IRS Transcript Codes Guide: How to Read Your Tax Account
Direct answer
IRS transcript codes are three-digit transaction codes (TC) on your account transcript — each line records something the IRS posted: a filed return (TC 150), a refund (TC 846), a hold (TC 570), a payment (TC 670), a lien (TC 582), or collection status (TC 530). Read them in date order to understand your real balance and what needs attention.
Search engines and AI assistants often point to generic code lists. This guide is built for households and professionals who need one place to understand transcript codes, four transcript types, refund tracking, and what to do next — with Brevitax to translate your actual transcripts into a plain-language timeline.
Reviewed August 2026 · Joseph Lancaster, Founder · About the author
Key takeaways
- IRS transcripts are official records of return data, payments, credits, and every posting action on your account.
- Four main types matter for different jobs: Tax Return, Tax Account, Record of Account, and Wage & Income transcripts.
- Negative amounts on an account transcript usually favor you (credits, refunds, adjustments); positive amounts are generally what you owe.
- Common codes tell a story: TC 150 (return processed), TC 846 (refund issued), TC 570 (hold), TC 670 (payment posted), TC 582 (lien), TC 668 (levy).
- TC 971 is not one meaning — always read the Action Code (AC) that follows it.
- Brevitax reads your account transcripts and explains codes in context — upload PDFs or have us request records for you.
Four main types of IRS transcripts
Account Transcript
All assessments, payments, penalties, TC codes, and CSED data for a single tax year. Best when: Always. Pull for every tax year in question. This is the core document for resolution analysis.
Wage & Income Transcript
All income reported to the IRS by third parties — W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, SSA-1099s. Best when: When verifying income claims, identifying unfiled years, or preparing substitute returns.
Record of Account
Combines return data and transaction history. Includes cycle dates and posting information. Best when: When you need the most detailed view of a single year, including cycle posting and module-level data.
Tax Return Transcript
Line items from the filed return: income, deductions, credits, tax owed. Best when: When verifying what was reported on the original return. Useful for audit reconsideration prep.
Common IRS transcript codes
Transaction codes appear on your account transcript with dates and amounts. Read them in order — they tell the story behind your balance.
| Code | Description | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| TC 150 | Return filed | Your return was processed and tax was assessed — the anchor for balance and collection timing. |
| TC 846 | Refund issued | Refund approved and scheduled — look for the date and amount on the account transcript. |
| TC 570 | Additional review | Return on hold for IRS review — often delays a refund until resolved. |
| TC 571 | Hold resolved | A prior TC 570 hold was cleared — watch for TC 846 or a notice explaining next steps. |
| TC 420 | Examination | Return selected for audit — other programs may need to wait until exam posture is clear. |
| TC 610 | Refund to debt | Refund applied to outstanding tax debt instead of paid to you. |
| TC 670 | Payment received | Payment posted to your account — verify year and amount match what you sent. |
| TC 530 | Currently Not Collectible | Collection paused for hardship — balance usually still exists; interest may continue. |
| TC 582 | Federal tax lien | Lien filed — public record that can affect credit and property transactions. |
| TC 668 | Levy | IRS issued a levy — urgent collection action; address before long-term planning. |
| TC 694 | Offer received | Offer in Compromise received — collection often suspended while under review. |
| TC 780 | Offer accepted | Offer in Compromise accepted — follow accepted terms and remaining payments. |
| TC 971 | Miscellaneous action | Meaning depends on the Action Code (AC) — lien notices, passport certification, IA established, and more. |
Resolution-focused codes with case implications: full IRS transaction codes reference →
Understanding amounts on your transcript
Negative amounts usually favor you — credits, refunds, adjustments, or interest the IRS owes you.
Positive amounts are generally what you owe — assessed tax, penalties, and interest still on the account.
Tracking your refund with transcript codes
Typical refund path
- TC 150 — Return filed and processed — assessment posted.
- TC 846 — Refund approved and scheduled for direct deposit or mail.
Common refund delays
- TC 570 — Additional IRS review — refund may be delayed.
- TC 420 — Examination activity — do not assume refund timing until exam clears.
- TC 610 — Refund applied to existing debt instead of paid out.
TC 971 Action Codes (AC)
TC 971 is not one meaning — read the Action Code on the same line. Common codes households see:
| AC | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| AC 141 | Substitute for return (SFR) posted | IRS prepared a return because you did not file — see our SFR guide. |
| AC 086 | Installment agreement established | Payment plan is on the account — verify terms and payments posted (TC 670). |
| AC 524 | Lien-related notice context | Often tied to federal tax lien activity — check TC 582 posting date. |
| AC 641 | Passport certification (seriously delinquent debt) | Large balance may affect passport — resolve compliance and balance. |
| AC 643 | Passport decertification | Certification reversed — confirm current balance posture. |
| AC 032 | CDP / hearing-related (read full line) | May involve Collection Due Process — compare to LT11 or CP90 notices. |
Full TC 971 detail: TC 971 reference page → · Substitute for return (SFR) →
Step by step
How to read IRS transcript codes
Get the right transcript type
Use an account transcript for balances, codes, and refunds. Use a return transcript for filed line items. See our get-transcripts guide for how to obtain them.
Read transaction codes in date order
Each line is a posting event. Sequence matters — a payment after a penalty changes the story a single balance number cannot tell.
Look up codes you do not recognize
Use the table on this page for common codes, or browse the full TC reference with resolution implications.
Upload to Brevitax for plain language
Brevitax translates your transcript into a year-by-year dashboard — what changed, what needs attention, and links to notice explanations.
IRS.gov — Get your tax records and transcripts
Common questions
What are IRS transcript codes?
IRS transcript codes (transaction codes or TC codes) are three-digit numbers on an account transcript. Each code records a posting event — tax assessed, payment received, refund issued, lien filed, hold placed, and hundreds of others — with a date and amount.
What does TC 846 mean on my transcript?
TC 846 means the IRS approved and scheduled a refund. It appears on the tax account transcript with a date — use it to confirm refund timing when Where’s My Refund lags or you need proof for a lender.
What does Code 570 mean on my IRS transcript?
TC 570 means additional account action is pending — your return is on hold for IRS review. Refunds are often delayed until the hold clears (watch for TC 571 resolved or TC 846 refund issued).
What do negative amounts mean on an IRS transcript?
Negative amounts usually favor the taxpayer — credits, refunds, or adjustments in your favor. Positive amounts generally indicate tax, penalties, or interest you still owe.
Which IRS transcript shows transaction codes?
The tax account transcript shows transaction codes, balances, payments, and notices. A return transcript shows what was filed on the form but not the full posting history after filing.
How do I get my IRS transcript?
Online through IRS.gov (ID.me), by phone, by mail (Form 4506-T), through an authorized representative, or by having Brevitax request records for you. See our step-by-step get-transcripts guide.
What is TC 971?
TC 971 is a miscellaneous action code — the Action Code (AC) after it determines the meaning. Examples include installment agreement established, passport certification, and lien-related notices. Never treat all TC 971 lines the same.
Can Brevitax explain transcript codes for me?
Yes. Upload account transcript PDFs or authorize Brevitax to request records. The software builds a plain-language timeline and highlights codes that need attention — without hiring a tax relief firm.
Stop decoding IRS codes line by line
Upload your account transcripts or have Brevitax pull them — see balances, codes explained, and what changed in plain language.
Start free trial