IRS code 841: Refund canceled or returned
- Effect:
- Refund returned; holds refunds
- Posts as a:
- Credit
A refund came back to the IRS or was canceled, and the amount was credited back to your account.
What code 841 means
Code 841 credits your account for a refund that came back or was canceled. It posts when a paper refund check is returned, a bank returns a direct deposit, or the IRS stops a refund before it's issued.
An 841 sets the P- freeze, which keeps the account from refunding or moving the money elsewhere until the IRS resolves why the refund came back.
A returned direct deposit can be less than the original refund. The IRS manual says the amount a bank returns is typically less because of bank fees, preparer or software fees, or withdrawals made from the account.
Codes often seen with 841
Source
IRS title: Cancelled Refund Check Deposited (Document 6209, Section 8A, page 8A-33).
Decode your whole transcript
Paste your transcript lines and see every code explained. Runs in your browser.
Decode a cycle code
Turn an 8-digit cycle like 20261505 into the posting week and day.
More refunds codes
TTOC Finder is independent and isn't affiliated with the IRS. This page explains what the code means in general. For your own account, check your IRS online account or Where's My Refund?