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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!
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.
Quick warning from someone who handles these regularly - the 1042-S withholding might be for different types of income (dividends, capital gains, etc.) which get treated differently under the treaty. Line 1 of your 1042-S will have an "Income Code" that tells you what type of income it is. Code 06 = dividends (eligible for 15% treaty rate) Code 09 = capital gains (might be completely exempt) Code 15 = scholarship/fellowship (different rules apply) Make sure you know which type you're dealing with before filing anything!
This is so helpful! Mine says Code 06, so I'm guessing that's dividend income from the shares. I've been getting these forms for years but never knew I could reduce the withholding. Is there any downside to claiming this credit? Will it trigger any kind of audit or review?
Code 06 is definitely dividend income, so you're eligible for the reduced 15% treaty rate. There's really no downside to claiming the foreign tax credit - it's a legitimate credit that prevents double taxation, which is exactly what the tax treaty is designed to do. As for audits, claiming foreign tax credits doesn't typically trigger additional scrutiny by itself, especially for straightforward cases like employer stock dividends. The IRS expects US citizens with foreign income to claim these credits. Just make sure you keep your 1042-S forms and any correspondence with your company about the withholding - good documentation is always your best protection. The bigger risk is actually NOT claiming the credit and essentially overpaying your taxes year after year. Since you mentioned you've been getting these forms for years, you might want to look into amending your past returns to recover those overpayments.
This is exactly the situation I found myself in a few years ago! As a US citizen receiving UK stock dividends, you're absolutely right that the 30% withholding seems excessive. Here's what worked for me: First, submit a W-8BEN form to your company's stock plan administrator (not the IRS directly) to get the withholding reduced from 30% to 15% going forward under the US-UK tax treaty. Second, file Form 1116 with your tax return to claim a foreign tax credit for the taxes already withheld. Since you mentioned this has been going on for 12 years, you can file amended returns (Form 1040-X) for up to the past 3 years to recover the excess withholding. The potential refund could be substantial depending on your dividend amounts. The process is definitely doable as a DIY project if you're comfortable with tax forms, but given the years of potential overpayments involved, it might be worth consulting with a tax professional who specializes in international taxation to make sure you maximize your recovery and handle everything correctly.
This is really helpful - thank you for breaking it down so clearly! I had no idea I could go back 3 years with amended returns. That could definitely add up to a significant amount over 12 years of withholding. One question though - when you submitted the W-8BEN to your company's stock administrator, did they apply the reduced rate immediately or did it take a while to process? I'm wondering if I should submit it now or wait until closer to the next dividend payment.
In my experience, the W-8BEN processing time varies by company, but most stock administrators update their systems within 1-2 payroll cycles once they receive the form. I'd recommend submitting it as soon as possible since there's really no downside - even if it doesn't take effect for your next dividend, it will be in place for subsequent ones. When I submitted mine, it took about 6 weeks to see the reduced withholding rate applied, but that was partly because I submitted it right after a dividend payment. The administrator told me they typically process these forms monthly, so timing can affect when you see the change. Also, make sure to keep a copy of your submitted W-8BEN and any confirmation from your company - you'll want that documentation when you file your amended returns for the previous years. Some companies will even provide a letter confirming the new withholding rate once it's processed.
Keith Davidson
My 971 turned into a refund a week later no cap šÆ
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Ezra Bates
ā¢manifesting this energy rn š
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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!
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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
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