


Ask the community...
Code 971 with 570 is actually pretty common this time of year - the IRS is just doing their due diligence on your return before releasing your refund. The 04-15-2024 date means you should get a CP05 notice around that time explaining what they're reviewing. In my experience, about 80% of these resolve automatically within 2-3 weeks without any action needed from you. The review could be something as simple as verifying your W-2 matches what employers reported, or double-checking calculations on credits like EITC or CTC. Try not to stress too much - the fact that you have a specific notice date is actually a good sign that it's moving through the system normally.
This is really reassuring! I was getting pretty anxious about it, especially since this is my first time seeing these codes. The CP05 notice explanation makes sense - I did claim the Child Tax Credit this year for the first time since my daughter was born in 2023, so they're probably just verifying that. Thanks for the percentage breakdown too, that really helps put it in perspective. I'll wait for the notice and try not to overthink it!
I just went through this exact situation a few months ago! The 971/570 combo you mentioned is actually really common - it just means the IRS put a temporary hold on your refund while they verify something. In my case, they were cross-checking my employer's W-2 data with what I reported. The whole process took about 3 weeks from the 971 date, and then I got both the notice in the mail AND my refund direct deposited on the same day. The notice was basically just "we reviewed your return, everything checks out, here's your money." Keep checking your transcript every Friday (that's when they typically update) - you'll likely see a 571 code appear when the hold is released, followed by your refund date. Hang in there!
This is exactly what I needed to hear! The timeline you mentioned really helps - I've been checking my transcript obsessively every day, so knowing to focus on Fridays will save my sanity. The fact that you got your refund and notice on the same day is encouraging too. I'll keep an eye out for that 571 code you mentioned. Really appreciate you sharing your experience - it's so much better hearing from someone who actually went through the same thing rather than just reading generic explanations online!
I went through this exact situation last year and want to share what I learned after talking to a tax professional. The key thing to understand is that the 1099-K is just an information document - it doesn't automatically create taxable income. Here's what I did and what worked: 1. **Created a simple spreadsheet** with columns for: Item description, approximate purchase date, estimated original cost, sale price, and net loss. For items without receipts, I used reasonable estimates based on what similar items cost when I likely bought them. 2. **Used online resources** to verify reasonable original prices. For electronics, sites like Amazon price history or manufacturer MSRP data helped establish credible original values. For clothing, I looked at brand retail prices from the approximate purchase timeframe. 3. **Kept all eBay communications** - saved my listing descriptions, final sale prices, and any buyer messages that might help establish the personal nature of the items. 4. **Documented the personal use** - I noted in my spreadsheet how long I owned each item and that they were used personally, not held for investment or business purposes. The IRS understands that people clean out their homes and rarely make a profit on used personal items. As long as you're reasonable and honest with your estimates, you should be fine. The burden would be on them to prove your estimates were unreasonable, which is difficult for typical household items. Don't stress too much about perfect documentation - just be prepared to show these were legitimate personal items sold at a loss.
This is such a timely question - I just went through this exact situation! I sold about $1,800 worth of personal items on eBay this year (old video games, clothes, books, etc.) and was panicking about the 1099-K. Here's what I learned after doing a ton of research and talking to a tax preparer: **The 1099-K is NOT a tax bill** - it's just reporting what payment processors paid you. It doesn't mean that amount is taxable income. **For your specific questions:** 1. **Proving personal items sold at loss**: Create a simple spreadsheet showing item descriptions, estimated original purchase prices, sale prices, and the loss on each item. The IRS expects "reasonable estimates" - you don't need perfect precision. 2. **Original receipts**: You don't need receipts for everything. For items without receipts, document reasonable estimates based on typical retail prices when you purchased them. For example, if you sold a 2019 iPhone for $300, you can reasonably estimate it cost $800+ new. 3. **1099-K breakdown**: No, the 1099-K will just show your total gross payments. But you can download detailed sales reports from eBay that show individual transactions. **My approach**: I made a spreadsheet with columns for item, purchase year, estimated original cost, sale price, and net loss. For items I couldn't remember exact prices, I researched typical retail costs for those items during the year I likely bought them. The key is being reasonable and honest. The IRS knows most people lose money selling used personal items - they're not trying to tax you on legitimate personal losses.
This is really reassuring to hear from someone who just went through it! I'm in a similar boat - sold about $1,200 worth of old stuff this year and have been losing sleep over that 1099-K. Your spreadsheet approach sounds totally doable. Quick question - when you estimated original costs for things like clothes where you couldn't remember, did you just look up what similar items from those brands typically cost? I have some old designer jeans and jackets that I know I paid a lot for originally, but can't remember exact amounts. Also, did your tax preparer have any specific advice about what the IRS considers "reasonable" estimates? I don't want to lowball or highball my estimates and raise red flags.
Those codes are definitely concerning! Code 810 (refund freeze) combined with 971/977 (amended return codes) when you didn't file an amended return suggests the IRS may have made an adjustment to your return. The 570 code with 07-30-2024 date likely means no action will be taken until then. I'd recommend calling the IRS again and specifically asking about the refund freeze and why an amended return shows when you didn't file one. You might also want to request they send you a copy of any correspondence or notices that should have been mailed to you. Don't wait until July - be proactive!
This is really helpful advice! I'm dealing with something similar and didn't realize I could ask for copies of correspondence. How do you specifically ask for that when you call? Do you need to reference a particular form number or just explain what you're looking for?
Those transcript codes are definitely red flags! Code 810 (refund freeze) usually means the IRS flagged something for review, and the 971/977 codes appearing when you didn't file an amended return could indicate the IRS made adjustments on their end. The July 30th date on code 570 might be a review deadline, but I wouldn't wait that long. I'd suggest calling back and asking specifically: 1) Why is there a refund freeze? 2) What triggered the amended return codes when you didn't file one? 3) Request they check for any undelivered notices. Also consider visiting your local Taxpayer Assistance Center if phone calls aren't getting results - sometimes face-to-face gets better answers.
FYI - tried this last wk w/ my 2023 return info. Called 800-908-9946, entered SSN, verified addr, picked opt 2 for transcript, then opt 1 for tax return transcript. Selected 2023, then when it offered to mail, I stayed quiet for ~30 secs. Then it said "for more opts, press 1" - did that, then got option to hear it. System read my AGI, filing status, dependents, etc. Took notes while listening since it goes kinda fast. Total call time: 8 mins. Way faster than waiting for mail!
Thank you all for sharing these detailed instructions! As someone new to navigating IRS phone systems, this thread has been incredibly helpful. I tried the method described by several members here and can confirm it worked as of yesterday (called around 9 AM EST to avoid peak hours as suggested). One small addition for other newcomers: when the automated system reads your transcript information, it goes fairly quickly and doesn't repeat details. I found it helpful to have a pen and paper ready before starting the call, especially for capturing the AGI and other key numbers you might need for tax software or other applications. The whole process took about 12 minutes including hold time. For those asking about different transcript types - during my call, after selecting the tax return transcript option, the system did briefly mention other transcript types were available, but I didn't explore those options. Might be worth a follow-up call if you need account transcripts specifically.
Keith Davidson
My 971 turned into a refund a week later no cap šÆ
0 coins
Ezra Bates
ā¢manifesting this energy rn š
0 coins
LunarLegend
Code 971 just means they're sending you a notice - don't stress too much about it! I've gotten it twice and both times it was just them confirming info or explaining a small adjustment. The waiting is the worst part but most of the time it's really not a big deal. Keep checking your mail and your transcript for updates!
0 coins
Tristan Carpenter
ā¢thanks for the reassurance! this is my first time dealing with any codes on my transcript so i had no idea what to expect. really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here - makes me feel way less anxious about the whole thing š
0 coins