IRS code 836: Credit elect transferred out to next year

The overpayment was carried forward as next year's estimated tax payment. Here is what it means, what usually happens next, and what to do.

Refunds, offsets & transfersInformationalTransaction code 836Free transcript decoder

What TC 836 means

On your account transcript it reads: 836  Credit elect transferred out to next year Informational

TC 836 moves an overpayment forward as a credit toward next year's estimated tax — usually because you chose on your return to apply the refund to next year. The next year shows it as a TC 716 credit.

Also written as: IRS code 836, code 836 on transcript, 836 IRS code, transaction code 836.

What usually happens next

No refund is issued for the transferred amount. It counts as an estimated payment for the following year, generally treated as paid on that year's first due date.

TC 836 with other codes

On the same transcriptWhat it usually means
836 with no 846The entire overpayment was applied to next year.
836 + 846Split: part refunded, part applied forward.

What to do about TC 836

1

Confirm you chose this

It should match the 'applied to next year's estimated tax' line on your return.

2

Count it on next year's return

It is an estimated payment for the next year.

3

If it was not your choice

Look for a notice explaining the change.

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Notices and guides that go with TC 836

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a TC 836 credit refunded instead?

Once applied to next year's estimated tax, the election generally cannot be reversed — it is claimed on next year's return.

Where does the credit show next year?

As a TC 716 on the next year's account transcript.

Where do I see TC 836?

On your IRS account transcript for the tax year — in your IRS Online Account under tax records, or by mail using Form 4506-T. The transactions section lists each code with its description, date and amount. Return transcripts do not show transaction codes.

Is "IRS code 836" the same as TC 836?

Yes. IRS code 836, code 836 on transcript, transaction code 836 and TC 836 all refer to the same three-digit transaction code the IRS posts to your account.

Other transcript codes