After 300+ days, I can totally understand why you're feeling defeated seeing another code! But honestly, the 570 after an 811 removal is actually a really good sign - it means you're in the final phase. The 811 was the big hurdle (identity/income verification), and now the 570 is just their standard final review process. Most people see this clear within 2-3 weeks since all the hard work is already done. Keep checking for that 571 code - that's when you'll know the hold is lifted and your refund is about to be released. You've made it through the worst part already! 🙏

I totally get your frustration after 300+ days - that's absolutely exhausting! But you're actually much closer to the finish line than you realize. The 570 code appearing right after your 811 removal is completely normal and expected. Here's what's happening: the 811 was the IRS verifying your identity/income (the nightmare part that took forever), and this 570 is just their final compliance review before releasing your refund. Since they've already done all the heavy verification work, this typically resolves WAY faster - usually 1-3 weeks max. Keep checking for a 571 code on your transcript - that's when you'll know the hold is lifted! After surviving 300+ days, a few more weeks is nothing. The hardest part is behind you - you're literally in the home stretch now! 💪

Fatima, I completely understand how frustrating this must be, especially when you're planning those home repairs! The 570 code can definitely cause anxiety when you're not sure what's happening. Your situation with all dates being 3/4 is actually pretty encouraging - when everything matches like that, it usually means an automated system review rather than someone manually pulling your file. These automated reviews typically resolve much faster. Since you mentioned being retired, this is very likely just the IRS double-checking your retirement income against their records - pension distributions, 401k withdrawals, Social Security, etc. It's routine verification but unfortunately takes time. Based on what I've seen in this community, most 570 codes with identical dates like yours resolve within 2-3 weeks without any action needed. I'd check your transcript again around March 18th for either a 571 (hold released) or 846 (refund issued) code. Keep watching your mail too - if a 971 code shows up, it means they sent a notice, but often these are just informational rather than requesting anything from you. Try to hang in there! Your refund is coming, it's just taking a detour through verification. Those home repairs will happen soon!

Fatima, I completely understand your frustration - waiting for a refund when you have specific plans for it like home repairs makes the uncertainty so much worse! The 570 code you're seeing is essentially the IRS hitting a "pause" button on your refund while they verify something. What's actually encouraging about your situation is that all your dates are identical (3/4) - this typically indicates an automated system review rather than a manual audit, and automated reviews usually resolve much faster. Since you're retired, this is most likely just routine verification of your retirement income sources. The IRS computers probably flagged something to cross-check your pension distributions, 401k withdrawals, or Social Security benefits against their records. It sounds intimidating but it's actually quite standard. From everything I've observed in this community, most people with your exact situation (570 code with matching dates) see their holds released within 2-3 weeks without needing to take any action. I'd suggest checking your transcript again around March 18th to look for either a 571 code (hold released) or 846 code (refund issued). Also keep an eye on your mail - if a 971 code appears on your transcript, it means they've sent you a notice, though many times these are just informational updates rather than requests for documents. Try to stay patient! Your home repairs will definitely happen - just with a brief detour through the verification process. This community has seen countless situations like yours resolve automatically!

Has anyone tried the IRS Direct File program this year? I heard they expanded it to more states for 2025 filing season. Wondering if it works better than dealing with OLT or TurboTax.

This is exactly why I always bookmark the official IRS Free File page (https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free) at the beginning of tax season. These companies count on people going directly to their commercial websites where they can charge for "premium" features. What's really frustrating is that OLT's marketing emails don't even mention that their completely free version is still available through the IRS portal. They're deliberately steering people toward their paid service. I fell for this exact trick with H&R Block a few years ago before I learned about the Free File program. Pro tip: If you qualify for Free File (AGI under $79,000 for most providers), bookmark that IRS page and ONLY access tax software through those links during filing season. Don't trust the "free" versions on company websites.

Slightly different question - I'm a union electrician and I get travel pay which is different from per diem. My company is also including that in my W-2 Box 1. Is travel pay also supposed to be non-taxable, or is that different from per diem?

This is such a common issue in construction! I went through the exact same thing with my roofing company last year. The key thing to understand is that your per diem CAN be non-taxable, but only if your employer is handling it as an "accountable plan." This means: 1) The per diem rates don't exceed federal GSA rates for your work locations 2) You provide adequate documentation of your travel (dates, destinations, business purpose) 3) You return any excess amounts you don't use If your company just gives you a flat $135/day regardless of where you travel, and some locations have lower federal rates, the excess becomes taxable. Also, if they don't require you to document your travel or return unused amounts, the IRS considers it a "non-accountable plan" and the entire amount becomes taxable wages. Check the GSA per diem rates for your specific work locations at gsa.gov/perdiem. If your $135/day exceeds those rates, or if your company isn't following accountable plan rules, then yes - it should be included in your W-2. But if everything checks out and it should be non-taxable, definitely push for a corrected W-2. Don't try to handle this on your tax return yourself - that's a red flag for audits.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! This clears up my confusion. I was hoping the IP PIN would simplify things but sounds like I need to be prepared for both. Really appreciate the detailed explanations - makes sense that they serve different security purposes even though it's frustrating to deal with multiple layers.

Just to add some clarity from someone who's been through this multiple times - the IP PIN is basically your "password" to file, while identity verification is like showing your driver's license. Even with the PIN, if the IRS system flags something unusual about your return (could be income changes, new deductions, etc.), they'll still ask you to verify. It's annoying but it's actually protecting you from having someone else successfully file a fraudulent return even if they somehow got your PIN. The good news is once you verify successfully, it usually gets easier in future years.