Code 420 on transcript - examination or audit? Need clarity!

Code 420 indicates that your return has been selected for examination. This could mean anything from a correspondence audit (mail audit) to a more detailed review. The best thing to do is wait for an official IRS notice which will explain exactly what they need from you. Don't panic - many 420 codes are resolved through simple document verification.

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I got the same code last month, turned out they just needed to verify my w2 info. NBD in the end

ugh the irs and their stupid codes. why cant they just speak english 🤡

Had this last year. Call the IRS examination department directly at 866-xxx-xxxx. Sometimes they can tell you exactly what triggered it

mine started with 420 then got a letter 2 weeks later asking for my medical receipts. sent them in and refund came 3 weeks after that

Code 420 can be stressful but try not to worry too much! In my experience, it's usually something minor like income verification or document matching. The IRS will send you a letter (CP2000 or similar) explaining exactly what they need. Keep all your tax documents handy and respond promptly when you get the notice. Most of these resolve quickly once you provide the requested info.

Code 420 is definitely nerve-wracking when you first see it! I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago. The code appeared on my transcript on a Wednesday, and I got the CP2000 notice in the mail exactly 12 days later. In my case, they were questioning some 1099 income that didn't match what I reported. I gathered my documents, responded within the 30-day window, and my refund was released about 5 weeks after I sent my response. The waiting is the hardest part, but most of these examinations are really straightforward once you know what they're looking for. Hang in there!

I'm dealing with the exact same thing right now! Code 420 showed up on my transcript 3 days ago and I've been checking it obsessively ever since. Reading through everyone's experiences here is actually making me feel a lot better - sounds like it's usually not as scary as it initially seems. Really appreciate everyone sharing their timelines and outcomes. Guess I just need to be patient and wait for that letter to arrive!