Bottom Line: The PATH Act freeze is officially lifting for many early filers. If your transcript updated overnight with Code 846 (Refund Issued) and a date between February 22 and February 27, your direct deposit is imminent.
It has been a long three weeks. Like millions of you, I filed in late January 2025 hoping to beat the rush. But because I claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), I got hit with the mandatory PATH Act hold.
Every morning, I checked the app. Every morning: “Processed” but no date. Then, at 3:00 AM this morning, it changed.
The WMR vs. Transcript Lag Here is the trick I learned: The “Where’s My Refund” (WMR) tool is slow. My WMR bar was still stuck on “Received” when my transcript had already updated with the magic code.
If you are seeing Code 150 (Return Filed) and Code 766 (Credit to your account), you are close. But Code 846 is the only one that matters for the cash hitting your bank.
My 2026 Timeline Breakdown Here is exactly how it played out for my return ($6,240.00):
- Jan 28: Filed and Accepted.
- Feb 14: PATH Act legally lifts (but nothing moved).
- Feb 17: Transcripts accessible but showing empty codes.
- Today: Code 846 appeared.
When Will The Money Hit? Banks process these differently. I use a traditional bank (Wells Fargo/Chase type), so I expect a 2-day wait. If you use a fintech app, you might get it sooner.
| Bank Type | Estimated Deposit Speed |
| Chime / CashApp / Varo | Same day as 846 Date or 1 day early |
| Credit Unions | 1 Day after 846 Date |
| Traditional Banks | On the exact 846 Date |
Three Steps If You Are Still Waiting:
- Stop checking WMR. Go to your IRS Online Account and pull the 2025 Account Transcript.
- Look for Cycle Codes. If your cycle ends in “05,” you update weekly (usually Fridays/Saturdays).
- Don’t panic over Code 570. If it appears without a 971, it might just be a temporary processing hold while the system verifies your EITC.
Hang in there. The floodgates have opened.
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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