846 | Refund issued
This code indicates that the IRS has issued a refund for the specified tax period.
What This Code Means
Code 846 reflects that a refund has been authorized and issued. The entry typically includes the refund amount and an issue date. This code represents a completed refund transaction in IRS records. It indicates that the refund has moved from processing to issuance status. The presence of code 846 does not specify the method of payment within the code itself, but it confirms that issuance has occurred at the system level.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- On IRS account transcripts
- After processing and release of a refund
- When reviewing refund-related transaction entries
Why This Code Appears
- Refund processing completed successfully
- Holds or pending actions were resolved
- Credits exceeded tax liability
- The IRS finalized payment authorization
What Typically Happens Next
- The refund is transmitted according to the payment method on record
- Account balance updates reflect the refund issuance
- No further refund-related codes may appear unless adjustments occur
What This Code Is Not
- It is not a pending status
- It is not a hold or freeze
- It does not indicate examination by itself
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Review the issue date and refund amount
- □ Monitor financial account records for deposit confirmation
- □ Check for any subsequent adjustment entries
- □ Consult official IRS resources if discrepancies arise
Notes And Edge Cases
The issue date associated with code 846 reflects the IRS system date of issuance. In some cases, additional codes may appear after 846 if offsets or adjustments are applied. The transcript serves as official confirmation of issuance at the account level.