


Ask the community...
Think of the tax filing sites like those "free" mobile games - they let you start for free but then hit you with in-app purchases to continue. The key is accessing the truly free options through the IRS portal. The commercial sites create nearly identical-looking pages to confuse people, like how some stores create knock-off products with similar packaging.
OMG how is it so complicated just to file taxes for free?? ๐ซ Do I need to create accounts on multiple sites to find one that works for my situation?
I had this happen with a $3.42 check from 2019 that randomly showed up in 2023. The IRS agent explained they found a calculation error related to a rate change that affected thousands of returns, so they did a mass correction. The 570 froze my account briefly while they calculated the adjustment, then the 971 was generated when they issued the notice explaining the change. The whole process took about 3 weeks from codes appearing to check arriving. Did your check come with any explanation letter?
According to Internal Revenue Code ยง6402(a), the IRS is required to issue refunds for overpayments regardless of how small the amount. While many taxpayers worry when seeing these codes, Treasury Regulation 301.6402-1 clarifies that these administrative adjustments can be processed up to 3 years after the original return filing. I would recommend checking the specific date of the 971 code - it should be approximately 7-10 days before you received the physical check, per standard IRS processing timelines.
According to the IRS.gov website, you might want to consider setting up an account on ID.me to access your full transcript details. Sometimes the 570/971 code combination can indicate identity verification is needed. The missing bank information is a separate issue - they'll automatically send a paper check to your address on file. Just make sure that address is current in their system.
From what I've observed in this community, the average wait time after getting 570/971 codes is exactly 21 days before seeing a resolution. About 72% of people report receiving a letter explaining the hold within 7 days of the 971 code appearing. Interestingly, for the 8% of people who had missing bank info as their only issue, paper checks were mailed approximately 14 days after the hold was released. Have others experienced similar timelines?
When I got my refund offset notice, I couldn't make sense of which debts were taking what portions of my refund. I used https://taxr.ai to analyze my tax transcript and it broke down exactly which agency was taking what amount. It identified that part of my refund was going to a state tax debt I didn't even know I had! Might be worth checking your transcript with it to see what's happening before your refund gets processed.
Is that site legit? I'm always worried about putting my tax info into random websites.
One strategy some people use is to adjust their withholding so they don't get a big refund in the first place. If you claim more allowances on your W-4, you'll get more in each paycheck throughout the year instead of a lump sum refund that can be offset. Too late for this year obviously, but something to consider for 2025.
Elijah O'Reilly
Don't forget to check if your investment losses triggered an AMT calculation! ๐ The IRS loves to flag those for manual review. Seriously though, Topic 152 is actually a GOOD sign - it means your return is in normal processing and a refund is expected. If you had a serious problem, you'd see a different code. The transcript access issues could be completely unrelated - their system has been having capacity problems this tax season. If you do call, have all your investment documentation ready - especially if you had wash sales or complex transactions. The first level reps might not understand investment tax issues and you might need to ask for a tax law specialist.
0 coins
Amara Torres
โขI had a similar situation with investment losses last year. I would suggest being very careful about how you present your case to the IRS agent. When I called, I first explained that I was checking on processing status, not disputing anything. This seemed to make the agent more willing to help. They were able to see that my return was flagged for review due to the investment losses exceeding certain thresholds. It took about 6 weeks total, but the refund was eventually processed correctly without any amendments needed.
0 coins
Olivia Van-Cleve
Tbh the phone is the worst way to contact them rn. Try the IRS2Go app if u haven't already. Sometimes shows diff info than the website. Also check ur mail carefully - they might've sent a 5071C letter for ID verification. If u filed w/ a tax pro, have them call the practitioner priority line. Much faster than regular customer service. GL w/ the investment stuff, the IRS is super backed up w/ those this yr.
0 coins