these codes are starting to feel like hieroglyphics fr fr... irs needs to speak english 💀

I had the same codes last year and it turned out to be an identity verification issue. The IRS wanted to make sure I was really me before releasing my refund. Got a CP05A notice asking me to verify my identity online through ID.me. Once I completed that, my refund was released within 2 weeks. Don't panic - these codes are super common and usually resolve quickly once you respond to whatever they're asking for.

If you're experiencing the SBTPG lag issue, there's an alternative verification method worth trying. Log into your IRS transcript and look for Code 846 with the current cycle date. This Transaction Code indicates the IRS has released your refund to the designated recipient (SBTPG in this case). The date associated with this code typically precedes your actual bank deposit by 1-5 business days. This verification method bypasses SBTPG's system entirely and gives you confirmation directly from the source.

This timing discrepancy has been driving me crazy! I filed three weeks ago and have been refreshing the SBTPG portal obsessively. Based on what everyone's sharing here, it sounds like I should actually be checking my bank account more frequently than the SBTPG site. Has anyone found a reliable pattern for when deposits typically hit accounts versus when SBTPG updates? Like, is it usually overnight deposits that create the biggest lag, or does it happen at all times of day? I'm trying to figure out if there's an optimal time to check my bank account instead of wearing out the SBTPG portal refresh button!

Oh my gosh I'm going through the EXACT same thing right now!! 😩 My 846 date was 11/3 and I'm checking my mailbox like a crazy person every day! I'm so worried because I've read horror stories about checks getting lost. I've been refreshing the Informed Delivery app from USPS constantly to see if it shows up there before it arrives. This waiting is torture when you really need the money! I just keep telling myself that the government moves slowly and I shouldn't panic yet... but it's so hard!

I completely understand your anxiety - waiting for money you desperately need is incredibly stressful! Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like you're still within the normal timeframe. Since your 846 date was 11/5 and today is around 11/10, you're right in that 5-7 business day window where most people receive their checks. The fact that WMAR finally updated to "adjusted" is actually a really good sign that everything is processing normally. I'd suggest setting up USPS Informed Delivery if you haven't already - it'll give you a preview of what's coming in your mail each day, which might help ease some of the anxiety of constantly checking your mailbox. Try to hang in there for a few more days before escalating. I know it's easier said than done when medical bills are piling up, but it really does sound like your refund is on its way! 🤞

Hello. I Filed my taxes Jan 14 2022. Received letter indicating I should prove my identity due to mismatch in witholding which I did respond accurately, then received another letter Oct 18 requesting for additional documents which I sent all request via fax. I filed my 2023 taxes got a DD with no problems but my 2021 taxes still processing with code 570&971 same date 02/20/2023. I haven’t received any letter or update on transcript until now no DD either just 570&970 with same dates WMR says my refund adjusted to 0. When I called they told me irs place my tax as fraudulent for mismatch income report. I told them to release my payment so I could make a payment via website, rather than amend my return which would take longer delay time. Has anyone had same issue, but I presume after 9 months I should get a DD and transcript updated. Any help please.

Hey Allen! I went through the exact same thing last year - those codes are super stressful when you don't know what they mean. The 971 code just means the IRS sent you a notice explaining any changes they made to your return, and the 570 code puts a temporary hold on your refund while they review something. In most cases, if everything checks out, the hold gets released automatically within 1-2 weeks and you'll see an 846 code with your direct deposit date. The most common reasons for these codes are stimulus payment amounts that don't match their records or small calculation errors that they can fix on their end. Keep checking your transcript - once you see that 846 code, you're golden! The waiting is definitely the hardest part but it sounds like you're almost there after 9 months of processing.

Just to add a practical tip - make sure whoever claims the kids has their Social Security numbers correct on the tax return. The IRS automatically checks this, and if the numbers don't match their records, it will trigger a delay or rejection of your return.

This is such a tricky situation, and you're definitely not alone in being confused! From what you've described, there are actually several ways you could handle this, and the "best" approach depends on running the numbers. Since your partner is providing all the financial support, they could potentially claim you as a qualifying relative (you'd meet the income test with $0 earnings and the support test). For the children, it gets more complex - your 2-year-old with your current partner would likely qualify as their dependent, but your 6-year-old from a previous relationship might still be better claimed by you since you're the custodial parent. One important thing to consider: even with zero income, you can still file a tax return and potentially receive refundable credits like the Additional Child Tax Credit. Sometimes this results in a better overall tax situation for your household than having your partner claim everyone. I'd strongly suggest running calculations both ways - having your partner claim everyone versus you filing separately and claiming the kids. The IRS Publication 501 has detailed dependency tests that can help you determine who qualifies to claim whom. Don't forget about the Child and Dependent Care Credit too if you're planning to return to work and will need childcare!