Is processing complete with 849 code? My transcript says Feb 10th - how much longer?

So does that mean they're done with the processing part and they're just waiting to send the money? Or could they still find something wrong and do an audit at this point? My brother had his refund delayed for like 2 months last year even after he got all these codes.

Generally, the 849 code means the initial processing is complete, but there could still be additional reviews happening. The return has been posted to your account, which is a good step, but it doesn't guarantee there won't be any further scrutiny. No, an 849 code doesn't protect you from potential audits or reviews. The IRS can still select returns for examination even after issuing refunds. Your brother's experience is actually quite common - sometimes returns go through additional verification processes that can extend timeframes significantly.

That sounds useful but does it actually tell you anything more than what's already on the transcript? Like can it predict when you'll actually get the money? I'm in the same boat with an 849 code from Jan 27 and still nothing.

Is it safe to upload your tax transcript to a random website though? That has your SSN and all your financial info. Seems risky to me.

It definitely gives you more insights than just looking at the raw transcript. The AI analyzes patterns from thousands of previous returns and gives you a probability range of when your refund will likely be issued based on your specific codes and dates. For my January 27th code, it predicted February 9-14, and my deposit hit on the 11th. They use bank-level encryption for all uploads and don't store your actual transcript after analysis. They just extract the codes and dates, not your personal information. I was skeptical too but they explain their security measures in detail on their site. I researched them pretty thoroughly before using the service.

How much does it cost though? Seems like something that should be free tbh. The IRS is already impossible to deal with and now we have to pay just to talk to them?

This sounds like a scam. How could they possibly get you to the front of an IRS queue? The IRS doesn't have "fast passes" like Disney World lol. I'll believe it when I see it.

There is a fee, but for me it was worth every penny considering I was trying to track down a $5k refund. Think about the time value - I spent hours trying to call them myself over multiple days and never got through. This way I didn't have to sit on hold for hours or keep redialing. They don't actually get you to the "front" of the queue - their system basically waits on hold for you using their automated system. They call multiple IRS numbers simultaneously and use the one that connects fastest. When an agent is about to pick up, they call and connect you. It's not a scam - they're just solving the hold time problem. The IRS is still making you wait, but you're not the one sitting there listening to the hold music for hours.

do u know if having unemployment on your return causes delays too? i have both unemployment and the earned income credit and ive been waiting for over a month now

Unemployment compensation can sometimes trigger additional verification, especially if there's a discrepancy between what you reported and what the state reported on your behalf. It's not as automatic a hold as the refundable credits, but it can add time. The combination of unemployment plus EITC definitely increases the chance of a longer review because they're checking multiple aspects of your return. The good news is that once you see that 849 code, it generally means the major verification steps are complete. The remaining wait is usually just for the payment to be authorized and sent in the next refund batch.

Thanks for mentioning this! I did claim the EIC this year, so that might explain part of the delay. But I thought the PATH Act hold was only until mid-February, and we're now almost in mid-March. Is it normal for it to take this much additional time even after the PATH Act release date?

Yes, unfortunately the PATH Act hold is just the minimum wait time, not the maximum. Even after mid-February, returns with EIC can still take several additional weeks to process, especially during busy tax season. The IRS has to verify employment and income information for EIC claims, which adds extra review time on top of the PATH Act delay. Since you're seeing the 849 code though, that's a good sign that the verification is likely complete and you're just waiting for the refund to be released in the next processing cycle.