Anyone else think its ridiculous that we have to jump through all these hoops just to pay our taxes? The system is broken af 🤡

I feel your pain! I went through the same nightmare last year with my 4883C letter. Here's what finally worked for me: I called the practitioner priority line (1-866-860-4259) instead of the regular taxpayer line. You're supposed to be a tax professional to use it, but they don't really verify and the wait times are way shorter. Also, try calling around 2-3 PM on weekdays - seems to be a sweet spot when call volume drops. Don't give up, you'll get through eventually! 💪

everyone stressing bout codes n stuff meanwhile i'm still tryna figure out how to even get my transcript 💀

Just went through this same situation last month! Those codes are actually good signs - means your return is in the system and being processed. The 150 code is key because it shows they accepted your return. With PATH act, you're right that EITC and ACTC refunds get held until mid-February, but since we're past that now, you should see movement soon. I got mine about 10 days after my processing date updated. Hang in there!

Just wanted to add that the W-7 ITIN process has changed a bit recently. The IRS is now being more strict about documentation verification. Sometimes one of those letters might be about acceptable ID verification methods if they couldn't verify from what you submitted initially. My brother got two letters - one was notification that they received his application, and the other (which came the same day) was a request for additional documentation. He almost missed the request because he assumed both letters were the same thing.

I went through this exact situation two years ago! Got two IRS letters while traveling abroad and was stressed about what they contained. Based on my experience and what others have shared here, you're likely looking at one letter with your actual ITIN assignment and another with instructions or confirmation. Here's what I'd recommend: Have your mail service scan at least one of the letters to see if there's any urgent action required. The privacy concern is understandable, but missing a potential 30-45 day deadline for additional documentation would be much worse than the temporary privacy risk. In my case, both letters were good news - ITIN approved and usage instructions. But I've heard of cases where one letter requests additional docs with a strict deadline. Since you're filing jointly as a nonresident alien spouse situation (same as mine was), these letters are probably routine processing communications, but better safe than sorry when you're stuck overseas. If you do get the scans and they're confusing, the AI tools others mentioned here like taxr.ai could help interpret the IRS language quickly without another privacy concern since you'd already have the digital copies.

Have you checked your mail carefully? They might have sent you a letter requesting additional information. My brother had his refund delayed for 9 months because they sent a verification letter that got lost in the mail, and he never knew they needed something from him until he finally got through to someone on the phone.

I went through almost the exact same situation last year - filed in March and didn't get my refund until the following January! After months of the generic "being processed" message, I finally called and discovered my return had been selected for identity verification. They had sent multiple letters to verify it was really me, but I never received a single one due to mail issues. The key is definitely calling them directly, even though it's a nightmare to get through. When I finally reached an agent, they were able to see all the notes on my account and exactly what was needed. In my case, I had to verify my identity online through their ID.me system and provide additional documentation. One tip: if you do call, ask them to check if there are any undelivered notices on your account. They can resend letters or sometimes handle verification over the phone. Also, make sure they have your current address - even if you think they do, double-check because sometimes returns get processed with old address information. Don't give up! That $6200 is yours and worth the hassle of getting through to them.

I'm dealing with the exact same situation! Got my 570 code about 10 days ago with a similar refund amount ($7,200). Like others have mentioned, it seems like larger refunds with child tax credits and education expenses automatically trigger these reviews. What's helped me stay sane is understanding that the 570 code without a 971 code usually means they're just doing an internal verification and don't need anything from you. The hardest part is just the waiting and not knowing exactly when it'll resolve. One thing I've learned from this thread is to check my transcript every Friday morning since my cycle code ends in 05. I've also been keeping an eye out for any mail from the IRS, though it sounds like if they needed additional documentation, we would have seen a 971 code by now. Hang in there! Based on everyone's experiences here, it seems like 4-8 weeks is pretty typical for these reviews to complete. I know it's frustrating when you're counting on that money, but at least we know this is a common process and not necessarily a sign that anything is wrong with our returns.

I went through this exact same situation last year with a $7,400 refund that included child tax credits and education expenses. The 570 code appeared on my transcript in early March and I was freaking out because I really needed that money for some home repairs. What helped me was understanding that the 570 code without a 971 code is actually a good sign - it means they're doing an internal review and likely don't need any additional documentation from you. The date you see (03-03-2025) isn't when something will happen, it's just part of their internal processing cycle. My timeline was: 570 code appeared March 8th, transcript updated every Friday (I had a 05 cycle code too), and then on April 19th I suddenly had a 571 code which released the hold and my refund was deposited 3 days later. Total time was about 6 weeks from when the 570 appeared. The hardest part is just the waiting and uncertainty, but based on your situation (first time claiming your daughter after divorce + education credits), this is pretty standard verification. Keep checking your transcript on Friday mornings and try to be patient. I know it's easier said than done when bills are piling up, but the refund will come through!