IRS Help Center
IRS Transcript Codes: What They Mean
Pulled your IRS account transcript and found a wall of three-digit numbers? Each one is a transaction code that tells a piece of the story behind your return and your refund. This is your plain-English map — find the code you're seeing and open the guide that explains it.
In short: IRS account transcripts use three-digit transaction codes to show what's happening with your return and refund. Look up the codes you see below to find out what each one means and what (if anything) you need to do.
Start Here: Reading Your Transcript
New to transcripts? Start with how to pull yours and how to actually read it — including the cycle code and processing dates that tell you where you are in the queue.
- How to get your IRS transcript online
- How to read an IRS account transcript
- IRS cycle code meaning
- The "as of" date on your IRS transcript
Refund Codes
These codes track money flowing in your favor — your refund being issued, withholding and credits posted, and refunds moved between tax years.
- Code 846: refund issued date
- Code 806: withholding and credits
- Code 766: credit to your account
- Code 826: refund applied to another year
Hold & Review Codes
If your refund stalled, the answer is usually here. These codes signal additional review, an account hold, a refund freeze, or an identity-verification step.
- Code 570: additional account action pending
- Code 971: notice issued
- Codes 570 and 971 together
- Code 810: refund freeze
- Code 811: refund freeze released
- Code 810 freeze and identity verification
Adjustment & Assessment Codes
These codes show the IRS posting your return, changing your balance, or flagging an examination. Use them to track how your assessed tax got to where it is.
- Code 150: tax return filed
- Code 290: additional tax assessed
- Code 291: reduced or removed tax
- Code 420: examination of return
- Code 424: examination request
Other Codes
Less common but important — refund offsets, substitute returns, amended-return processing, and litigation freezes.
- Code 898: refund offset
- Code 599: return secured
- Code 922: review of unreported income
- Code 977: amended return filed
Common Questions
The questions taxpayers ask most about why a transcript says one thing and "Where's My Refund" says another — plus when transcripts actually update.
- My transcript updated but WMR didn't
- What day do IRS transcripts update?
- Common IRS transcript myths from Reddit
Browse all guides in the IRS Help Center.
Codes Pointing to a Bigger Tax Problem?
An assessment, an offset, or a refund freeze can be the first sign of a balance you'll need help with. A free, confidential consultation can tell you where you stand — no pressure, no obligation.
Clarity Tax Relief is not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency. Our guides are general information, not tax or legal advice for your specific situation; eligibility for IRS programs depends on individual facts and circumstances, and no outcome is guaranteed.
Related: Tax Relief Services · IRS Help Center.