IRS Code 846: Refund Approved — What It Means & When You’ll Get Your Refund
- Sarah Whitfield
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 9
When checking your IRS tax transcript, you might notice a mysterious line: Code 846 – Refund Approved. If you’ve seen it in 2025, congratulations — this is one of the best updates you can get. But what does IRS Code 846 actually mean, and when will your refund hit your bank account?
This guide explains Code 846 in plain English, along with timelines, real experiences, and answers to common questions related to IRS Code 846 refund approved
What Does IRS Code 846 Mean? IRS Code 846 refund approved
IRS Code 846 appears on your tax transcript when the IRS has approved your refund and scheduled it for release. In other words, the IRS has finished processing your return and your refund has been authorized.
If you see 846 Refund Approved → your money is on the way.
The date listed next to the code shows the refund issue date (not always the same as the deposit date).
👉 Example: If your transcript shows Code 846 – 04/26/2025, the IRS approved your refund on April 26, 2025.
How to Read the Date on Code 846
The date listed with Code 846 is crucial. It tells you when the IRS issued your refund. However:
Direct Deposits: Usually arrive 1–3 business days after the issue date.
Paper Checks: Can take 5–10 business days to arrive by mail.
Bank Processing: Some banks show a pending deposit before funds clear.
Pro Tip: If your bank doesn’t show the money right away, don’t panic. It often posts by the end of the business day.
IRS Code 846 vs. Refund Status Bar
Many taxpayers notice Code 846 on their transcript before the “Where’s My Refund” bar updates. This is normal.
Transcript Updates: More detailed and often appear earlier.
Refund Bar: May lag behind but will usually change to “Refund Sent” within a day or two.
So if your bar hasn’t updated yet but you see 846, it still means your refund is approved.
Real User Experiences (2025)
Taxpayers often share their relief after seeing this code. For example:
“846 is a great sign. That means IRS approved & funds will be released to you estimated on 26th.” – Reddit user, March 2025
“The 846 code means refund approved and set for deposit on what date it says on that line.” – TurboTax forum user
These experiences confirm that 846 is the green light for your money to arrive soon.
What to Do After Seeing Code 846
If you’ve got IRS Code 846, here’s what you should do:
Check Your Bank Account Daily — deposits often show early in the morning.
Wait at Least 5 Business Days — especially if you’re expecting a paper check.
Keep an Eye on Transcript Updates — your transcript may later show “Refund Sent.”
Avoid Calling the IRS — once Code 846 appears, nothing can speed it up.
Common FAQs About IRS Code 846
Q1: How long after Code 846 will I get my refund?
Most taxpayers receive direct deposits within 1–3 business days. Paper checks can take longer.
Q2: Can Code 846 be reversed?
No. Once you see 846, your refund is officially approved. The only delays may come from bank processing.
Q3: My refund bar disappeared, but I see 846. What does it mean?
This is normal. The transcript is more reliable than the refund bar.
Q4: Does Code 846 mean the money is already in my account?
Not always. It means the IRS has issued the refund — you still need to wait for your bank to post it.
Final Thoughts
If you see IRS Code 846 – Refund Approved on your 2025 transcript, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Your refund has been processed and is on its way. Most taxpayers see their money within a few days after the issue date.
👉 Still waiting? Check out our guide on IRS Direct Deposit Delays.
