It’s late February. You are tired of waiting. You’ve refreshed the “Where’s My Refund?” (WMR) tool until your thumb hurts, but the status bar hasn’t moved. Don’t panic. The real data isn’t on the WMR tool; it’s hiding in your Account Transcript.
If you have finally accessed your 2025 Account Transcript and see Transaction Code 846, take a breath. This is the “Holy Grail” of tax codes. It means the IRS has finished processing your return and authorized the release of funds. However, seeing the code is only half the battle. The date next to it dictates when the money hits your bank.
Here is the breakdown of what Code 846 means for your wallet this week.
The Breakdown: What Code 846 Actually Means
In simple terms? The check is in the mail (or the wire is on the way).
When the IRS computer system (the Master File) processes a return, it assigns codes to every action. Code 150 means filed. Code 570 means a hold. But Code 846 explicitly translates to “Refund Issued.”
Key Warning: Do not confuse the “Cycle Date” with the “846 Date.”
- Cycle Date: Tells you when your return posted to the Master File (e.g., 20260705).
- 846 Date: The actual day the Treasury sends the ACH deposit to your bank.
If your transcript shows “846 Refund Issued 02-25-2026”, expect the money on or around that specific day. Some banks with “early pay” features (like Chime or Cash App) might release it up to two days early. Traditional banks usually hold it until the exact date.
Q&A: Why Do I Have Code 846 But No Money?
This is the most common question we get during the 2026 tax season.
Q: My WMR bar is still stuck on “Received,” but I have Code 846. Why?
A: The WMR tool is often slow to update. It lags behind transcripts by 24 to 48 hours. Trust the transcript. If the transcript says 846, the refund is coming, regardless of what the WMR tool claims.
Q: I have Code 846, but the amount is different than I filed. What happened?
A: Look for Code 898 (Non-IRS Debt) or Code 826 (Overpayment Transferred). If you owed back taxes, child support, or state debts, the Bureau of the Fiscal Service may have taken a portion.
Q: Is it possible to have Code 846 and then have it reversed?
A: Extremely rare. Once 846 is posted, the money is moving. However, if the bank rejects the deposit (due to a name mismatch), the check will bounce back to the IRS, turning into Code 841 (Refund Cancelled).
2026 Cycle Code & Deposit Estimate
Use this table to estimate your deposit based on your Transcript Cycle Code ending.
| Cycle Code Ending | Processing Type | Likely Transcript Update | Likely Deposit Day (Code 846) |
| 01, 02, 03, 04 | Daily | Tues-Fri Mornings | Varies (Mon-Fri) |
| 05 | Weekly | Friday Mornings | Wednesdays (Commonly) |
Check Your Transcript Now
You cannot rely on guessing. You must verify your specific codes.
- Step 1: Log in to your account.
- Step 2: Select “2025” under “Account Transcript.”
- Step 3: Look for 846 at the bottom of the list.
Note: If you see Code 570 directly below your 846 code, there is a freeze. You will not receive your full refund until that freeze is lifted (Code 571).
For the most accurate status, always refer to the official IRS Get Transcript tool.
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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