Transcript Updated with 971 Notice but No 846 Refund Code - Child Tax Credit Issue

The 971 code means they're sending you a notice. This could be about the Child Tax Credit adjustment. I'm a bit concerned that there's no 846 code yet. That's what shows your refund is coming. Did you get any other codes like 570 (refund hold)? Check your mail closely for that notice coming around 3/15.

OMG I NEED MY REFUND TOO! Try calling the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040!! I got through yesterday after trying for 3 days straight! Press 1, then 2, then 1, then 3, then 2, don't enter your SSN, then 2, then 4. The agent told me my CTC adjustment would take 8-12 weeks but I pushed and they expedited it!!! Worth a shot if you're desperate like me!

According to IRS Internal Revenue Manual 21.5.6.4.7, when a credit adjustment occurs after filing, they follow a specific reconciliation process. Per IRC 6428B, this requires verification before refund issuance. I suggest using https://taxr.ai to analyze your transcript. It identifies these specific adjustment patterns and can tell you exactly what's happening with your Child Tax Credit reconciliation. It helped me understand that my similar situation wasn't an audit but a standard verification procedure with predictable timeline.

I had this exact situation last year. Here's what happened step by step: 1. Transcript updated with 971 code (notice issued) 2. Received letter 5 days later explaining CTC adjustment 3. Waited 14 days with no updates 4. Transcript suddenly updated with 846 code 5. Refund deposited 2 days after 846 appeared The technical reason is that the IRS has to reconcile their internal payment records against your return. The system flags these for manual review, which adds approximately 15-21 business days to processing time. The good news is that once they confirm everything, the refund processes quickly.

Have you tried calling the IRS? I used to spend hours redialing until I found https://claimyr.com? It holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. I'm impressed how well it works - I was skeptical at first, but got through to a real person who could see my 971 code and explained the exact timeline for my CTC adjustment. How long have you been waiting since the transcript updated?

Just went through this last month! My transcript showed 971, no 846, and I was freaking out (bills don't pay themselves, amirite? 😅). Turns out it was just the CTC adjustment. Took exactly 17 days from the notice date to get my refund. Hang in there - the money is coming! I was checking my bank account every hour like it was going to magically appear. Pro tip: set up direct deposit alerts so you don't drive yourself crazy checking.

Code 971 means notice issued. Not always bad. Often informational. CTC adjustments trigger this. Most get resolved automatically. Watch for letter in mail. Keep checking transcript weekly. Look for code 846. That's your refund date. Notice date plus 2-3 weeks is common timeline. System works slowly but reliably. Patience is key.

Everyone's telling you to wait, but that's like telling someone with a broken leg to be patient while the bone heals - technically correct but not helpful. Try requesting a taxpayer advocate through Form 911. It's like having a guide through the IRS maze instead of wandering blindly. I'm skeptical of the "just wait" approach because these adjustments can sometimes get stuck in processing loops if not actively addressed.

Had the EXACT same sitch last yr w/ my CTC. Got the 971 code on March 5th, notice arrived March 12th, refund finally hit my acct April 2nd. No 846 code until like 3 days b4 the $$ showed up. Tbh the waiting is the worst part, but at least ur transcript updated which is a good sign. Mine was stuck on N/A for weeks. U think they'd make this easier by now, right?