Code 420: examination indicator.

The return was referred to examination (audit).

Have code 420 on your transcript?

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For your refund.

Expect a letter. Refund timing depends on the exam.

Released by code 421 or 300.

Document 6209 says

Used on individual (IMF) accounts.

Examination Indicator

The full Document 6209 entry, as printed

I/B/ E Examination Indicator 29, 77 Computer generated at SC when opening record is posted. Can be input on Form 3177. Indicates that return has been referred to the Examination or Appeals Division. Generally, if TC 420 is unreversed, TC 290, 291, 298 and 299 will unpost unless Priority Codes 1, 5, 6, 7, or 8 present. (See UPC 160, 330) Module will not be removed from MF. TC 290 with zero amount, 294 or 295 will post. (TC 294, 295, 298, 299-BMF/IMF only.) The return has been assigned in the Examination or Appeals Division.

After code 420

Not enough shared timelines with this code yet. The block fills in once 30 people with code 420 share theirs from the result page.

Crowd figures, not IRS data. They describe what happened to others, not a promise.

Codes that come with it.

Questions people ask

What does code 420 mean on my IRS transcript?

Document 6209 calls it "Examination Indicator". The return was referred to examination (audit). Expect a letter. Refund timing depends on the exam.

What removes code 420?

Code 421 or 300 posting after it. Until then the refund waits.

Sources

Checked against these sources on October 30, 2026.