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Emma Morales

Filed 2/12 - Got 810 Freeze Code but IRS Says No Verification Needed?!

I'm so confused and honestly a bit desperate right now! 😫 I filed on February 12th and got accepted the same day, but now I have this 810 code (refund freeze) on my transcript. I finally managed to call the IRS yesterday after trying for DAYS, and they told me I don't need to verify anything? How is that possible with a freeze code?? I really need this money soon as I'm trying to pay some important bills before returning to my home country next month. Can anyone help me understand what's happening? Maybe we can figure this out together? I'm checking WMR and my transcript every few hours but nothing is changing! 🤯

The 810 Freeze Code is part of the IRS's Refund Integrity Verification Operations (RIVO) process. It doesn't necessarily indicate identity verification is needed. In many cases, the IRS applies temporary holds during systematic review procedures, particularly for returns with certain credit claims or income thresholds. Since the representative confirmed no verification is required, your return is likely in the automated review queue awaiting systematic release of the freeze, which typically occurs within 14-21 days of code application.

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Lucas Parker

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Is there a way to determine what triggered the 810 code in the first place? I've seen these applied to returns with no obvious issues, and I'm wondering if there are specific patterns the IRS looks for during the initial processing phase.

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Donna Cline

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This is probably the most comprehensive explanation of the 810 code I've seen. I had something similar happen last year, and it was indeed released automatically after about 16 days, though I believe mine was potentially triggered by a discrepancy between reported W-2 income and what the IRS had on file, at least that's what I was told when I eventually spoke with someone.

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I'm concerned about the timeline here. If the OP is leaving the country next month, and these freezes typically take 14-21 days to resolve, that could potentially create complications with receiving the refund, especially if there are any banking changes or address issues. Has anyone dealt with receiving a refund while transitioning back to another country?

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Been there last year. Same exact situation. Filed February 15th. Got the 810 freeze. Called IRS. They said wait. No verification needed. Frustrating process. Took exactly 28 days. Then suddenly released. Money appeared three days later. No explanation. No additional contact. Just patience required. Keep checking transcript weekly. Daily checks will drive you crazy.

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Dylan Fisher

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Did you try using any of the online resources like IDVerify or the Identity Verification phone line before you called? I'm wondering if there's a faster way to resolve these freezes than just waiting it out.

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Edwards Hugo

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When your freeze was released, did you notice any specific dates on your transcript? I had a similar situation on February 28th, 2023, and I'm trying to understand if there's a pattern to when these automated reviews complete.

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Gianna Scott

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Did they ever tell you why it was frozen in the first place? Or did they just say wait with no explanation?

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Alfredo Lugo

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I had no idea the IRS could just freeze refunds without requiring verification! I've been preparing all my documents thinking I'd need to prove my identity or income. This system seems much more complex than I expected.

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Katie Knox

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@Kelsey Hawkins thank you for the information. I filed on 4/15 and mine was frozen on 6/6 . No correspondence and when I called I was told he didn t'see a reason either and that my case hasn t'been assigned to anyone to take a look at it! Im trying to be patient.

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Sydney Torres

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Per Internal Revenue Manual section 21.5.6, an 810 freeze code without corresponding notice issuance typically indicates an automated review process. Your situation is frustratingly common this tax season. After spending 3 days trying to reach an agent on the regular IRS line with no success, I used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) and got through in about 25 minutes. The agent confirmed exactly what you heard - systematic review with no action required. Saved me days of redial attempts and uncertainty. For international taxpayers especially, getting definitive answers quickly is critical given your timeline.

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I understand your anxiety! It's like being stuck in traffic when you can see your destination - so close yet so far away. My sister had the exact same code last year. Her transcript showed the 810 freeze for about 18 days, then suddenly updated with an 811 (freeze release) and a direct deposit date. The IRS is like a massive ship - it turns very slowly, but it does eventually get to where it's going. Since you've already confirmed no verification is needed, the best thing is to give it about two more weeks. I know that's not what you want to hear with your international move coming up!

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Caleb Bell

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Have you considered what might happen if this isn't resolved before you leave the country? The 810 code can sometimes lead to further verification if the automated system flags additional concerns. What would you do if they suddenly need documents from you after you've already left? Have you updated your address in the IRS system to ensure any correspondence reaches you? These automatic freezes occasionally turn into manual reviews, and if you're unreachable, it could significantly delay your refund or even result in a denied claim requiring amended filing next year.

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Oh no, I hadn't even thought about that possibility! Do you know if I can change my address to my international one? And would they accept international phone numbers for contact purposes? Should I maybe set up a mail forwarding service before I leave?

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Rhett Bowman

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I moved abroad last year and had a similar situation. Make sure to file Form 8822 (Change of Address) before you leave, and consider setting up a trusted contact person in the US who can handle any mail that might come. I also made sure my bank account would remain active so my direct deposit information wouldn't change.

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Abigail Patel

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One thing no one has mentioned yet is that the 810 code is often applied to returns that have certain credits or deductions that trigger additional scrutiny. If you claimed any education credits, earned income credit, or have any unusual deductions, that might explain the freeze despite not needing verification. I'd recommend making sure your banking information is correct and will remain valid even after you leave the country. Also, if your refund isn't processed before you leave, make sure you have a way to access your US mail or have set up an online account with the IRS so you can respond to any notices they might send.

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Daniel White

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I was in almost the exact same boat three weeks ago! Filed on Feb 10th, got the 810 code, panicked a bit (okay, a lot 😅), called the IRS and they also told me no verification needed. I kept checking my transcript obsessively - which I don't recommend unless you enjoy watching paint dry. Then last Friday, boom! The freeze was lifted and my direct deposit hit my account on Monday. No explanation, no additional steps required. Sometimes the IRS works in mysterious ways, but they do eventually work. Hang in there!

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Nolan Carter

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Just to clarify one important point: when the IRS agent told you that you don't need to verify, did they specifically mention the 810 code? Or did they just say there's nothing you need to do right now? The distinction matters because sometimes representatives don't see all freeze codes if they're looking at a different screen. Based on my experience, you should expect exactly 21 days from the date the 810 code appeared on your transcript before seeing movement. If you're leaving in 30 days, you should be fine, but I'd recommend calling again on day 22 if nothing has changed.

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I completely understand your frustration! The 810 freeze code without verification requirements is actually more common than you'd think, especially during peak filing season. The IRS uses automated systems that flag returns for review based on various algorithms - it could be anything from income patterns to credit claims that don't necessarily indicate fraud or errors. Since you're leaving the country soon, I'd strongly recommend a couple of things: First, make sure your direct deposit information will remain valid after you move (some banks close accounts for non-residents). Second, consider setting up IRS online account access if you haven't already - this way you can monitor any changes or notices even from abroad. Finally, if possible, designate a trusted person in the US who can handle any unexpected mail. The good news is that most 810 freezes resolve automatically within 2-3 weeks. Given that you filed on 2/12, you should see movement soon. Try to resist checking multiple times daily - it really doesn't speed up the process and just adds to your stress! 🤞

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This is really helpful advice! I'm curious about the direct deposit issue you mentioned - do most US banks actually close accounts when you move abroad? I'm planning a similar international move in a few months and hadn't considered this could affect my tax refund. Should I be looking into keeping a US address on file with my bank, or are there specific banks that are more international-friendly for situations like this?

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Paige Cantoni

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Hey Emma! I totally get your stress about this - the uncertainty is the worst part! I went through something very similar last year when I had an 810 freeze for almost a month. The key thing that helped me was understanding that these automated reviews often have nothing to do with anything you did wrong. Since you're moving internationally soon, here are a few practical steps I'd suggest: Make sure to file Form 8822 with the IRS to update your address before you leave, and seriously consider keeping your US bank account open for at least 6 months after you move (many banks will work with you on this if you explain the situation). I'd also recommend setting up your online IRS account if you haven't already - you can monitor everything from abroad that way. The timing should work in your favor though! Most 810 freezes I've seen resolve between 14-21 days, and since you filed on 2/12, you're getting close to that window. Try not to check your transcript daily - I know it's tempting, but it really just adds to the anxiety. You've got this! 🙂

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Keisha Taylor

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@Paige Cantoni This is such great advice! I m'actually in a somewhat similar situation - filed early February and dealing with processing delays, though thankfully not moving internationally. The Form 8822 tip is something I never would have thought of. Quick question though - when you say keep the US bank account open for 6 months, is that specifically for tax refund purposes, or are there other complications that can arise? I m'wondering if there s'a standard timeframe the IRS recommends for maintaining US banking when you move abroad.

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I'm going through something very similar right now! Filed on 2/15 and got the same 810 freeze code with no verification needed according to the IRS rep I spoke with. It's so nerve-wracking when you need the money for important expenses. From what I've learned lurking in this community, the 810 freeze is actually pretty routine during busy filing seasons - the IRS's automated systems flag returns for review based on various factors that aren't necessarily red flags. It could be anything from certain tax credits you claimed to income thresholds that trigger their review algorithms. Since you're dealing with the added stress of an international move, I'd definitely echo what others have said about making sure your banking info will stay valid and setting up that online IRS account for monitoring from abroad. Also, maybe consider calling again in about a week just to double-check - sometimes different reps see different information in the system. The waiting is absolutely brutal, but from all the posts I've read here, most people see their 810 freezes lift within 2-3 weeks. You filed around the same time as me, so hopefully we'll both see some movement soon! Hang in there! 🤞

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It's oddly comforting to know I'm not the only one going through this exact situation! The timing stress is real when you have bills to pay and moving expenses coming up. I've been checking my transcript way too often too - probably not helping my sanity. 😅 Have you noticed any changes on your transcript since filing on 2/15? I'm wondering if our cases might move around the same time since we filed so close together. Thanks for the solidarity - this waiting game is definitely easier when you know others are in the same boat!

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I can totally relate to your frustration, Emma! The 810 freeze without verification is actually quite common this time of year - the IRS uses automated screening that can flag returns for various reasons that don't necessarily require action from you. Given your international move timeline, here's what I'd prioritize: First, definitely set up your IRS online account at irs.gov if you haven't already - this will be crucial for monitoring things from abroad. Second, consider calling your bank to confirm they won't close your account when you move internationally (some do, others just require notification). Third, file Form 8822 to change your address before you leave, and maybe set up mail forwarding just in case. The timing should actually work in your favor! Most 810 freezes I've seen resolve within 14-21 days, and since you filed on 2/12, you're right in that window. I know the daily checking is tempting (been there!), but try to limit it to maybe once a week to preserve your sanity. One last thought - if you can swing it financially, maybe prepare for the possibility that the refund might come a week or two after your move. Having that backup plan might reduce some of the stress while you wait for the system to do its thing. You've got this! 💪

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