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Justin Trejo

Code 290 on IRS transcript shows additional tax assessed after filing multiple amendments, refund freeze from February, and processing issues with wrong identifying number

I filed my tax return in March and got it processed on August 12. Looking at my transcript, I can see it was officially processed with code 150 (Tax return filed) on cycle 20243005 with a processing date of 08-12-2024 for $1. My document locator number appears to be 70221-436-28051-4. My situation is complicated because I amended my return twice in February. The transcript shows both amendments: - Code 971 "Amended tax return or claim forwarded for processing" on 02-23-2024 - Code 977 "Amended return filed" on 02-23-2024 (Document #73277-485-02572-4) - Then again, Code 971 "Amended tax return or claim forwarded for processing" on 03-01-2024 - Code 977 "Amended return filed" on 03-01-2024 (Document #43277-481-07025-4) What's really confusing me is that my refund was frozen back in February before I even filed my original return - the transcript shows code 810 "Refund freeze" dated 02-08-2024. I'm seeing my W-2 withholding was posted twice in April (code 806 "W-2 or 1099 withholding" on 04-15-2024 for -$4). Now I see a 290 code on my transcript dated March 17, 2025 that says "Additional tax assessed" for $ with cycle 20250905 and document number 09254-455-06295-5. There's also a 570 code showing "Additional account action pending" from September 30, 2024. Very strangely, there's also a notice about "Amended/duplicate tax return processed to wrong identifying number" from December 2023 (code 971, period 202312) but I didn't even file anything then! My return due date was April 15. What does this 290 code actually mean? Is this going to affect the refund I was expecting? And why would there be a notice about a wrong identifying number from before I even filed?

Code 290 indicates the IRS has assessed additional tax on your account. This typically happens when they've processed your amended return and determined you owe more tax than originally calculated. The amount should be listed next to the 290 code. The 570 code (Additional account action pending) means they've temporarily frozen your account while they sort things out. This is common when there are amended returns or discrepancies. The really concerning part is the notice about an amended/duplicate return processed to the wrong identifying number in December 2023. This suggests either identity theft or a significant processing error by the IRS. The refund freeze (810) from February before you filed is strange - possibly related to the wrong identifying number issue. You should contact the IRS immediately to clarify what's happening, especially regarding the potential identity theft issue. You can also request a copy of the notice associated with the 971 code from March 17, 2025.

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thx for explaining! should i wait for the notice from March 2025 to arrive or call them now? im getting worried about the identity theft thing 😰

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Call them now. Identity theft issues can take months to resolve. The sooner you start the process, the better. The notice will eventually arrive but you don't want to wait if someone is potentially using your information.

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Agreed. Don't wait. Call the IRS Identity Theft hotline at 800-908-4490. Document everything.

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I had a similar issue with code 290 last year and was pulling my hair out trying to understand my transcript. Eventually I just used taxr.ai and it translated all the codes and explained exactly what was happening. Saved me hours of googling and worrying. It told me that 290 meant they found an error in my calculations and adjusted my refund. The site is super straightforward and really helped me understand all the IRS jargon. https://taxr.ai

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Sounds interesting. How exactly does it work? Does it just read your transcript or does it do more?

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It does SO MUCH MORE than just read the transcript. You upload your transcript and it breaks down every code, tells you exactly what's happening with your refund, and explains the timeline. It even caught mistakes in my amended return that the IRS was probably going to flag. ABSOLUTE LIFESAVER. Wish I found it sooner!

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OMG just tried taxr.ai and it's exactly what I needed! It perfectly explained my transcript that had a similar 290 issue. Worth every penny considering it saved me from calling the IRS for hours. Thank you for sharing this! 💯

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After dealing with this exact same 290 code nightmare, I finally got a hold of an IRS agent who explained everything. I used Claimyr.com and was connected to an agent within 15 minutes. Best money I've ever spent to get my questions answered. The agent told me the 290 was related to my amended returns and that they were still processing everything. She released my refund right there on the phone! So much better than spending weeks wondering what was happening.

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does this claimyr thing actually work? seems sketchy

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100% works. I was skeptical too cause I tried calling the IRS for 3 weeks straight with no luck. Claimyr got me a callback and I spoke with a real agent who fixed my issue on the spot. Just having someone explain what was going on with my account was worth it.

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ngl i thought it was bs too but it worked for me last week. after 4 unsuccessful attempts calling directly, i tried claimyr and got through in about 20 min. agent fixed my 290 issue right away

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The 290 code means additional tax assessed, but it could be for multiple reasons: - They processed your amended return and found you owe more - They made an adjustment based on third-party information they received - There was a math error on your return The weird part is the refund freeze (810) from February BEFORE you filed. Combined with that "wrong identifying number" thing, sounds like possible identity theft. You need to call them ASAP.

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Check the amount next to the 290 code. If it's the same as what you calculated on your amended return, then everything is normal and the system is just catching up to your amendments. If it's different, then they found an error or discrepancy.the freeze codes mean they're still working on your account.

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there's just a $ sign next to the 290 code but no amount. what does that mean?

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That's strange. Usually there's an amount. It could mean the system hasn't finalized the calculation yet, or the amount is being withheld from the transcript for some reason. Definitely call the IRS to clarify.

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the irs is such a joke. ive been waiting for my refind since last january and ive had three diffrent 290 codes on my account.Everytime I call they tell me something diffrent. The sytem is broken beyond repair.

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Preach! 👏 Dealing with the IRS is like playing a game where they make up new rules every day and don't tell you what they are

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Sadly tru. They have a backlog of millions of returns and like 3 people working there or something lol

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Based on your transcript, here's what I see: 1. You've amended twice in February 2024 2. Your original return was processed in August 2024 3. You have a refund freeze from February (before you filed) 4. There's an indication of a return with wrong ID number from December 2023 5. Additional tax assessed in March 2025 It looks like someone may have filed using your info in Dec 2023, which triggered the refund freeze in Feb 2024. When you filed legitimately, the system is trying to reconcile everything, resulting in the 290 code.

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should I be worried about identity theft? do i need to report it somewhere specific?

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Yes, you should definitely be concerned. Call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490. Also file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) if the IRS confirms someone else used your information. And check your credit reports right away.

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Code 290 = additional tax assessed Code 570 = refund on hold Code 971 = notice issued the timeline makes it look like they processed your amended returns but then found something wrong. you'll get a notice explaining what they changed and why. the identity theft thing is concerning tho

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I just went through this exact situation last month! It was a nightmare trying to understand all these codes. I uploaded my transcript to taxr.ai and it explained everything in plain English. Turns out my 290 code was just the IRS processing my amended return correctly. The tool showed me when to expect my refund and explained all the freezes. Seriously a game changer for dealing with the IRS - https://taxr.ai

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another ad for that site? 🙄 does it actually help or just tell you what you can find on google

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Not an ad, just sharing what worked for me after spending WEEKS trying to figure this out. It does way more than Google - it analyzes your specific transcript and gives personalized explanation of your situation. Saved me from calling the IRS which is pretty much impossible these days!

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fair enough, might check it out. spent 3 days trying to understand my transcript and still confused af

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I can vouch for taxr.ai too - used it last week when I had a 570/290 combo on my transcript. It analyzed everything and told me exactly when my refund would be released. Much better than the generic info online.

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Had this exact problem. Banged my head against the wall trying to reach someone at the IRS for weeks. Finally came across claimyr.com and got connected with an agent in 30 minutes. Turns out the 290 code was because they were adjusting my refund based on my amended return. Agent fixed it on the spot and my refund was released the next day. Seriously the only way to get any answers from the IRS these days.

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how much did you have to pay for the service? is it worth it?

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Can't discuss the exact cost here but it was 1000% worth it. I spent literally 20+ hours trying to call the IRS myself with no luck. Got through first try with claimyr and had my $3800 refund released immediately. Do the math on what your time is worth!

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My transcript had a 290 code after I amended my return. It just means they processed your amendment and changed the tax amount. The dollar sign with no amount is weird though. You should call and ask about that and especially about the wrong identifying number thing.

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290 = additional tax assessed 810 = refund freeze 570 = additional account action pending 971 = notice sent It's all IRS bureaucratic nonsense.You'll receive a notice explaining what they found. Wrong identifying number is concerning - call immediately to make sure no one stole your identity.

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I'm having the same problem with code 290 and 570! Been waiting on my refund for 8 months now. The IRS is holding it hostage and won't tell me why. Starting to think I'll never get it. 😡

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Have you tried requesting a tax advocate? They can sometimes help move things along when you're stuck in IRS limbo

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Yeah I tried that. They said there's a 4 month wait just to get assigned an advocate. This system is completely broken.

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The fact that you had a refund freeze BEFORE you even filed is a huge red flag. Combined with that note about 'wrong identifying number' - someone probably tried to file a fraudulent return using your info. I'd call the IRS immediately and possibly file a police report for identity theft.

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This is definitely a complex situation with several red flags. The combination of a refund freeze from February 2024 (before you filed) and the notice about "wrong identifying number" from December 2023 strongly suggests identity theft. Someone likely filed a fraudulent return using your information, which triggered the system to freeze your legitimate refund. The 290 code with just a "$" symbol and no amount is unusual - typically there's a specific dollar amount shown. This could indicate the system is still calculating or there's an error in how it's displaying. Here's what you need to do immediately: 1. Call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490 2. File Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) 3. Request a complete account transcript to see all activity 4. Check your credit reports for any suspicious activity The multiple amendment codes (971/977) combined with the processing delays suggest the IRS is trying to sort out which return is legitimate. Don't wait for the March 2025 notice - act now. Identity theft cases can take 6+ months to resolve, so the sooner you start the process, the better. Also consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports and monitoring your accounts closely. This situation requires immediate attention.

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This is really helpful advice! I'm definitely going to call that identity theft hotline first thing tomorrow. One question - when I file Form 14039, do I need to wait for the IRS to confirm identity theft first, or can I file it based on what I'm seeing on my transcript? Also, should I be worried about filing my 2025 tax return normally while this is all getting sorted out?

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You can file Form 14039 based on what you're seeing on your transcript - you don't need to wait for IRS confirmation. The evidence is pretty clear with the December 2023 "wrong identifying number" notice and the February refund freeze before you filed. For your 2025 return, you should still file normally but be prepared for potential delays. The IRS may flag it for additional review while they're sorting out the identity theft issue. Make sure to file early and keep detailed records of everything. You might also want to consider filing by paper rather than electronically to avoid any system conflicts while your case is being resolved. When you call the identity theft hotline, ask them specifically about the timeline for resolving your case and whether there are any special steps you need to take for future filings. They can also tell you if you need an IP PIN (Identity Protection PIN) for next year's return.

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Looking at your transcript, this is definitely identity theft. The December 2023 "wrong identifying number" notice combined with the February 2024 refund freeze before you even filed is a dead giveaway that someone used your SSN to file a fraudulent return. The 290 code showing just "$" with no amount is concerning too - it suggests the system can't properly calculate what you owe because there are conflicting returns in the system (yours vs the fraudulent one). Here's what happened: Someone filed fake return in Dec 2023 → IRS caught it and flagged your SSN → When you tried to file legitimately, system froze everything → Your amendments made it worse because now there are multiple legitimate returns competing with the fake one. Call 800-908-4490 (Identity Theft hotline) immediately. Don't wait for any notices. Also file Form 14039 and request a complete account transcript. This will take months to resolve but you need to start the process now. The good news is once IRS confirms identity theft, they'll usually expedite your legitimate refund. The bad news is it's going to be a long process with lots of paperwork.

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This explanation makes so much sense! I was so confused about why there would be a refund freeze before I even filed, but the identity theft angle explains everything. The timing with the December 2023 notice and then the February freeze is definitely not a coincidence. I'm calling that hotline first thing tomorrow morning. Do you know if I should also contact the credit bureaus right away, or should I wait to see what the IRS says first? I'm worried about what else this person might have done with my information.

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Don't wait on the credit bureaus - contact them immediately! Identity thieves rarely stop at just filing fake tax returns. They could be opening credit accounts, taking out loans, or applying for other benefits using your information. Place fraud alerts with all three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) right away - it's free and only takes a few minutes online. You should also request your free credit reports from annualcreditreport.com to check for any accounts you didn't open. The IRS process and credit monitoring are separate issues that should be handled simultaneously, not sequentially. While you're waiting for the IRS to sort out the tax identity theft, a scammer could be racking up debt in your name elsewhere. Also consider freezing your credit reports entirely until this gets resolved. It's a bit inconvenient if you need to apply for credit yourself, but it prevents anyone from opening new accounts with your information. You can always temporarily lift the freeze when needed. Document everything - keep records of all your calls, forms filed, and correspondence. Identity theft cases can drag on for months and having a paper trail will help immensely.

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This is such valuable advice! I never thought about how tax identity theft could just be the beginning. I'm definitely going to freeze my credit reports today and check those free credit reports. It's scary to think about what else might be happening with my information that I don't even know about yet. Thanks for laying out the steps so clearly - it makes this whole overwhelming situation feel more manageable when I have a concrete action plan to follow.

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This is a textbook case of tax identity theft that needs immediate attention. The timeline you've described - with a "wrong identifying number" notice from December 2023 followed by a refund freeze in February 2024 before you even filed - clearly indicates someone used your SSN to file a fraudulent return. The 290 code showing just a "$" symbol without an amount suggests the IRS system is struggling to calculate what you actually owe because it's trying to reconcile your legitimate returns with the fraudulent one already in the system. Here's your action plan: 1. Call the IRS Identity Protection Unit at 800-908-4490 TODAY - don't wait for any notices 2. File Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) immediately 3. Contact all three credit bureaus to place fraud alerts and check your credit reports 4. Consider freezing your credit entirely until this resolves 5. Keep detailed records of everything The multiple amendments you filed likely complicated things further because now the system has to sort through several legitimate returns plus the fraudulent one. This will take months to resolve, but acting quickly is crucial. Once the IRS confirms identity theft, they typically expedite processing of your legitimate refund, but the sooner you start this process, the better. Don't file your 2025 return until you speak with the identity theft unit about whether you'll need an IP PIN or special procedures going forward.

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