Are you a PATH Act filer, anxiously refreshing the IRS ‘Where’s My Refund?’ (WMR) tool, only to see “Received” or “Processing” status day after day? The wait can be incredibly stressful, especially when you’re counting on that refund. Don’t panic! We understand the frustration, especially as we approach mid-February 2026, a critical time for many.
The good news is, there’s a more reliable, “backdoor” method seasoned filers use to pinpoint their direct deposit date, often days before WMR catches up. This guide will decode the secret: your Account Transcript and the crucial IRS Transcript Code 846. Stop refreshing WMR, it’s driving you crazy!
Accessing Your IRS Account Transcript: The First Step
The IRS Account Transcript is a detailed record of your tax account, showing all transactions, including your refund issuance via IRS Transcript Code 846. Unlike the WMR tool, which can lag significantly, transcripts often update weekly, especially for those on a weekly processing cycle.
Here’s how to get yours:
- Go to Official Site: Visit irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript.
- Verify Identity: Log in using ID.me.
- Select Transcript: Choose “Account Transcript” for 2025 (filed in 2026).
Decoding Your Transcript: The Power of IRS Transcript Code 846
Once you have your Account Transcript, you’ll see a series of transaction codes. Each code tells a story about your tax return. For PATH Act filers stuck on “Received,” your mission is to find the IRS Transcript Code 846.
IRS Transcript Code 846 = Refund Issued!
| Code | Meaning | What It Means For You |
|---|---|---|
| 846 | Refund Issued | THIS IS IT! The IRS Transcript Code 846 confirms your deposit date. |
| 570 | Additional Liability | This indicates a temporary hold. Don’t panic, but it means a delay. |
| 806 | Withholding Credit | This represents the tax withheld from your wages (a credit). |
Understanding Your IRS Cycle Code and Week
Your transcript also contains a “Cycle Code” (e.g., 20260705). This code tells you when your account is processed and when the IRS Transcript Code 846 typically appears.
| Part of Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 2026 | The year the return was processed. |
| 07 | The IRS processing week number. |
| 05 | Weekly Processing. Updates happen late Tuesday/early Wednesday. |
If your code ends in 05, you are a “Weekly” account. This means you should check your transcript on Tuesday mornings to see if the IRS Transcript Code 846 has appeared. This aligns with the massive PATH Act Update 2026 wave.
I Found IRS Transcript Code 846! What Now?
Congratulations! If you see the IRS Transcript Code 846 with a future date (e.g., 02-24-2026), that is your official Direct Deposit Date (DDD).
- Ignore WMR if it still says “Processing.”
- Check your bank account on that specific date.
- Neo-banks (Chime, Varo) may receive funds up to 2 days earlier.
FAQ: IRS Transcript Code 846
Q: My transcript shows IRS Transcript Code 846 but WMR hasn’t updated. Why?
A: WMR lags behind. The transcript is the “source code” of your account. Trust the IRS Transcript Code 846 date.
Q: What does Code 570 mean for my refund?
A: Code 570 is a temporary freeze. It often resolves itself within a week (look for Code 571). If it stays, you may receive a letter (Code 971).
Q: Can I get my refund before the 846 date?
A: Yes! Many banks release funds as soon as they get the notification, often 1-2 days before the official date listed next to the IRS Transcript Code 846.