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I'm going through something similar right now! Filed in March and have been stuck with the 570/971 codes since April. The waiting is absolutely brutal, especially when you're counting on that money. A few things that helped me while I'm still waiting: - Set up text alerts through the IRS2Go app so you get notified of any transcript changes - Keep calling early in the morning (7-8am) - I finally got through last week and they confirmed my letter was sent but to the wrong zip code - Document everything - dates you called, reference numbers, what they told you The rep I spoke with said these identity verification cases are taking 12-16 weeks on average right now. Hang in there - I know it's frustrating but you will eventually get your refund. The system is just completely overwhelmed. Have you tried creating an online account to see if there are any notices posted there? Sometimes they show up online before the physical letter arrives.
Thanks for the detailed response! I didn't know about the IRS2Go app text alerts - just set that up now. Super helpful tip about calling early morning too. Did the rep give you any indication of what happens if the letter keeps getting sent to the wrong address? I'm worried mine might be in the same situation since I moved earlier this year and I'm not 100% sure I updated everything properly with the IRS.
I went through this exact same situation last year! Had the 570/971 codes for almost 4 months before everything got resolved. The most important thing is to not panic - those codes are super common and usually just mean they need to verify something routine. A couple of suggestions based on my experience: - Check if your address is correct in your IRS online account. I found out they had my old apartment number which is why I never got their letter - Try calling the IRS right when they open at 7am - that's when I finally got through after weeks of busy signals - Keep checking your transcript weekly for any new codes or date changes The waiting is absolutely torture when you need that money, but in my case they eventually released the full refund plus interest for the delay. The 971 notice should arrive soon and will tell you exactly what they need from you. Once you respond to whatever they're asking for, it usually moves pretty quickly after that. Stay strong - you will get your refund! The IRS is just incredibly backed up right now but they do eventually work through everything.
This happened to me last year and was WAY more frustrating than when I had an actual audit the year before! My 846 code showed a date of 4/12, but WMR showed an offset. Turned out I had an old state tax debt from when I lived in Colorado that I didn't even know about. The annoying part? The offset notice came 2 weeks AFTER my refund date. By comparison, my friend got a CP12 notice (math error) and his transcript updated immediately. The inconsistency between systems is maddening! In my experience, the 846 date IS when they issue the remaining refund. I got mine exactly on that date, minus the offset amount.
Exactly! The TOP system and IRS systems don't communicate in real-time. I had something similar happen on January 15th this year with a state tax offset from 2019 that I thought was resolved. The 846 date was accurate for when I received the remainder though.
I've been through this exact scenario twice in the past three years, and I can tell you the 846 code date is generally reliable for when you'll receive your deposit - even with an offset involved. In my case, the offset didn't show up on my transcript either, but I still got the remainder of my refund on the exact date listed next to the 846 code. The key thing to understand is that the IRS processes the offset BEFORE issuing the 846 code, so that date reflects when they'll send you whatever's left after any debts are paid. I'd definitely call the Treasury Offset Program number that Sean mentioned (800-304-3107) to find out what the offset is for - could be anything from student loans to child support to state taxes you forgot about. For your medical expenses, I'd plan conservatively and assume you'll only get the amount after the offset. The good news is that if the 846 code is already on your transcript with a 3/5 date, the processing is essentially done and you should see that deposit right on schedule.
If you can't get through to the IRS in time, set up USPS Informed Delivery for your physical address. Back in 2022, I had a similar problem and couldn't get my address changed in time. I set up Informed Delivery for my old address, which at least let me see when the IRS notice was delivered there. Then I was able to contact my old landlord to forward it. Not ideal, but at least I knew when it arrived and could take action instead of wondering if/when it was delivered.
Just went through this exact scenario two months ago! Here's what worked for me: I called the IRS at 7:45 AM EST on a Tuesday (right when they open) and got through in about 15 minutes. The agent was able to see that my 971 notice hadn't been physically printed yet and updated my mailing address to my PO Box on the spot. She also told me it was just a standard verification notice for joint filing status change - nothing scary! Pro tip: Have your SSN, spouse's SSN, and the exact amounts from your tax return ready when you call. They'll ask for all of this to verify your identity before making any changes. The agent also mentioned that newly married couples filing jointly for the first time trigger automatic reviews about 40% of the time, so don't panic - it's probably routine verification. Good luck, and definitely call ASAP since notices typically mail within 48-72 hours of the 971 code appearing!
TC571 usually means they're releasing a previous hold on your account - it's a good sign! I had the same code last year and got my refund about 10 days later. The waiting is brutal but hang in there, you should see movement soon. Keep checking your transcript on Wednesdays and Fridays like Giovanni mentioned, that's when they typically update.
Dmitry Petrov
this happens ALL THE TIME. irs is a joke fr. i got so frustrated with mine i used taxr.ai - no joke it was amazing. instead of staring at codes i didnt understand it explained everything cleary, showed me what was happening with my refund, and when i could expect it. even told me why it was delayed (had nothing to do with what i thought). saved me hours of stress
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Ava Williams
ā¢forreal? i been trying to decode my transcript for weeks and getting nowhere
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Dmitry Petrov
ā¢no cap, it breaks everything down in plain english and gives you actual next steps. way better than guessing or waiting on hold with the irs for 3 hours just to get disconnected
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Arjun Patel
I've been dealing with transcript codes for years and wanted to share some insights that might help. The 570/971 combo you're seeing is actually pretty standard - it just means they need to verify something before releasing your refund. The good news is that most of these resolve automatically within 2-4 weeks without you having to do anything. A few things to keep in mind: ⢠The April 29 date is when the codes were placed, not necessarily when the notice was mailed ⢠Mail delivery has been spotty lately, so notices can take longer than usual ⢠If you don't see any movement by May 15th (2 weeks from the code date), that's when I'd recommend calling Your cycle code ending in 05 means your account updates on Fridays, so definitely check your transcript tomorrow. Look for either a 571 code (which removes the 570 hold) or an 846 code (refund issued). Sometimes these issues resolve faster than the notices arrive! Don't stress too much - in my experience, about 80% of these 570 holds are minor issues that get fixed automatically.
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