IRS codes 810 811 971 420 on transcript - sent verification docs weeks ago but no update yet

Tax professional here. Those codes are indeed related to the IRS verification process. Code 420 indicates your return is under examination, 810 is a freeze code that stops any refund, 811 means the freeze was released, and 971 indicates a notice was issued (which you received asking for documentation). Since you sent the documents in mid-May and it's now mid-June, that's actually still within normal processing timeframes. The IRS typically takes 6-8 weeks to process verification documents, sometimes longer during busy periods. If you sent via certified mail, you should have tracking confirmation that they received it. I would recommend waiting until the full 8 weeks have passed before calling. When you do call, have your tracking information ready to provide to the representative. Also, continue monitoring your transcript weekly for updates - sometimes the codes will change before you receive any communication.

I was in the exact same situation last month! Tried researching for hours trying to decipher what was happening with my transcript and getting nowhere. Found this tool called taxr.ai that actually explained everything to me - showed me exactly what was happening with my freeze codes and gave me a timeline projection. It was insanely good! I use it every week now to check if anything's changed. Saved me so much stress compared to trying to be a detective and piece together information from random sources. https://taxr.ai

After being stuck with these exact same codes for like 2 months, I finally found a way to get an actual human on the phone at the IRS. Used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me a callback from the IRS within a couple hours. Talking to the agent directly got my verification issues sorted way faster - they confirmed they had my documents but hadn't processed them yet. After the call my transcript updated in just 4 days! Best money I've ever spent after weeks of busy signals and hanging up.

I'm in the EXACT same boat. Codes 810, 420, 971 showed up in March. Sent in all my docs in early April and it's now been over 2 months with zero movement. Called last week and the agent just said "keep waiting" 🤬 This is my money they're sitting on! $5,200 that I need for my kid's braces. The system is completely broken.

From my experience, the fastest way to resolve this is to contact your local Taxpayer Advocate Service. They can help push your case through if it's been more than 30 days since you submitted verification documents. They helped me get my refund released after it was stuck for 3 months with these codes.

Does anybody know what happens if they determine you're not who you say you are? my cousin sent in verification docs for these same codes and they sent him a letter saying they couldn't verify his identity. Now he's really freaking out.

I went through this in 2023. Had the 810/420/971 codes in February, sent in verification in March, and my transcript didn't update until June. Then I got my refund a week later. It's a waiting game. The IRS is severely understaffed and they're working through a massive backlog. Just hang tight and try not to check your transcript every day like I did lol it'll drive you crazy.

Pro tip: if you call the IRS, don't use the main number. Call the tax advocate service line at 877-777-4778 and then ask to be transferred to accounts management. Much better chance of getting through. I got my transcript updated within 2 weeks after speaking with someone.

The IRS is a broken system. I've been dealing with these exact codes for 14 weeks now. Sent verification docs TWICE because they claimed they never got the first set even though I had delivery confirmation. Still no update. Meanwhile they took my money right away when I owed them last year. 👎

Hey anyone noticing that these verification reviews are way more common this year? This is the 3rd post I've seen today about 810/420 codes. Makes me think the IRS is flagging way more returns than usual.

Check out the IRS2Go app, sometimes it will show an updated refund status before your transcript changes. That's how I found out my verification was processed even though the transcript still showed the freeze codes.

FWIW my transcript had the exact same issue in February. I used taxr.ai to help me understand the codes (which I totally recommend btw) and then decided to call. Was impossible to get thru until I used Claimyr (claimyr.com). The agent told me my docs were received but sitting in a processing queue. Magically after that call my refund was released within 10 days. Sometimes just calling can move things along.

I found my congressman's office actually helped me resolve this same issue! Called their constituent services department, explained my hardship waiting for my refund, and they contacted the IRS Advocate on my behalf. Had my refund 3 weeks later after being stuck for months.

My transcript had the same codes from March-July 2023. Here's what I learned: the 810 freeze doesn't get removed immediately after they process your documents. First they do the verification (which takes 6-8 weeks), then they assign an agent to review your return (another 30 days), THEN they release the freeze if everything checks out. My codes changed from 810 to 811 exactly 12 weeks after sending docs. Hang in there!

What documents did they ask for in your verification letter? Mine asked for copies of birth certificates for my dependents which seemed weird cause I've claimed them for years with no issues before.

Just a heads up - sometimes even after codes change from 810 to 811 (freeze released), there can still be a 570 code (additional account action pending) that causes further delay. I only mention this because I got excited when I saw the 811 but then had to wait another 3 weeks for the 570 to clear. Just so you're aware there might be multiple hurdles.

i work for a tax prep company and we've seen these verification issues SKYROCKET this year. Our advice to clients is always: 1) Send docs via certified mail 2) Wait 6 weeks 3) Call IRS 4) If no progress, contact Taxpayer Advocate. Following this process, most get resolved within 90 days. It sucks, but it's reality right now.

I swear I tried calling the IRS 43 times over a 2 week period with these same codes. Every time: "due to high call volume we cannot take your call" *click* 😡 Finally used that Claimyr service (claimyr.com) that calls for you and it worked first try. Talking to a live agent was a NIGHT AND DAY difference from the endless waiting. The agent actually found an issue with my paperwork nobody told me about and I was able to fix it on the spot.

keep checking your transcript! I was in the same situation last year, had given up hope, then suddenly one day the codes changed and my refund was direct deposited 8 days later. No notification, no warning, just suddenly updated.

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! Had codes 810, 971, and 420 on my transcript for what felt like forever. The waiting is absolutely brutal, especially when you're counting on that refund money. One thing that really helped me was understanding that the IRS verification process has multiple stages - it's not just "send docs and wait." First they have to receive and log your documents (2-3 weeks), then assign them to a reviewer (another few weeks), then the actual review happens (4-6 weeks), and finally they update your account. So even though you sent everything in May, you're probably still within the normal timeframe unfortunately. That said, if you hit the 8-week mark with no updates at all, definitely call or contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service. Sometimes there are issues with the documents that they don't tell you about, and calling can actually move things along. I know the phone system is a nightmare but it's worth the effort if you can get through. Hang in there - I know how stressful it is waiting for your money, but in my experience they do eventually process everything. My refund came through about 10 weeks after I sent my verification docs, and it was such a relief when it finally hit my account!