How to get an 810 Freeze Code lifted due to financial hardship?

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.

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?

Ugh, the dreaded 810 code... been there, done that, got the anxiety to prove it! 😅 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.

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.

I can't believe how complicated the IRS makes this process! According to Internal Revenue Code §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.

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.

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!

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?

I'm currently dealing with an 810 freeze myself and really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here! Reading through all these responses, it sounds like the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778 is definitely the way to go for hardship situations. @Hazel Garcia - thanks for mentioning the 2.5 hour wait time upfront. That's helpful to know so I can plan accordingly and maybe call first thing in the morning. One question for those who've been through this - when you called TAS and mentioned "economic burden," did you have to provide specific dollar amounts for your monthly expenses right over the phone, or was that something you submitted later with the forms? I'm trying to get all my documentation organized before I call so I don't sound unprepared. Also seeing some mentions of Form 911 and Form 433-F - are both required for hardship cases, or does it depend on your specific situation? My freeze has been active for 6 weeks now and I'm getting really stressed about making my rent payment next month without my refund.