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I actually had a very similar question last year when I saw my 846 code! After going through this process, I can tell you that the transcript is definitely the most reliable source for offset information. When an offset happens, you'll typically see a TC 898 code on your transcript that shows the offset amount and which agency it went to. The 846 code will then show your net refund amount after the offset has been taken. However, I learned that timing is really important here - sometimes there's a delay between when the 846 code appears and when the 898 offset code shows up. In my case, I saw the 846 first and got worried when the amount seemed right, but then the 898 appeared about 48 hours later showing an offset to my state tax agency. If you want immediate peace of mind, I'd definitely recommend calling the Treasury Offset Program hotline at 800-304-3107. It's completely automated (no waiting on hold!) and will tell you right away if there are any offsets pending against your SSN. That way you'll know exactly what to expect when your refund hits your account instead of being surprised by a different amount. The WMR tool tends to be pretty vague about offsets - it'll just say something generic about obligations without giving you specifics. The transcript gives you way more detailed information about what's actually happening with your money.
This is exactly the kind of detailed explanation I was looking for! I just called that Treasury Offset Program number you mentioned and it was super quick - no offset on my account, which is a huge relief. Your point about the timing delay between the 846 and potential 898 codes is really helpful to know. I was getting anxious seeing my 846 code with the full expected amount but wasn't sure if I should keep checking for changes. Now I feel much more confident about what to expect when my refund deposits. Thank you for sharing your experience!
I went through this same anxiety last tax season! Based on my experience, the transcript is definitely your most reliable source. When I had an offset for old student loans, it showed up as a TC 898 code on my transcript with the exact amount that went to the Department of Education. The 846 code reflected my final refund amount after the offset was already deducted. One thing I wish someone had told me is that these codes don't always appear at the same time. My 846 showed up first with what looked like my full refund amount, but then 2 days later the 898 offset code appeared and I realized the 846 amount had actually been updated to reflect the net amount after offset. It was confusing at first! The WMR tool just gave me a generic message about "obligations" but didn't specify amounts or which agency. If you want to know for sure right now, definitely call that Treasury Offset Program number others have mentioned (800-304-3107) - it's automated and super quick. That's how I found out exactly what was happening before I got my deposit. Hope this helps ease some of the uncertainty! The waiting and not knowing is honestly the worst part of the whole process.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the timing of these codes! That's exactly what I was worried about - seeing what looks like my full amount and then having it change later. It's really helpful to know that the 846 amount can actually get updated when the 898 offset code appears. I'm going to call that Treasury Offset Program number right now to get a definitive answer rather than keep refreshing my transcript every few hours. The uncertainty really is the worst part - at least if I know there's an offset coming, I can mentally prepare for it instead of being surprised when the deposit doesn't match what I'm expecting.
Anyone else notice how the IRS direct deposit dates have gotten more reliable over the past few years? I remember back in 2018-2019 when those dates were basically a suggestion, not a promise. Now I've had three years in a row where my refund hit exactly on the day they said it would. Wonder if they improved their systems or if the banks got better at processing?
I'm still waiting on mine that was supposed to come YESTERDAY! š¤ So frustrated because I specifically planned to pay bills today with that money. Called my bank and they said they don't see ANY pending deposits from the Treasury. This happens EVERY SINGLE YEAR to me! I don't know why I get my hopes up.
As someone who just went through this process for the first time this year, I can share what happened with mine. WMR showed my refund would arrive on March 15th, and it actually showed up in my account on March 14th around 11 PM! I use a local credit union. What I learned from lurking in these forums beforehand is that the IRS typically sends the payment 1-2 days before the date they show you. So that "deposit date" is more like their conservative estimate. Your bank's processing speed is really the wild card here. Since you mentioned this is your first time filing in the US, I'd suggest setting up mobile banking alerts if you haven't already. That way you'll get notified the moment it hits your account instead of constantly refreshing your balance (which I totally did anyway š ). The 3+ week wait is pretty normal from what I've seen, especially if you filed early in the season or claimed certain credits. Try not to stress too much - the system works, it's just slower than we'd all like!
Whatever happened to MY BODY MY CHOICE?? This is another example of government overreach. Next they'll start taxing us extra if we have piercings or dyed hair š¤ I got a small tattoo last month and was shocked at the tax. When I questioned it, the artist just shrugged and said "government wants their cut of everything.
I don't think that's a fair comparison. The government isn't taxing you FOR having a tattoo - they're taxing the service of getting one, just like they tax other services. There's no annual "tattoo tax" or anything like that.
I totally get the frustration - it does feel weird paying tax on something so personal! But think about it this way: you're not being taxed for having a tattoo, you're being taxed for purchasing a service. It's the same as getting taxed for a haircut, massage, or any other personal service. The artist is providing their skill, time, and materials to create something for you. What really helped me understand it was realizing that without proper tax collection and regulation, we'd probably see a lot more unsafe tattoo practices. The tax system helps ensure shops are legitimate, licensed, and following health codes. Would you rather save $50 in tax but risk getting a tattoo from someone operating out of their garage with questionable hygiene standards? The tax is annoying but it's part of what keeps the industry professional and safe.
That's a really good point about the safety aspect! I never considered that the tax collection might actually help weed out sketchy operators. I guess I was just focused on the money coming out of my pocket without thinking about what it helps fund. Still feels like a lot though - $52 on a $650 tattoo is almost 8%! Is that normal for most states or does it vary a lot?
make sure u update ur address on IRS website if u moved recently. They wont forward refund checks!!
Same thing happened to me last year! The waiting is the worst part. Just to add to what others said - you can also call the IRS refund hotline at 1-800-829-1954 to check the status once it's been about 10 business days since the bank rejection. They'll be able to tell you if they've processed it for a paper check yet. Hang in there! š¤
Anastasia Sokolov
I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Filed my amended return about 5 weeks ago after discovering I had completely forgotten to report some cryptocurrency gains from last year (rookie mistake, I know). Just like everyone else here, I can see the 971 code clear as day on my tax transcript, but that WMAR tool keeps telling me it can't find any information about my amendment. I was starting to think I had somehow filed it incorrectly or that it got lost in cyberspace! Reading through all these responses has been such a relief - it's crazy that so many of us are experiencing the exact same disconnect between these IRS systems. You'd think by 2025 they would have figured out how to make their databases talk to each other properly, but apparently not! I'm definitely going to stop wasting time checking that useless WMAR tool and just focus on monitoring my transcript for updates. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's so helpful to know this is just a system quirk and not something I did wrong. The IRS really needs to fix this because it's causing unnecessary stress for people who are already being responsible by filing amendments!
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Nia Harris
ā¢Welcome to the community! Your crypto gains situation sounds very similar to what many of us have been dealing with - it's honestly such a relief to see that this WMAR tool issue is so widespread. I'm relatively new here myself, but from everything I've read in this thread, it seems like the 971 code on your transcript is really the only thing that matters. The WMAR tool appears to be pretty much broken for amended returns this year, which is frustrating but at least we know our amendments are actually in the system and being processed. It's really encouraging to see so many people being proactive about catching their mistakes and filing amendments properly. The crypto reporting requirements can be tricky to navigate, so good on you for catching that and fixing it! I'm curious - did you use any specific software or just file the 1040-X manually? I'm trying to figure out the best approach for future tax seasons to avoid these kinds of oversights.
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StardustSeeker
This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with the exact same issue - filed my amended return about 7 weeks ago after realizing I missed reporting some freelance income from a small project I did last fall. Like everyone else here, I can see the 971 code on my transcript clear as day, but that WMAR tool just keeps giving me the "no information available" message. I was honestly starting to panic thinking something went wrong with my filing! It's so reassuring to read that this disconnect between the transcript and WMAR tool is basically a known issue at this point. You'd think the IRS would at least put up a notice on the WMAR tool explaining this, but I guess that would be too helpful! š I'm definitely going to stop checking that useless tool and just focus on monitoring my transcript weekly. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's amazing how much stress this community can help relieve when you realize you're not alone in dealing with these system quirks! For anyone else going through this, it sounds like as long as you see that 971 code, you're in good shape and just need to be patient with the processing timeline. The IRS systems may not talk to each other properly, but at least we know our amendments are actually being processed!
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GalaxyGazer
ā¢I'm brand new to this community but had to jump in because I'm experiencing the EXACT same thing! Filed my amended return about 4 weeks ago after discovering I forgot to include some side income from tutoring, and just like everyone else here, I can see the 971 code on my transcript but the WMAR tool acts like my amendment doesn't exist. This thread has been such a lifesaver - I was honestly starting to think I had messed up the filing process somehow! It's pretty wild that in 2025 we're still dealing with government systems that apparently can't communicate with each other, but at least now I know it's not just me going crazy. @92aa244a19a2 I totally agree about the IRS putting up a notice on the WMAR tool! It would save so many people from unnecessary stress if they just acknowledged this is a known issue. But I guess expecting that level of user-friendly communication from a government agency is asking too much š Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - definitely going to stop obsessing over that broken WMAR tool and just check my transcript weekly instead!
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