For weekly tax filers with an IRS Cycle Code 05 who have been patiently waiting for their federal tax refund, specifically the elusive Code 846 (Refund Issued), the critical moment is here. As of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, tomorrow – Friday, February 20, 2026 – marks the most significant day for your transcript updates.
This IRS Cycle Code 05 Update Alert confirms that if you missed the daily updates earlier this week, do not panic. Your account is on a different schedule. This guide explains why tomorrow is the “Big Wave” for Cycle 05 filers.
What Does “IRS Cycle Code 05 Update Alert” Mean?
Your IRS cycle code is an 8-digit number found on your tax transcript (e.g., 20260805). The last two digits, in this case “05,” indicate your processing schedule. A “05” code means you are a Weekly Filer, and this IRS Cycle Code 05 Update Alert applies specifically to you.
Updates ONLY on Fridays (Weekly Batch)
Unlike daily filers (01-04) who might see updates Tuesday through Friday, IRS Cycle Code 05 accounts typically only see significant movements on their tax transcripts once a week—on Fridays.
| Processing Type | Cycle Code Ends In | Update Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Filers | 01, 02, 03, 04 | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri |
| Weekly Filers | 05 | Fridays Only |
The Friday Forecast: Exact Times to Check
For those receiving this IRS Cycle Code 05 Update Alert, here is the schedule you need to mark on your calendar for tomorrow. If you are still seeing delays, verify you don’t have an Identity Verification Hold.
WMR Update: 3:00 AM – 6:00 AM EST (Saturday)
The Strategy: Do not check the Where’s My Refund (WMR) tool on Friday morning; it will likely still say “Processing.” Instead, check your Account Transcript. That is where the Code 846 Refund Date will appear first.
How to Check Your IRS Transcript for Code 846
Checking your IRS transcript is the most accurate way to get the latest information on your refund. It updates 24 hours faster than WMR.
- Access Account: Go to the official IRS Get Transcript page.
- Login: Use ID.me to sign in securely.
- Select Year: Click on “2025” under the Account Transcript section.
- Find the Code: Look for Code 846 at the bottom of the list. The date next to it is your Direct Deposit Date.
For a full list of estimated deposit dates based on your cycle code, refer to our IRS Refund Schedule 2026.
FAQ: IRS Cycle Code 05 Update Alert
Q: What if I don’t see an update this Friday?
A: If your transcript doesn’t update, you might be pushed to next week’s batch. Also, check for IRS Still Processing status or Code 570/971, which indicate a hold.
Q: Why is WMR slower than the transcript?
A: The WMR tool is a secondary system that pulls data from the master transcript database once a day (usually overnight Saturday for weekly filers).
Q: Can my cycle code change?
A: Yes, occasionally a daily filer can become a weekly filer (Cycle 05) if their return requires manual review, pushing them to the weekly batch. Stay tuned to our IRS Cycle Code 05 Update Alert for weekly changes.