IRS Says I Have a 'Disaster Freeze' on My 2024 Taxes - Anyone Heard of This?

How does this compare to other freezes though? I had an identity verification freeze last year and it took forever to resolve. Is a disaster freeze typically faster or slower than other processing delays?

I had a similar experience back in 2022 after moving to Florida just after a hurricane. The IRS systems automatically flagged my return because my new address was in a disaster zone. It took multiple calls to sort out. The disaster freeze is actually meant to help affected taxpayers by giving them more time and relief options, but it can cause delays if applied incorrectly.

Thanks for sharing this! I've been trying to call the IRS for 3 days straight about my amended return (filed March 2nd) and can't get through. Might have to try this Claimyr thing on April 15th if I still haven't heard anything.

I was surprised by how complicated this whole disaster freeze system is! When I finally reached someone, they explained that the freeze has different codes depending on which disaster and which relief provisions apply. Step one: identify the specific disaster code. Step two: determine if you qualify for relief. Step three: request removal if incorrectly applied. Step four: request transcript to verify removal.

Just to clarify exactly how the disaster freeze works: The IRS applies freeze code TC 570 with a specific disaster code (usually in the 900-series). This prevents automatic processing for exactly 8 weeks in most cases. If you weren't affected by the disaster, they can remove it immediately during your call. The average processing time after removal is 7-14 days, depending on whether you're receiving a refund or have a balance due.

Same thing happened with my brother-in-law after those big storms in Texas! He was so relieved when they finally fixed it. The funny part was he had actually moved OUT of Texas two years earlier but still had some investment property there. The IRS system saw the Texas address on his Schedule E and automatically applied the freeze. 😂

Think of the disaster freeze like a safety net that sometimes catches the wrong fish. The IRS is trying to help people in disaster areas by giving them more time and special considerations, but their system is like a wide net that sometimes pulls in people who don't need or want the special treatment.

Is that service actually accurate though? I'm always hesitant to use third-party tools for something as important as tax information. Wouldn't calling the IRS directly give more reliable information about what's happening with your account?

I used taxr.ai after getting frustrated with my disaster freeze situation last month. The transcript showed code 971 with some disaster reference number I didn't understand. The tool actually explained which specific disaster it was referring to (the January flooding in my state) and what my options were. Saved me hours of research.

Thank you for sharing this resource! I had no idea there was a specific publication about disaster tax relief. This is super helpful!

Do you know if there's any way to check online whether a disaster freeze has been applied to your account? Or do you have to call to find out?

Just to clarify - the disaster freeze isn't always a bad thing. If you were actually affected by a disaster, it can provide filing extensions, penalty waivers, and other relief. The problem only comes when it's incorrectly applied to someone who wasn't affected or doesn't want the relief provisions.