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Laila Prince

Got 570 Code Then 971 Code on Transcript - What Should I Expect?

So here's what happened step by step: 1. Filed my taxes in early March 2. Got a 570 code on my transcript a couple weeks ago 3. Then a week later, I noticed a 971 code appeared This has never happened to me before in previous tax seasons. I'm trying to figure out what's going on since I'm counting on this refund for summer tuition. Anyone know what these codes mean together? Or if I should expect a letter from the IRS explaining things? Really appreciate any insights from people who've dealt with this before.

Laila Prince

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Those codes typically indicate that your return is under review, but why might that be happening? The 570 code means a temporary hold has been placed on your refund, and the 971 code indicates that a notice has been generated and will be mailed to you. Have you checked if there were any math errors on your return? Did you claim any credits that might trigger additional verification? The IRS is particularly careful with certain credits like the Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit.

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Isabel Vega

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To add some regulatory context to this explanation: Per IRM 21.4.1, code 570 specifically indicates an additional account action is pending, and this will freeze your refund until resolved. The subsequent 971 code (Notice Issued) means the IRS is sending communication about the specific issue they identified. According to standard IRS procedures, you should receive this notice within 7-10 business days from when the 971 code appears on your transcript.

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I had this exact combination last year. The hold delayed my refund by exactly 28 days. My issue was that I claimed $4,300 in education expenses but apparently entered it on the wrong line. The notice explained exactly what they changed, and they actually fixed it for me without requiring a response. My refund was adjusted down by $215 but was processed shortly after.

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Marilyn Dixon

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Think of your tax return like a road trip - the 570 is like hitting a roadblock, and the 971 is the detour sign telling you where to go next. I was completely lost trying to decode my transcript last month until I used https://taxr.ai to analyze it. It's like having a tax transcript translator that explains what each code means for YOUR specific situation. It showed me that my 570/971 combo was just a minor math correction the IRS was making and predicted exactly when my refund would arrive. Saved me from stressing out for weeks wondering what was happening!

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Is this service actually reliable though? I need my refund ASAP for summer expenses and can't afford more delays. Last year I tried some transcript decoder website and it was completely wrong about my deposit date. Has anyone else tried this recently?

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TommyKapitz

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I was initially hesitant about taxr.ai too, but it was surprisingly accurate for me this year. Back in 2023, I had similar codes and spent hours on hold with the IRS trying to figure out what was happening. This time, taxr.ai explained that my 570/971 combination was due to an income verification issue and that I should expect a letter requesting documentation. Sure enough, that's exactly what happened, and I was prepared with the right documents.

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OMG thank you guys so much for mentioning this! I've been checking WMR obsessively and getting nowhere. Just tried taxr.ai and I'm honestly shocked at how clearly it explained everything! 😭 My transcript has been like reading hieroglyphics until now!

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Payton Black

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I probably shouldn't make you more nervous, but I got these same codes about a month ago. The 570 appeared first, then the 971 showed up around 6 days later. It seems like this is happening to a lot of people this year, possibly more than usual. I eventually got a letter asking me to verify my identity, which was kind of a hassle but not terrible. My refund was finally released about 3 weeks after I completed the verification.

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Harold Oh

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This identity verification thing is getting ridiculous! I had the same experience and it's frustrating that the IRS doesn't give you any warning. My timeline: • Filed: March 1st • 570 code: March 15th • 971 code: March 22nd • Letter received: March 30th • Verified identity: April 2nd • Refund approved: April 18th The whole process took over 6 weeks when it should have been 21 days!

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Amun-Ra Azra

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How does the verification process compare to previous years? I remember in 2022 it was just answering some questions online, but I've heard they're making it more complicated now with the video selfie thing. Was it straightforward or did you run into problems?

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Summer Green

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Did you have to upload any documents for the identity verification? And did they give you a timeframe for when your refund would be released after verification? I'm wondering if I should start gathering documents just in case.

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Gael Robinson

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The 570/971 Transaction Code Sequence typically indicates the IRS has identified a discrepancy requiring manual review. The implications can be concerning as these reviews often extend processing by 45-120 days. If you need to speak with an IRS representative to get clarity on your specific situation, I'd recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was facing a similar transcript situation and spent days trying to reach someone at the IRS without success. Claimyr got me connected to an agent in under 30 minutes who confirmed exactly what the issue was and when I could expect resolution.

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I received these exact codes on April 2nd and April 9th. Let me tell you what happened - the letter arrived on April 15th requesting additional documentation for my education credits. I sent everything back on April 18th via certified mail as requested. As of May 1st, my transcript updated with a 571 code (which reverses the 570) and my refund was issued on May 3rd. Don't panic, but do watch your mail carefully and respond promptly to whatever they request. Based on the current processing backlog, expect about 3-4 weeks from when you respond until resolution.

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Darcy Moore

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I believe most people might be overthinking this situation. In my experience, the 570/971 combination usually just means there's a small adjustment being made to your return. It could be something as simple as a math error or a mismatch between what you reported and what the IRS received from employers or banks. I would suggest waiting for the letter before assuming it's something serious. The IRS is generally pretty good about explaining the specific issue in their notices.

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Dana Doyle

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According to the IRS.gov website and several tax forums I've checked, the 570/971 combination appears when there's an issue that needs to be resolved before your refund can be processed. In my case last year, it was because I had entered my employer's EIN incorrectly. The letter arrived about 10 days after the 971 code appeared on my transcript. Once I called and explained it was a typo, they fixed it on their end and released my refund within 2 weeks. You might want to check your return for common errors while waiting for the letter.

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Liam Duke

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OMG these tax codes are insane! Had the same thing happen and freaked out thinking I was being audited. Turns out the IRS just needed to verify my W-2 info bc my employer submitted it late. Got the letter like 2 wks after the 971 showed up. NBD in the end but the stress was real! Why can't they just use normal English instead of these cryptic codes that make everyone panic?

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Jordan Walker

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I went through this exact scenario last month! The 570 code froze my refund for about 3 weeks, then the 971 appeared. The letter I received was asking me to verify some employment information because there was a slight discrepancy with my W-2. What helped me was checking my transcript every few days and making sure I had all my original tax documents ready. The whole process took about 5 weeks from start to finish, but once I provided the requested info, my refund was processed pretty quickly. Since you need this for summer tuition, I'd recommend gathering all your supporting documents now so you can respond immediately when that letter arrives. The waiting is definitely stressful, but in most cases it's just routine verification stuff!

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Max Reyes

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I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Filed in early March, got the 570 code about two weeks ago, and just noticed the 971 code appeared yesterday. Reading through everyone's experiences here is actually really reassuring - it sounds like most people are dealing with routine verification issues rather than anything serious. I'm also depending on my refund for upcoming expenses, so I totally understand the stress. Based on what others have shared, it looks like the letter should arrive within the next week or so. I'm going to start gathering all my tax documents now so I can respond quickly when it arrives. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines - it really helps to know what to expect!

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Mia Roberts

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I'm in the exact same boat! Filed March 3rd, got my 570 code last week, and the 971 just showed up two days ago. It's such a relief to see so many people going through this - I was starting to think I did something majorly wrong on my return. The waiting is killing me since I need my refund for car repairs, but everyone's timelines here are really helpful. Sounds like most people are getting their letters within 7-10 days of the 971 code appearing, so hopefully we'll both know what's going on soon. I'm definitely taking everyone's advice and pulling together all my documents now so I can respond immediately. Thanks for posting - it's nice to know we're not alone in this!

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I just went through this same exact sequence! Got the 570 in mid-February, then the 971 about 8 days later. The letter took almost 2 weeks to arrive (way longer than everyone else seems to be experiencing), but it was just asking me to verify my dependent's social security number because apparently there was a small discrepancy in how I entered it. I was able to call the number on the letter and get it sorted out over the phone in about 20 minutes - didn't even need to mail anything back. My refund was released 6 days after that call. Since you mentioned needing it for summer tuition, I'd suggest having your SSN, filing status, and exact refund amount ready when you call, as they'll ask for all of that to verify your identity before discussing the issue. The whole thing was way less scary than these codes made it seem!

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