Reference code 2016.

Savings bond request denied

Refund reduced by an offset

See how long people with this situation waited, from their transcripts.

Your transcript is read in your browser.

What it means.

The IRS manual's wording:

Savings bond request denied - total offset

The whole refund paid a debt, so no bonds were issued.

What does reference code 2016 mean?

Part or all of the refund went to a debt. The IRS manual's own wording is quoted on this page.

What should I do about code 2016?

The whole refund paid a debt, so no bonds were issued.

Checked against these sources on October 30, 2026.