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Does anyone know if having tax topic 152 means you're definitely getting a refund? Or can they still deny it at this stage? This is my first time seeing this code and I'm not sure if I should be relieved or still worried, haha. Also, does checking WMR multiple times a day slow down processing? (Asking for a friend... who might be me š
Tax Topic 152 is actually a good sign - it means the IRS has accepted your return and it's moving through their system. You're definitely getting your refund, it's just a matter of when. I've been through this several times and checking WMR constantly doesn't affect processing speed (though it might affect your sanity!). The IRS updates their systems overnight, usually between midnight and 6am, so checking once daily in the morning is plenty. Since you filed 3 weeks ago, you should see movement soon - most returns with Topic 152 get their DDD within 21 days of filing. Hang in there!
Thank you so much for this reassurance! As someone new to dealing with tax refunds, seeing that code without any clear explanation was really stressing me out. It's good to know that checking constantly won't hurt anything (though you're right about the sanity part - I've probably refreshed WMR about 20 times today alone). I really appreciate you taking the time to break down what Topic 152 actually means and giving that realistic timeline. Makes me feel much better about the whole process!
Quick question about Form 8606 - do I need to attach any proof of my contribution history when I file? I'm in a similar situation with Roth contribution withdrawals and wondering how the IRS verifies I'm only withdrawing contributions.
No, you don't attach proof with your tax return, but you absolutely need to keep records for yourself. The IRS gets reporting from your IRA custodian through Form 5498 (for contributions) and 1099-R (for distributions), but they don't show whether distributions are from contributions or earnings. Keep all your IRA statements and contribution records!
Just want to confirm what others have said - yes, you can absolutely leave Parts 1 and 2 blank on Form 8606 when you're only withdrawing Roth IRA contributions. I had the exact same situation last year and was worried about leaving sections blank, but my CPA assured me it was correct. Part 1 is specifically for nondeductible traditional IRA contributions, and Part 2 is for Roth conversions. Since you're dealing with direct Roth contribution withdrawals, only Part 3 applies to your situation. The key thing is making sure you accurately complete Part 3, especially line 19 where you report your total contributions (basis) in all your Roth IRAs. One tip: if you've made contributions to multiple Roth IRA accounts over the years, you need to aggregate all of them when calculating your basis - it's not done on an account-by-account basis. Keep good records of all your contribution amounts and dates in case the IRS ever has questions down the road.
Just gonna say this: if you're waiting on the IRS to contact you by mail, sign up for Informed Delivery with USPS. You'll get emails showing what mail is coming each day, so you'll know when that IRS letter finally arrives. Saved me from checking my mailbox obsessively for weeks.
This is actually really smart advice. Just signed up, thanks!
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed in early April, accepted same day, then got hit with topic 151 about 3 weeks ago. My transcript shows codes 570 and 971 just like yours. I've been checking my mail religiously but nothing yet. Really hoping it's just a simple verification and not something more complicated. The waiting is driving me crazy, especially since I was counting on that refund for some unexpected car repairs. Following this thread closely to see what everyone else's experiences have been!
I went through this EXACT situation last month. After days of stress and trying to decipher IRS codes, I used taxr.ai which analyzed my transcript and showed me exactly what was happening. Turns out my 570 code was just because they were verifying my identity after I moved. The tool gave me a predicted refund date that was spot on - came within 2 days of what it predicted. Highly recommend it if you're stuck in 570 limbo. https://taxr.ai
I'm dealing with the exact same thing right now! Got a 570 code on my transcript with no date, just says "should update 03/17/25". Filed in early February and expected around $3,800 back. It's so frustrating not knowing what's going on or how long this will take. I called the IRS twice but couldn't get through after waiting over an hour each time. Really hoping it resolves soon because I have some unexpected car repairs I need to pay for. Thanks for posting this - at least I know I'm not alone!
You're definitely not alone! I'm going through the same thing and it's so stressful when you need the money for unexpected expenses. The waiting is the worst part because you have no idea what's causing the hold or how long it will take. From what I've been reading in these comments, it sounds like the 570 code can be caused by all sorts of things - identity verification, income matching, credit verification, etc. Have you checked your mail to see if they sent you any letters requesting documentation? Some people mentioned that sometimes takes a week or two to arrive after the code appears.
PrinceJoe
One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - your aunt and uncle should consider filing IRS Form 911 (Taxpayer Advocate Service) along with their OIC application. My parents were in a similar situation (though they were in Canada, not deported) and the Taxpayer Advocate really helped navigate the unique circumstances. The Taxpayer Advocate Service can sometimes intervene when there are special circumstances like being unable to return to the US due to immigration issues. They have more flexibility than regular IRS agents to consider unique situations. Also, make sure to emphasize in the OIC application that your aunt and uncle CANNOT return to the US to earn income to pay the debt. That "economic hardship" angle can be persuasive in these cases.
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Brooklyn Knight
ā¢Is there a way to contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service from outside the US? And do they actually have the authority to help with cases involving deportation or does that create complications?
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PrinceJoe
ā¢Yes, the Taxpayer Advocate Service can be contacted from outside the US. There's an international taxpayer advocate office specifically for taxpayers living abroad. They can be reached at 787-522-8601, or you can submit Form 911 by mail or fax. The Taxpayer Advocate absolutely has authority to help with tax issues regardless of immigration status. Their role is to ensure fair treatment of taxpayers facing significant hardship, and inability to return to the US due to immigration issues certainly qualifies as a hardship when it affects one's ability to pay taxes. They don't handle the immigration matters themselves, but they can advocate for reasonable tax solutions given those circumstances.
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Owen Devar
Don't forget about the implications for future immigration status! When my cousin applied for reentry after a deportation, the immigration officers specifically looked at whether he had resolved his tax issues. Make sure your aunt and uncle understand that handling this tax debt properly now (even if through an OIC) could impact their ability to return to the US later. Unresolved tax debt can be considered in immigration proceedings as a negative factor. I'd strongly suggest consulting with both a tax professional AND an immigration attorney since these issues are intertwined. The approach to the OIC could have implications for the pending U-visa application.
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Anita George
ā¢That's a really important point I hadn't considered. Do you know if accepting an OIC would be viewed negatively on future immigration applications? Or is it better than having unpaid tax debt?
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Owen Jenkins
ā¢An accepted OIC is generally viewed more favorably than unpaid tax debt in immigration proceedings. Immigration officers want to see that you've resolved your tax obligations, even if through a compromise. Having an active tax debt shows you haven't addressed your responsibilities, while an OIC shows you took steps to resolve the situation within your financial means. For the U-visa specifically, demonstrating good moral character is important, and resolving tax issues (even through compromise) supports that. Just make sure to keep all documentation showing the OIC was accepted and paid in full - you'll likely need this for future immigration applications. The key is being proactive about resolving the debt rather than ignoring it. Immigration attorneys often recommend getting tax issues cleared up before proceeding with major immigration applications.
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