Transcript Shows All Codes Except 846 - Updated to Hold Status

What specific codes do you see on your transcript right now? Are you seeing a 570 (additional account action pending) with a recent date? Did you also get a 971 notice issued code? I'm wondering if you're in the manual review process, which could explain why the 846 hasn't appeared yet. Have you received any correspondence from the IRS about this hold? Sometimes they need additional verification but don't always send notices right away.

Based on your transcript codes, you're likely in what the IRS calls the "pre-refund verification" process. I've seen this pattern frequently this tax season. The WMR tool doesn't show these nuances, but https://taxr.ai can analyze your full transcript and explain what each code combination means for your specific situation. According to the IRS processing guidelines referenced on their site, education credits often trigger additional verification steps before the 846 code appears. Their transcript analyzer would show you exactly where you are in the process.

According to Internal Revenue Manual 21.5.6, holds without the 846 code often indicate manual review processes that can take 45-120 days to resolve. I was in this situation last month and couldn't get through to anyone at the IRS for clarification. I eventually used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to connect with an agent who confirmed I was in the education credit verification queue. The agent was able to expedite my case once I reached them. Per IRS Publication 17, they're required to provide status updates when requested directly.

It might be worth checking if you perhaps have an offset that's causing this. Sometimes, the system will hold your refund if you have outstanding federal debts (student loans, child support, etc). The Treasury Offset Program doesn't always generate specific codes, but it can prevent the 846 from appearing. You could possibly call the TOP directly at 800-304-3107 to verify if there's an offset. I believe this is generally a quicker alternative than waiting for the IRS to send you a notice explaining the hold.

I had exactly this situation on March 12, 2023. All codes present except 846, with a hold status. Thought it would resolve quickly. Ended up waiting until May 27th before getting my refund. The IRS never sent any explanation, and when I finally reached someone on June 3rd, they said it had been a random verification hold related to education credits. The agent admitted they were overwhelmed with verification cases and many were sitting untouched for weeks. Don't count on this resolving soon without intervention.

I just went through this exact scenario last month. Had all codes but 846, with a hold status for 6 weeks. Called the IRS, got through after multiple attempts, and found out it was stuck in education credit verification. Asked for a taxpayer advocate referral due to financial hardship (needed money for tuition). Got my 846 code 3 days later and refund the following week. Don't just wait - be proactive and specifically request hardship consideration if you need the funds urgently.