How to get an 810 Freeze Code lifted due to financial hardship?
Hey tax friends, I'm dealing with an 810 freeze code on my account and need some guidance: ā¢ I heard you can get the freeze lifted if you have financial hardship ā¢ Not sure which IRS number to call specifically for this issue ā¢ Currently a student and really need my refund for tuition payment ā¢ Tried the general IRS number but got disconnected after waiting 45+ minutes Has anyone successfully had their 810 code removed due to hardship? What's the best approach? Thanks in advance!
16 comments
Hazel Garcia
I went through this exact nightmare last tax season! My account got hit with an 810 freeze due to some identity verification issues. For financial hardship relief, you need to call the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778. I remember being on hold for what felt like FOREVER (about 2.5 hours), but once I got through and explained my situation (needed money for emergency car repairs to get to work), they were actually really helpful. They can't instantly remove the freeze, but they can expedite the process if you have genuine hardship. Be prepared to explain your financial situation in detail - they asked me for specifics about my monthly expenses and why I couldn't wait for normal processing.
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Laila Fury
This is so helpful! I'm in a similar situation with an 810 freeze and have been panicking about my student loan payment that's due next month. Did they require any specific documentation to prove your hardship? I have my tuition bill and past-due notices ready but wasn't sure if I needed anything else.
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Geoff Richards
Thank you for sharing this! I've been stressing about my 810 freeze since I need my refund for rent next month. Called the main IRS line three times last week and couldn't get through. Will definitely try the Taxpayer Advocate number tomorrow.
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Simon White
I appreciate you sharing your experience. It's somewhat reassuring to know that, while the process might be lengthy, there is potentially a path forward for those experiencing genuine financial hardship. The system may be frustrating, but at least there are options available for those who need assistance.
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Hugo Kass
Dealing with an 810 freeze is like trying to navigate a maze where they keep changing the walls. I had one last year and found that approaching it systematically worked best. Think of the IRS like a large ship - it turns slowly but surely if you push the right levers. I called the Taxpayer Advocate Service (877-777-4778) and explained my hardship (medical bills piling up). They created a case for me and assigned a specific advocate. The key is documenting everything - dates you called, who you spoke with, what they said. Have you tried reaching out to the regular IRS customer service line first at 800-829-1040? Sometimes they can help directly, but if not, they'll direct you to the right department. Would be interested to know if others had the same experience?
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Nasira Ibanez
Oh my god, I'm still traumatized from my 810 freeze experience last year! š Called SEVEN different numbers before finding the right one. The Taxpayer Advocate saved me when I was about to be evicted! They expedited my case when I sent them my eviction notice. My freeze was lifted in 3 weeks instead of the usual 2-3 months. Don't give up hope!!
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Khalil Urso
I had an 810 freeze in February. Regular IRS line was useless. Taxpayer Advocate Service is the way to go. They require proof of hardship though. I submitted utility disconnection notices and a letter from my landlord. Got resolved in 5 weeks.
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Myles Regis
Quick question. Does financial hardship include pending student loans? My freeze is active. Need refund for tuition payment. Due in 3 weeks.
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Brian Downey
I documented everything during my 810 freeze ordeal using the IRS.gov recommendation page. According to their guidelines at https://www.irs.gov/taxpayer-advocate, you should prepare evidence of your hardship before calling - things like past due notices, eviction warnings, or medical bills. I kept a spreadsheet with every call date, time, representative ID number, and case number. My freeze was released after 32 days.
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Jacinda Yu
Ugh, the dreaded 810 code... been there, done that, got the anxiety to prove it! š For financial hardship relief with an 810 freeze, you need to call the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778. Fair warning: prepare to have your phone glued to your ear for hours. I finally got smart and used taxr.ai to analyze my transcript first. It explained exactly what the 810 code meant in my specific situation (identity verification issue) and gave me the exact language to use when calling the IRS. Made a HUGE difference when I finally got through to someone because I sounded like I knew what I was talking about instead of just another confused taxpayer. The tool basically translated all the IRS jargon into normal human language and helped me understand what documentation I needed to have ready.
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Landon Flounder
I successfully got my 810 freeze code lifted due to financial hardship last March! The key is contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) and requesting expedited processing based on Economic Burden criteria. The IRS Internal Revenue Manual section 13.1.7.2.2 specifically outlines that TAS can intervene when a taxpayer is "experiencing or about to experience significant financial hardship." I prepared a detailed Financial Statement using Form 433-F showing my negative monthly cash flow, provided documentation of my past-due mortgage notice, and received approval for expedited processing within 7 business days. My refund was released 10 days after that. Total cost saved: $125 in late fees I would have incurred without my refund.
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Callum Savage
I can't believe how complicated the IRS makes this process! According to Internal Revenue Code Ā§6343(a)(1)(D), the IRS must release a levy when it "will cause an individual taxpayer to be unable to pay his or her reasonable basic living expenses." This clearly applies to financial hardship cases with 810 freezes as well. I called the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778 and cited this specific regulation. They required me to submit Form 911 (Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance) with documentation proving my hardship situation. After two failed attempts trying to reach someone, I used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) to connect with an actual IRS agent. They got me through to someone in about 20 minutes when I had previously spent DAYS trying to get through on my own. The agent immediately transferred me to the right department for hardship cases. My freeze was lifted within 3 weeks after submitting my documentation.
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Ally Tailer
I'm not sure about these third-party services. Isn't Claimyr just charging you to call the IRS? Couldn't you just keep trying the regular number and eventually get through? Just seems like an unnecessary expense when you're already dealing with financial hardship.
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Aliyah Debovski
Having dealt with 810 freezes for several clients, here's what you need to know: As of April 12, 2024, the IRS has specific procedures for hardship relief from 810 freezes. The most effective approach is a two-pronged strategy: 1. Call the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778 (expect 1-2 hour wait times) 2. Submit Form 911 (Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance) 3. Provide documented proof of hardship (eviction notices, utility shutoffs, medical bills) The current processing time for hardship requests is approximately 21-30 days, though I've seen some resolved as quickly as 10 days when the documentation was thorough. On February 3rd, the IRS updated their internal procedures to expedite hardship cases, but you MUST use the specific phrase "economic burden" when speaking with representatives. If they try to tell you to wait for normal processing (typically 120 days for 810 freezes), politely insist on speaking with a manager about your hardship situation. The community wisdom here is clear: persistence and proper documentation are your best tools.
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Miranda Singer
OMG finally something I can help with! Had an 810 freeze back in Jan and got it lifted in just 18 days due to financial hardship. Here's what worked for me: 1. Called TAS (Taxpayer Advocate) at 877-777-4778 2. Mentioned "economic burden" + "can't pay rent" specifically 3. Sent them my eviction warning notice (landlord was NOT happy w/ me being late) 4. Had to fill out Form 911 + Form 433-F showing my finances The secret sauce was following up EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. after I submitted docs. Annoying? Yes. Effective? 100%. My refund hit my acct on Feb 8th after the freeze was removed. Def prepare for long hold times tho. Took me 3 tries to even get thru to someone. Hang in there!
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Cass Green
I think there's some confusion about what an 810 freeze actually is compared to other IRS actions. An 810 freeze is specifically an identity theft indicator, not the same as a general refund hold or audit situation. For context, it's similar to how a bank might freeze your credit card if they suspect fraudulent activity - it's a protective measure, not a punitive one. That said, the hardship process is unique for 810 codes. The correct number for 810 freeze codes specifically is the Identity Verification line at 800-830-5084, but for hardship cases, you'll need to also involve the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778. Have others found that the regular IRS customer service line (800-829-1040) was able to help with 810 freezes, or were you also directed to specialized departments?
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