Accepted 1/29 with Credits - Now Seeing 570 Code on Transcript After Years of Offset Issues

The 570 code indicates a temporary hold on your refund while the IRS reviews something. According to irs.gov/refunds and several transcript analysis forums, this is extremely common this year with CTC claims. Most 570 codes are followed by a 571 release code within 1-2 weeks. If you check the Transaction Date (not the cycle date) on your transcript, that usually indicates when they'll resolve the hold. The systems are especially backed up right now with the March 15 business filing deadline just passing.

I swear once you end up with an offset, you're permanently in their system. Had an offset in 2018 for an old student loan, and EVERY SINGLE YEAR since then I've had some kind of delay or verification. Last year they held my refund for 11 weeks because they claimed my W-2 information "didn't match" - even though I uploaded the actual W-2 when I filed! When I finally got through to someone, they admitted it was a system flag based on my previous offset history. So frustrating when you're trying to do everything right and still get penalized.

Here's what I would recommend based on your situation: Step 1: Wait about 7-10 days to see if the 570 resolves itself with a 571 code. Many do. Step 2: If no update after 10 days, you should call the IRS to find out the specific reason for the hold. Step 3: This is where most people get stuck - calling the IRS can be nearly impossible right now. After trying for three days straight last month, I finally used Claimyr.com (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through. The service calls and navigates the IRS phone system for you, then calls you when an agent is on the line. Step 4: Once you speak with an agent, ask specifically about the 570 code and what documentation they might need. Step 5: Follow their instructions precisely to resolve the hold. This methodical approach saved me weeks of waiting and wondering last tax season.

Be careful about waiting too long! I had a similar situation on January 18th, 2023 with a 570 code. I thought it would resolve itself, but on February 3rd, 2023, they sent a letter requesting verification of my children that never arrived in my mailbox. By March 12th, 2023, when I finally called, they told me I had missed the 30-day response window and had to start an appeal process. Ended up not getting my refund until June 29th, 2023. The IRS doesn't always update the online notice section right away.

I'm not sure if this is relevant to your situation, but I had something somewhat similar happen last year. The 570 code appeared on my transcript, and I assumed it was related to my Child Tax Credit claim. It turned out, however, that it was actually because of an old health insurance premium tax credit issue from 2017 that I thought was resolved. Perhaps you might want to check if there could possibly be any unresolved issues from that 2015 offset that might still be in their system?

Have you tried checking your Account transcript instead of just your Return transcript? Sometimes the Account transcript will show pending notices that haven't been mailed yet. And what about checking the Where's My Refund tool? Does it still show processing or has it changed to a message about taking action? I've found that the combination of checking both transcripts plus WMR gives you the most complete picture of what's happening.

570 codes often pair with 971 notice codes. Check for that too. It's usually just verification. Nothing to panic about. Most clear in 2-3 weeks. Tax Advocate Service can help if it goes longer. They prioritize financial hardship cases. Keep checking your transcript weekly. Look for the 571 release code. That's your signal that processing has resumed.