Transcript Updated But No 846 Code - Wage & Income Shows 'No Tax Return Filed'?!

This is a common processing anomaly during the post-PATH verification period. The Account Transcript and Wage & Income Transcript operate on separate IRS database systems. Your return is likely in the verification queue, causing the 846 code absence. The Wage & Income database typically updates 2-4 weeks after initial processing and often displays "no tax return filed" while the Account Transcript shows processing activity. This discrepancy resolves automatically upon final processing.

Oh wow, I had this EXACT situation just last month! Let me walk you through what happened: 1. My transcript updated with codes 150, 570, 971 but no 846 2. Wage & Income section showed "no tax return filed" 3. PATH message stayed on WMR for weeks 4. After 9 days, everything suddenly updated at once 5. Got my deposit 2 days after the 846 appeared I never realized how many different systems the IRS uses that don't seem connected to each other!

Have you considered what might be causing this disconnect between your transcripts? I've seen this several times with my clients. It's usually a timing issue between different IRS systems. When I need to decode what's really happening with transcripts showing these kinds of contradictions, I use https://taxr.ai - it analyzes all the transcript codes together and explains what's happening behind the scenes. Ever wonder why your account transcript shows processing but wage & income doesn't? Their system explained that the IRS verification queue processes these separately, and gave me an estimated timeline based on current IRS backlogs.

This is a system synchronization issue. Different IRS databases. Account transcript processes first. Wage verification follows separately. Normal during peak season. Usually resolves within 14 days. PATH delays extend this timeframe. No cause for concern yet.

Have you verified your Refund Status Indicators on your Account Transcript? The absence of TC 846 combined with the PATH message indicates your return is in the Extended Verification Queue (EVQ). The Wage & Income Transcript discrepancy is common during this phase. If you need immediate clarification on your specific situation, I recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to reach an IRS agent directly. They can access your Master File Record which shows the actual status across all IRS systems. Many investors in your situation need definitive timelines for financial planning.

I dealt with this same problem last month, but mine was even worse - my transcript showed a 570 code AND said no return filed! Compared to that nightmare, you're actually in better shape. The PATH delay is frustrating but at least your return is being processed. When this happened to me last year, everything updated at once about 10 days later. Much less stressful than when I had an actual audit flag that took months to resolve.

I needed my refund ASAP for bills and had this exact problem. Called IRS directly. They told me straight up: different databases don't sync at the same time. The account transcript updates first, wage transcript later. Nothing's wrong. Just wait. Got my 846 code four days later. Money hit my account two days after that. Don't stress about it.

According to the IRS Processing Pipeline documentation at irs.gov/irm/part21, this is expected behavior during peak processing periods. The Account Management System (AMS) and the Information Returns Processing System (IRPS) operate independently. The IRPS houses your Wage & Income data and updates approximately 7-14 days after initial processing. You can verify this by checking the Processing Date (MMDD) on your account transcript and comparing it to today's date. If it's within 14 days, this is completely normal.

I experienced this last year and the year before. Both times my transcript updated but showed no 846, and the wage transcript said nothing was filed. I remember panicking just like you! In 2022, it took 16 days to resolve. Last year it only took 8 days. The PATH delay affects everyone with certain credits, and these database mismatches are just part of how their system works. If you're really concerned, call early morning (7am Eastern) when the wait times are shortest.

I had this happen on March 3rd. My transcript updated with codes 150, 806, 766, etc., but no 846, and my wage transcript said no return filed. I freaked out and called the IRS. The agent said this was completely normal and that I was just caught in the PATH verification. My 846 code appeared exactly 8 days later on March 11th with a DD date of March 14th. My refund was $6,788 and it posted right on time. Hang in there!