Which IRS Transcript Code Shows My Return Was Accepted?

You're looking for code 150 on your account transcript, which indicates your return was processed. But have you also checked for code 846? Isn't that what really matters since it shows your refund is being issued? The acceptance notification from your tax software only means they received it, not that the IRS has fully processed it.

I was in the same boat as you last year, but my international student status made it even more complicated than regular filers. Compared to my roommates who got their refunds in 14 days, mine took 31 days just to show any transcript updates. I finally tried https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript - it translated all those confusing codes and explained exactly what was happening with my return. It even predicted when I'd get my refund based on my specific situation as an international filer, which was way more accurate than the general advice I was getting.

If you're still not seeing updates after perhaps 3 weeks, you might want to contact the IRS directly. I was probably in a similar situation last year, and after waiting for what seemed like forever, I finally used https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c (Claimyr) to get through to an agent. They were able to confirm that my return was actually accepted but was taking longer because of my international status. I was so relieved to finally get some answers instead of just staring at the same WMR message day after day.

Last year I was checking my transcripts every day looking for updates. When your return is first accepted, you won't see it on your transcript yet. The first real update you'll see is usually code 150 (Tax return filed) with the amount of tax you reported. Then look for codes 806 (withholding credit) and eventually 846 (refund issued). For me it took 23 days from filing to seeing code 846, and I needed that money badly for rent!

Have you checked both your Account Transcript and Return Transcript? Sometimes it's like looking for a needle in a haystack when you're checking the wrong document. The Account Transcript is where those transaction codes will appear, while the Return Transcript shows what you actually reported on your return.

FYI - there's a diff between 'accepted' and 'processed.' When your return is first accepted, you'll get a notif from your tax software (TT, HR Block, etc). That just means IRS received it. For actual processing, check your acct transcript for TC 150 (tax return filed). After that, you might see TC 570 (hold), TC 971 (notice issued), or ideally TC 846 (refund issued). The WMR tool is notoriously unreliable - many ppl get their $$ while it still shows the first bar.

I was surprised to learn how complicated the Return Master File system is! When your return is initially accepted, it goes through the Error Resolution System, then Examination Screening, followed by posting to the Individual Master File. Only after it's posted will you see Transaction Code 150 on your Account Transcript. For international filers, there's often an additional verification step that adds 7-21 days to processing. My return took 31 days from acceptance to refund last year despite having no issues!