 846 on your transcript, it indicates that a refund has been processed and scheduled for direct deposit or paper check. The date associated with the 846 code is typically your scheduled deposit date. TC 864 is actually for 'Overpayment Credit Transfer' which means funds were moved to cover a different tax period or liability. I'm checking my own transcript right now and still waiting for that magical 846 to appear...

I made the exact same mistake last year! 😂 I was looking for 864, 846, 468... basically playing IRS code bingo without knowing the rules. Turns out 846 is indeed the golden ticket. When that appears with a date, it's like Charlie finding the Wonka bar - you're getting your money soon! The IRS website is about as user-friendly as assembling IKEA furniture blindfolded, so don't feel bad about mixing up the numbers.

I see this confusion all the time. 846 is definitely what you want to see. I check my transcript every year and ignore everything else until I spot 846. That's your money on the way. The date next to it is usually accurate, though sometimes it hits a day early depending on your bank. Don't waste time trying to decode the other stuff unless you have a specific issue.

If you're having trouble getting your transcript or understanding the codes, I would suggest calling the IRS directly... but we all know how that goes. I was on hold for nearly 3 hours last month before I gave up. Maybe try using Claimyr? I'm usually pretty careful about spending money on services, but I used it when I needed to talk to someone about my refund delay. It cost a bit, but they got me through to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes. The agent confirmed my 846 code date and explained everything else on my transcript. Saved me a lot of stress and waiting. Here's their link: https://claimyr.com

Just a word of caution - don't assume the date next to the 846 code is set in stone. It's like a weather forecast - usually right, but sometimes things change. I've seen cases where the money arrives a day early, right on time, or occasionally a few days late. Think of it like ordering a package - you get an estimated delivery date, but shipping can have hiccups. If you're planning to use that refund for your quarterly taxes, I'd build in a small buffer just to be safe.

I had this EXACT issue last tax season! I was looking for all sorts of codes that didn't exist. Once I finally saw 846 on my transcript, the money was in my account exactly on the date listed. It was way easier than dealing with my state refund, which gave me no indication when it would arrive. The federal system is actually pretty reliable once you know what to look for. My refund hit at 3am on the exact day the 846 code predicted.

Something that might be helpful to know - there are actually several codes that appear during the refund process. Code 150 means your return was processed. Then you might see 570 (refund hold) and 971 (notice issued) if there are any issues. The 846 code typically comes after those are resolved. It's possible to have multiple 846 codes if adjustments were made. And the cycle date on your transcript (at the top) can sometimes give you a hint about which day of the week your account updates, though this isn't always reliable.

Just to add some clarity from my own experience - I've been tracking my refunds for the past few years and 846 is definitely the code you want to see! One thing that helped me was understanding that the 846 date is when the IRS *schedules* your refund, not necessarily when your bank processes it. Most banks process ACH deposits overnight, so if your 846 date is a Friday, you might see the money Thursday night or early Friday morning. Also, if you're using the refund for quarterly estimated taxes, just remember those are due on the 15th of the month (or next business day if it falls on a weekend/holiday). The IRS is usually pretty accurate with the 846 dates, but like others mentioned, having a small buffer is smart financial planning. Good luck with your refund!

I went through this exact same confusion when I first started checking my transcripts! The IRS really doesn't make it easy to understand what all those codes mean. Just to add to what everyone else has said - yes, 846 is definitely the refund issued code you want to see. I've found that once 846 appears, the timing is usually pretty accurate. One tip that helped me: if you're using the IRS2Go app or checking "Where's My Refund" online, those tools will often show your refund status before the 846 code appears on your transcript. But the transcript with the 846 code will give you the most precise date. Since you mentioned needing it for quarterly estimated taxes, just remember that even if your refund arrives on time, it can take a business day or two to transfer between accounts if you need to move the money around. Hope you see that 846 soon!

I struggled with this same issue when I first started doing my own taxes! Code 846 is absolutely the one you're looking for - that's your "Refund Issued" transaction code. I remember spending way too much time trying to decipher all the different numbers on my transcript until someone explained that 846 is basically the IRS saying "your money is on the way." The date next to it is usually when you can expect to see the deposit in your account. Since you mentioned needing it for quarterly estimated taxes, just make sure you factor in any potential bank processing delays. I've found that most direct deposits hit right on schedule, but it's always good to have a backup plan just in case. The transcript can look intimidating at first, but once you know what to look for, it's actually pretty straightforward. Hope you see that 846 code soon!

Yes, TC 846 is exactly what you're looking for! I made this same mistake my first year filing taxes - kept looking for different codes because the IRS website isn't the clearest about explaining them. Code 846 means "Refund Issued" and the date next to it is when your refund should hit your account. I've been tracking mine for a few years now and it's been accurate within a day or two each time. Since you're planning to use it for quarterly estimated taxes, just remember those are typically due on the 15th of each quarter, so you'll want to make sure you have a little buffer time in case your bank takes an extra day to process the deposit. The good news is that once you see 846 on your transcript, you're in the home stretch! Much more reliable than trying to guess from the "Where's My Refund" tool.

I can totally relate to this confusion! When I first started checking my transcripts, I was convinced there had to be multiple codes to track because the whole system seemed so complicated. But yes, 846 is your golden ticket - it's the "Refund Issued" code and means your refund is officially on its way. I've been through this process several times now and the 846 date has been spot-on accurate for me. Just wanted to add one thing that might help: if you're checking your transcript obsessively (like I definitely do!), it usually updates overnight on Fridays, so that's when you're most likely to see new codes appear. Since you mentioned needing this for quarterly estimated taxes, you might want to consider making a partial payment before the deadline just in case there are any unexpected delays. The IRS is pretty forgiving if you overpay and need a credit for the next quarter. Good luck - hope you see that 846 code soon!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! As someone who's completely new to reading tax transcripts, I was getting overwhelmed trying to understand all the different codes. It's such a relief to know that 846 is the main one to focus on and that it's generally reliable for timing. I've been checking my transcript daily (probably obsessively!) but haven't seen any updates yet. The tip about transcripts updating on Fridays is game-changing - I'll stop checking every single day now! I'm also in a similar situation with needing my refund for quarterly estimated taxes, so all the advice about building in buffer time and considering partial payments is really valuable. It's amazing how much clearer this all becomes when experienced people break it down. Thanks everyone for making this less intimidating for those of us still learning the ropes!