IRS Code 150: Tax Return Filed (Return Filed & Tax Liability Assessed)
IRS code 150 means your original tax return has posted to your IRS account, and the amount next to it is the tax shown on that return (or as corrected by the IRS during processing). It confirms the return was processed; it is not a refund approval by itself.
What code 150 actually means
Transaction code 150 is the IRS's record that your original return was filed and that the tax liability on it was assessed. IRS Document 6209 describes it as "Return Filed & Tax Liability Assessed" and notes that this posting establishes the tax module (the account record) for that tax year. The Taxpayer Advocate Service describes it as the date of filing and the amount of tax shown on the return when filed, or as corrected by the IRS when processed.
The dollar amount on the 150 line is your tax, not your refund. Withholding, payments, and refundable credits post as separate lines (for example 806 for withholding and 766/768 for refundable credits), and a refund appears separately as 846. A 150 of $0.00 usually just means the return showed no total tax.
A 150 does not mean the review of your return is finished. Holds such as 570 or 810 can post after or alongside it. If you filed an amended return or a second copy of your return, it does not post as another 150; IRS systems record those differently (for example as 977 for an amended return).
What to do next
- 1Compare the 150 amount with the total tax on your return. If they differ, the IRS may have corrected something, and you should expect a notice explaining the change.
- 2Look below the 150 for 806 (withholding), 766/768 (credits), and 846 (refund issued). If you see 570 or 810 instead, read those code guides.
- 3Use Where's My Refund for refund timing; the IRS says transcript information does not necessarily reflect the amount or timing of a refund.
- 4If a notice arrives, respond by its deadline. A tax professional can pull your transcript and compare it line by line with your return; we offer a free consultation if you want a second set of eyes.
Codes it often appears with
Credit for the federal income tax withheld that you claimed on the return.
Refund issued, if your payments and credits exceed the tax on the 150 line.
A hold placed on the account; can post in the same cycle as the 150.
An amended return posted later for the same tax year.
Letters that often go with it
Common questions
What does code 150 mean on my IRS transcript?+
It means your original return posted to your account and the tax on it was assessed. The amount is your tax liability for the year (as filed, or as corrected by the IRS), not your refund.
Does a 150 mean my refund is approved?+
No. It means the return was processed onto your account. A refund shows up as a separate 846 line. Holds like 570 or 810 can still appear after a 150.
Why does my 150 line show $0.00?+
Usually because your return showed no total tax. Your refund comes from withholding and refundable credits, which post on their own lines.
Why is the 150 amount different from my return?+
The Taxpayer Advocate Service notes the 150 can reflect the tax as corrected by the IRS during processing. If the IRS changed your return, it should mail you a notice explaining the change.
Checked against IRS primary sources — see how we source these guides. Transcripts show what has posted, not every action in progress; notices mailed to you and your IRS online account are the controlling record.
Other transcript codes
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