IRS Code 846

What is IRS code 846?

IRS code 846 indicates that the IRS has completed processing your refund and has approved your refund. The amount shown on this line will detail the amount of your tax refund. If the amount does not match the amount you reported on your tax return, you will need to wait for a letter from the IRS explaining the discrepancy.

The amount shown on the transcript will also include any interest owed by the IRS on your tax refund. The refund is calculated by subtracting your total tax liability from any credits (federal income tax withheld or estimated tax) on your account, plus any interest due to you.

When will my tax refund arrive?

Once you see code 846 on your transcript, your tax refund will be processed. The timing of your refund will depend on whether you are requesting a direct deposit refund or a check. If you requested a check, you should receive it within 3-4 weeks. Direct deposit refunds usually take 2-3 weeks. You can get a more specific time frame for your refund by checking the “Where’s my refund” tool.

Additional codes next to code 846?

• There are several additional codes that appear next to code 846 that you should be aware of.

Code 898

• If you see code 898, it means that at least some of your refund is being applied to outstanding non-IRS debts. These debts can be almost any type of outstanding, delinquent debt, but they are most commonly associated with student loans, state income taxes and child support payments.

Code 899

• If part of your refund was applied to non-IRS debt, code 899 will appear on your transcript. Code 898 will show the full amount of the refund that was applied to the debt, and code 899 will show the portion of the refund that is greater than the amount of the debt. You will receive the amount of the refund shown on this line.

Code 570

• IRS code 570 indicates that your refund is on hold for review by the IRS. You do not need to do anything until the hold is lifted.

Code 841

• IRS code 841 indicates that your direct deposit refund has been rejected by your financial institution because the information on file with the IRS does not match the information on file with the financial institution.

What does the date next to code 846 mean?

The date next to code 846 is the date the IRS sent you your tax refund. If you received your refund through direct deposit, this is the date the IRS initiated direct deposit.

It may still take a few days for the refund to appear in your account. If you received your refund by check, this is the date the IRS printed the check. Since it was sent by mail, it will still take a few days to receive your refund.

Something went wrong? Contact the IRS

If you do not agree with the items on your account transcript, you can contact the IRS to discuss the issue. There are several ways you can resolve the problem.

Call the IRS

You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and speak to an agent. The IRS usually has a long wait time (usually 2-3 hours). The agent may be able to resolve your issue over the phone, or they may ask you to provide written documentation to resolve your issue.

Contact your local IRS office

You can make an appointment to meet with an agent at your local IRS office. You should bring with you a written explanation of why the IRS statement is incorrect, as well as documentation to support your request.

Contacting the Taxpayer Advocate

The Taxpayer Advocate is a department within the IRS that specializes in helping taxpayers when they are unable to get a resolution through normal procedures.

Contacting a tax specialist

Let’s say you have contacted the IRS but have not been able to successfully resolve your issue. In this case, you should contact a tax professional, such as the experienced professionals at Tax Shark, who can guide you through the process and help you resolve the issue.