IRS Transcript Decoder
Paste your account transcript or type your codes to see what they mean and where your refund stands.
How to read your IRS transcript in 4 steps
- Get the right transcript. For refund questions you need the Account Transcript, not the Return Transcript. Sign in to your IRS Online Account, open Tax Records, choose the tax year and select "Account Transcript".
- Check the header. Look for the cycle code (an 8-digit number like 20260805) and the "processing date". If it says "No record of return filed", your return hasn't posted yet.
- Read the Transactions section top to bottom. Each line has a 3-digit transaction code, a short explanation, a date and an amount. Negative amounts are credits in your favor; positive amounts are charges.
- Find the codes that matter for your refund: 150 (return filed), 806 (withholding), 766/768 (credits), 570 (hold), 971 (notice), 846 (refund issued).
The transcript codes that decide your refund
| Code | Meaning | Good or bad? |
|---|---|---|
| 150 | Return filed and tax assessed | Normal first step |
| 806 | Withholding credited (W-2/1099) | Normal |
| 766 | Credit to your account | Good |
| 768 | Earned Income Tax Credit | Good (PATH Act timing) |
| 570 | Additional account action pending (hold) | Delay |
| 971 | Notice issued | Check your mail |
| 810 | Refund freeze | Delay |
| 571 | Hold released | Good |
| 846 | Refund issued | Best news |
| 898 | Refund offset to a non-IRS debt | Less money |
See every code in our full list of IRS transcript codes, or check the estimated refund schedule.
Common transcript patterns and what they mean
- 150 + 806 + 846: processed and refund issued. Watch your bank around the 846 date.
- 150 + 570 + 971: refund on hold and a letter is on the way. The letter tells you what to do.
- 570 then 571 (or 572): the hold was lifted. 846 usually follows within one or two updates.
- 846 + 898: refund issued, but some or all of it was taken for a debt.
- "No record of return filed": the return hasn't posted. Normal in the first 1–3 weeks after e-file.
Account transcript vs. return transcript
The return transcript shows line items from your Form 1040 as filed (useful for loans and FAFSA). The account transcript shows what the IRS has done on your account, with codes, dates and payments. For refund status, you want the account transcript.
Frequently asked questions
How do I read my IRS transcript codes?
Open the Transactions section of your account transcript. Each line starts with a 3-digit code: 150 means the return was filed, 806 is withholding, 766/768 are credits, 570 is a hold, 971 is a notice and 846 means the refund was issued. Paste it into the decoder above for a plain-English summary.
Is it safe to paste my transcript into this tool?
Yes. The decoder runs entirely in your browser; nothing is sent to a server or stored. You can remove your name and the masked SSN before pasting.
Which transcript code means my refund is approved?
Code 846 (refund issued). The date next to it is when the IRS sent the refund.
Why does my transcript say 'No record of return filed'?
Your return hasn't posted to your account yet. It usually takes 1–3 weeks after e-file acceptance, longer for paper returns.
What does the cycle code on my transcript mean?
It's an 8-digit number like 20260805: year 2026, processing week 08, and a day indicator that shows whether your account updates daily or weekly. It does not tell you your refund date.
How often does the IRS transcript update?
Most accounts update weekly (often overnight Thursday into Friday); some update daily. Your cycle code's last two digits hint at which.
Sources
- IRS: Understanding your IRS notice or letter
- IRS: Get Transcript
- IRS: 2026 standard mileage rates
- IRS: No Tax on Overtime
Written by the editorial team and checked against the official sources above. See our editorial policy.
Last reviewed 2026-11-12. Estimates only — confirm with the IRS or a tax professional.