If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) on your 2025 return, you have been stuck in the “PATH Act” holding pattern since late January. Good news: As of mid-February 2026, that legal freeze is officially lifting.
Here is the Bottom Line Up Front: If you are a “weekly” updater (Cycle Code ending in 05), your transcript likely updated this morning (Friday, Feb 20). Millions of Americans are seeing Code 846: Refund Issued with a direct deposit date of February 24 or 25.
However, the “Where’s My Refund” (WMR) tool usually lags behind. Do not panic if WMR still says “Processing.” Here are the 5 critical signs your money is actually moving.
1. The “846” Code Appeared Overnight
The holy grail of tax season is Code 846 on your Account Transcript. This code means the Treasury has released the funds.
- Look for: A date next to Code 846.
- Example: If it says 02-25-2026, that is the official banking day.
- Early Deposit: Fintech banks (Chime, CashApp, Varo) often release these funds up to 2 days early—potentially as soon as today or tomorrow.
2. The “As Of” Date Changed
Check the top right of your transcript. If the “As Of” date shifted from February 16 to March 2, 2026, it means the system has re-processed your file. While this isn’t a guarantee of a refund, it confirms your return is not collecting dust in the “Errors Resolution” department.
3. Your Cycle Code Ends in “05”
Most PATH Act filers are placed in the “weekly” batch.
- 01-04: Daily updaters (update Tue-Fri).
- 05: Weekly updaters (update Fridays only).
If your cycle code is 20260705, today is your day. Check your transcript immediately.
4. WMR Will Not Update Until Tomorrow
This confuses everyone. The IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool typically updates on Saturdays for weekly accounts.
- Friday: Transcript updates with Code 846.
- Saturday: WMR changes from “Path Message” to “Refund Approved.”
5. No Code 570 or 971
If you see Code 846 at the bottom of the list, you are safe. Warning: If you see Code 570 (Freeze) after the PATH lift, you have a separate issue—likely a wage verification problem. The PATH Act lift will not fix a 570 freeze.
Deposit Estimate Table (Late Feb 2026)
| If Transcript 846 Date Is: | Traditional Bank (Chase/Boa) | Early Deposit App (Chime/SoFi) |
| Feb 24 (Tue) | Feb 24 (Morning) | Feb 20 – Feb 23 |
| Feb 25 (Wed) | Feb 25 (Morning) | Feb 21 – Feb 24 |
| Feb 27 (Fri) | Feb 27 (Morning) | Feb 25 – Feb 26 |
Do not spend the money before it hits. Even with a date, bank errors happen. Wait until the notification dings your phone.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult official government resources.
Evan Cole Editor-in-Chief | Breaking News & Public Policy
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