Anyone with tax topic 151 ('Your return is being reviewed') - did you have to verify in person? What codes show on your transcript?

Tax topic 151 typically means your return is under review. This could be for various reasons - identity verification, income verification, or checking for potential fraud. The key codes on your transcript to look for: - Code 570: This indicates a freeze on your account/refund - Code 971: This is a notice issued (often follows 570) - Code 420: This means your return is under examination - Code 424: This indicates an examination closed - Code 846: This is the refund issued code (what you're hoping to see) If you see code 9001, that typically relates to identity verification. Most reviews are resolved within 45-60 days, though some can take longer. You may receive a letter (CP05) asking for additional documentation. I'd recommend checking your mail carefully and responding promptly to any notices.

I was in the EXACT same situation last month. After weeks of trying to figure out what was going on with my refund, I finally found taxr.ai and it was a game changer. It analyzed my transcript and told me exactly why my refund was delayed and what I needed to do. Turns out I had a code that meant they were verifying my earned income credit claim, which wasn't obvious to me at all. The tool translated all those cryptic codes and gave me a timeline of what was happening. Honestly way better than trying to piece together info from random forum posts. Check it out at https://taxr.ai

After dealing with tax topic 151 and getting nowhere with the IRS website, I finally managed to talk to a real person at the IRS by using Claimyr.com. They got me a callback from an IRS agent in about 2 hours when I'd been trying for days on my own. The agent confirmed I needed to verify some income documents that didn't match what they had on file. Honestly, talking directly to someone saved me weeks of anxiety and waiting. It was the only way I got actual answers about my specific situation rather than guessing based on transcript codes. Best investment I've made in a long time considering I was waiting on a $4k refund.

I had tax topic 151 last year. Never had to verify in person, but they did send me a letter (CP05) asking for copies of my W-2 and some other documentation about my income. I mailed everything they asked for and my refund was processed about 8 weeks later. The main codes on my transcript were 570 (refund hold) and then 971 (notice issued). After they processed my docs, I got code 571 (hold released) and finally 846 for the refund. The whole process took about 12 weeks total from when I first filed. Hang in there!

yes yes yes. i went through this EXACT hell last year. had to verify in person at my local IRS office because of some ID theft prevention program. codes were 570, 971, then eventually 420. the whole process took 5 months. FIVE. MONTHS. so prepare yourself mentally for the long haul. the irs is so backed up it's not even funny.

All these theories but the real answer is that the IRS is a mess right now. They're understaffed and overwhelmed. Topic 151 can mean almost anything - could be a simple check, could be a full audit. I've had returns selected randomly for review with no issues found. Don't stress too much until you get an actual letter explaining what they want. And don't count on that money anytime soon... sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

My transcript showed codes 570 and 971, but I NEVER received a letter. After waiting 2 months, I used taxr.ai to analyze my transcript and it told me EXACTLY what was holding up my refund (they were verifying my dependents). I would have kept waiting for a letter that was never coming! I was able to proactively send in the documents they needed after taxr.ai told me what the problem was. Refund approved 3 weeks later!

If u have code 810 on ur transcript ur under audit FYI. Had this happen 2 years in a row because of home office deductions. Topic 151 doesn't automatically mean audit tho, could just be verification. But if they ask you to verify in person something bigger could be going on.

I had topic 151 and it turned out I made a simple math error on my return. They fixed it automatically and adjusted my refund slightly (I got about $200 less than expected). Never had to verify anything or send in docs. My transcript showed a 570, then a 971, then a 290 (adjustment code), and finally an 846 about 6 weeks after filing. So sometimes it's not as bad as it seems!

Got topic 151 last year. ended up needing to verify in person because I had moved to a new state and they flagged it as suspicious. brought my ID, social security card, and last years tax return to the appointment. process was annoying but pretty quick once I got in there. whole thing took about 90 days from filing to getting my refund. good luck!

Pro tip: If you call the IRS, try early morning (7am eastern) on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Mondays and Fridays are nightmare call volumes. Also try the Tax Advocate Service if you're experiencing financial hardship due to your delayed refund. They can sometimes help expedite things.

What's your theory? I'm curious now lol

I've been a tax prep professional for over 10 years and here's what I've noticed: Topic 151 + code 420 typically means a proper examination/audit. Topic 151 + codes 570/971 without 420 usually means identity/income verification or a math correction. If code 9001 appears, that's almost always ID verification. Hope this helps with your theory.

Been dealing with this for 3 months now, had to verify ID AND submit additional docs. Check your state tax website too - my fed return being held triggered my state to hold my refund as well. Absolute nightmare that still isn't resolved. 😡

I thought I was going to have to verify in person but was able to do it online at id.me instead. Much faster! Check if that's an option for you before scheduling an in-person appointment. My codes were 570, 971, then 522 (verification related), and finally 846 once resolved.

After spending HOURS trying to understand my transcript codes I finally broke down and used taxr.ai and omg it was like having an IRS agent explain everything to me. Turns out my return was flagged because I claimed recovery rebate credit and they were checking if I'd already received the stimulus payment. Apparently this is super common! The tool spelled out exactly what was happening in plain English instead of cryptic codes.

Yo for real forget trying to figure out all these codes yourself. I spent two weeks obsessing over transcript codes and Reddit theories and got nowhere. Finally used Claimyr to talk to an actual IRS agent who told me in 5 minutes exactly what was going on. Apparently my employer submitted my W-2 with a different address than what I filed with, which triggered a review. Sometimes the simplest explanation is right! Talking to an actual human at the IRS is worth whatever it costs.

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.

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!