Waiting 3 weeks after IRS code 846 (2/26/25): How long for refund check after 11-month freeze and amended return?

According to your transcript, here's what happened: - You filed your return (code 150) on 5/13/2024 - Your refund was frozen (code 810) on 3/7/2024 - You had various credits applied on 4/15/2024 (codes 766, 768) - You filed an amended return (codes 971, 977) on 11/18/2024 - They adjusted some credits (code 767) on 4/15/2024 - They reduced your prior tax assessment (code 291) on 1/13/2025 - The freeze was removed (code 811) on 2/12/2025 - Your refund was issued (code 846) on 2/26/2025 - Interest was credited (code 776) on 3/10/2025 For paper checks, the IRS typically says to allow 4-6 weeks from the date listed on the 846 code. It's still within the normal timeframe. If you don't receive it by April 10th (about 6 weeks after the 846 date), then you should contact the IRS to initiate a trace on the refund.

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After dealing with a freeze code and amended return like yours, I was exhausted trying to get through to the IRS. Called for weeks and got nothing but busy signals and disconnects. Finally tried this calling service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and had an IRS agent call ME back within a couple hours. They confirmed my check was mailed and gave me the exact date it was sent out. Best money I've ever spent to get answers directly from an agent instead of guessing and waiting.

yeah unfortunately paper checks take FOREVER. i had one issued in november that didnt arrive till january. if you have direct deposit set up with the IRS for previous refunds, its weird they would send a paper check this time.

I've been waiting 14 MONTHS for my refund check and still nothing. You're lucky your freeze got removed so fast. Count your blessings.

The irs system is completely broken. I once had a check mailed to my OLD address even though I had updated my address 6 months earlier. Make sure they have your current address!!! I had to wait for the post office to forward it which took another 3 weeks.

Are you sure its coming as a check and not direct deposit? The 846 code doesnt automatically mean paper check.

Did you check "Where's My Refund" on the IRS website? Sometimes it gives more updated info than what shows on transcripts.

i work for usps and let me tell you the mail is SLOW right now. we're short staffed and have been for months. government checks can take 2-4 weeks to arrive after theyre sent out. if the 846 date was 2/26, id say wait until at least end of March before getting worried.

Dealing with IRS processing and delays is more painful than getting teeth pulled without anesthesia. At least you have movement on your account! My transcript has been frozen for 9 months with no updates whatsoever. 😭

Something doesnt add up here. How did you get a freeze code in March 2024 before you filed in May 2024?

I've been in the exact situation. Check took 5 weeks to arrive after 846 date. The IRS says 6-8 weeks from refund issue date is still considered normal for paper checks. If it goes beyond that time, you can request a payment trace.

might be worth calling your local post office to see if they're holding it for some reason. happened to me once - the check was too big for my mailbox and they tried to deliver but nobody was home, so they took it back to the post office.

Keep an eye on Informed Delivery if u have it set up with USPS. You'll be able to see when the check is about to arrive.

I used to work at the IRS. The government is required to pay you interest if they hold your refund beyond 45 days from the filing deadline (or when you filed, if later). That's what the code 776 is - they're paying you interest because they took so long. The good news is that means your refund is definitely coming, they've acknowledged they owe you. Bad news is government moves at snails pace.

You should try using that Claimyr app thing to connect with the IRS. I was in the same boat waiting for my check after a freeze was lifted, and talking to a live agent got my refund released so fast. They told me exactly when it would arrive. claimyr.com saved me weeks of stress

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - had my refund frozen for 8 months and finally got the 846 code last week. The waiting is absolutely brutal! From what I've learned through this whole process, paper checks typically take 2-4 weeks from the 846 date, but with all the mail delays lately it can stretch longer. Since your 846 date was 2/26, you're still within the normal window. I'd wait until at least mid-April before requesting a payment trace. The fact that they added interest (code 776) is actually a good sign - it means they've acknowledged the delay and your refund is definitely processed. Hang in there!