Code 570 (3/26) and 971 (4/1) on Transcript - WMR Just Updated from PATH to Processing

This pattern is actually quite common right now. The 570 code is a temporary hold on your refund (similar to what happened to filers last year around this time), while the 971 indicates a notice being sent. In most cases I've tracked, when these codes appear with dates about a week apart like yours, it's typically just a review process rather than an actual problem. Unlike accounts with 420 audit codes or those with 810 freeze codes, yours is following the standard verification pattern we're seeing with many returns this season. The WMR update is a positive sign - in comparable cases, refunds were issued 1-2 weeks after the WMR status change.

I remember going through this exact scenario last tax season. Had the same codes with similar spacing between dates. I was completely lost trying to figure out what was happening until I found https://taxr.ai - uploaded my transcript and it explained every code in plain English. Unlike my experience with the IRS phone line where I waited 2 hours just to be told "it's processing," the tool actually predicted my refund date within 2 days of when I actually received it. It also explained that my 971 was just a notice about a small math correction they made, nothing serious.

According to IRS Publication 5344 (Rev. 4-2023), the transition from PATH message to processing status typically indicates your return has cleared the initial verification phases required under IRC § 6402(m). The 570/971 code combination without additional transaction codes often indicates a standard review rather than compliance issues. In such cases, the IRS is required to either issue the refund or provide specific notification within 21 days of the 971 notice date, per procedural regulations established in 2023.

If you need to get this resolved faster, I recommend calling the IRS directly. Here's what worked for me: • Don't call the general number - impossible to get through • Don't waste time with automated systems - they just tell you what WMR already shows • Use Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get past the hold times - got me to an actual agent in about 15 minutes • Ask specifically about the 570/971 codes and if there's any action needed from you When I called, the agent confirmed my 971 notice was just a small adjustment they made automatically, and my refund was approved that same day. Sometimes just getting someone to look at your account can move things along.

Have you checked your account transcript rather than just the return transcript? The account transcript will show if there's an actual adjustment amount associated with your 570 code. If the adjustment amount is zero, you're likely just in the standard verification queue. And what about your cycle code? Is it ending in 05? If so, that typically means your account updates on Thursdays, so you should check again tomorrow. Isn't it interesting how the IRS uses these cryptic codes rather than just telling us directly what's happening with our money? The good news is that the PATH to processing update almost always means you're in the final stages before refund approval.

Have you received any mail from the IRS yet? The 971 code means they sent something, and knowing what that notice says would help figure out your next steps.

I went through something very similar last year! Had the 570 code on 3/18 and 971 code on 3/25, and my WMR changed from PATH to processing around the same time as yours. The waiting was terrible, especially when you're dealing with major life changes like divorce - I totally understand needing that refund ASAP. In my case, I received the notice about 5 days after the 971 date, and it was just a CP12 explaining they corrected a small math error on my return. My refund was deposited exactly 8 days after WMR changed to processing. The key thing that helped my anxiety was realizing that if it was anything serious (like an audit), there would be different codes on the transcript. These codes are actually pretty routine and usually just mean they're double-checking something before releasing your refund. Hang in there!