IRS Account Balance vs Transcript

[minisquid]

On the IRS site > account balance, it shows I owe for 2017, but if I pull the transcripts from the IRS site, there is no balance owed, leading up to 2021.  Which do I believe?  And why would there be a difference?

[Critter-3]

If you had a balance due on the 2017 return then the return transcript will always show that amount because that was what was on the return.  But the account transcripts would show the payments on all the tax years so if you paid off the balance due that is what will be on that transcript.  If the balance due was paid off from refunds of other returns that will also be reflected.  

[fanfare]

according to the IRS, your Account Balance is the amount you owe.

if you file for a refund, it will go toward your Account Balance.