Transcript Code Patterns: 570/971 Timing and What It Means for Refund Release
Based on my observations over multiple tax seasons, I've noticed a pattern with the 570 hold code and 971 notice issued code on transcripts. When both codes have identical dates, the transcript typically updates the following week with an 846 refund issued code. However, when the dates differ between these codes, it usually indicates a complication in processing. This is consistent with what I've observed in recent years. In my personal experience from 2022, I had code 570 without any 971 code. It remained for exactly one week before updating with code 571 (hold released) followed by code 846 (refund issued). Does this match what others are seeing in the current tax season? I'm trying to understand the technical indicators better since I'm helping family members with their returns this year and getting somewhat confused by all the different processing scenarios.
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Steven Adams
You've actually identified a legitimate pattern in IRS processing! Those transcript codes are indicators of specific actions in their system. The 570 is indeed a hold on your account, while 971 indicates a notice being generated. When they share the same date, it's typically a verification hold that resolves automatically. Different dates often suggest manual review is needed. Have you confirmed if this pattern is still holding true for 2024 processing? The IRS sometimes changes their internal procedures between tax seasons.
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Alice Fleming
Wouldn't this pattern vary depending on what triggered the hold in the first place? I mean, couldn't a simple math error verification be different from an income verification hold?
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Hassan Khoury
This is fascinating. In my case, I had exactly 9 days between seeing the 570 code and getting my 846 code. The dates matched exactly as you described. My transcript updated on March 15th with both codes having March 25th dates, and then on March 22nd it showed the 846 with a March 27th deposit date.
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Victoria Stark
I've seen this too. Don't overthink it though. The IRS systems follow patterns but they're not absolute rules. Sometimes what looks like a problem is just normal processing. Most returns with temporary holds resolve themselves within 21 days without any action needed.
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Benjamin Kim
Has anyone noticed if having dependents affects this pattern? I'm sweating bullets waiting for my refund (filed Feb 1st) and I have the 570/971 codes with different dates. Need this money yesterday! 😅
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Samantha Howard
Yes! When I claimed my nephew last year, I got the different-date scenario. Took an extra 3 weeks compared to when I didn't have dependents the year before. The IRS seems to scrutinize dependent claims more carefully, especially with the expanded child tax credit. Not saying that's your issue, but definitely a factor I've seen repeatedly in the community.
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Megan D'Acosta
Important clarifications about dependent verification: • Different dates on 570/971 often indicate verification of qualifying child • This happens more with first-time claims for that dependent • Also common when multiple taxpayers could potentially claim same child • Usually resolves without contact if your documentation is in order
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Sarah Ali
I'm seeing similar patterns this year. According to the IRS2Go app and several Reddit threads I've been obsessively checking, the same-date pattern usually means automated verification while different dates often means manual review. The IRS website doesn't explicitly confirm this though, so I'm still a bit skeptical. Has anyone had exceptions to this pattern?
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Ryan Vasquez
Called IRS about this exact situation. Waited forever. No help. Used Claimyr instead. Got through in 20 minutes. Agent confirmed exactly what you said. Same dates means automatic review. Different dates means manual. Worth the fee to actually talk to someone. Here's their link: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. Saved me days of waiting and wondering.
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Avery Saint
Has anyone tried checking their account transcript rather than just the return transcript? I've noticed in previous years that sometimes the account transcript shows pending refund adjustments before they appear on the return transcript. Might give you earlier insight into what's happening with the 570/971 codes.
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Taylor Chen
I work with tax clients and can confirm this pattern is generally accurate. Last year, I had a client with 570/971 codes sharing the March 11 date. Their transcript updated exactly 8 days later with code 846. Another client had 570 dated April 3 and 971 dated April 10 - their case took 5 weeks to resolve because they needed to verify identity. One thing I've noticed is that the cycle code on your transcript (the 8-digit number at the top) can tell you which day of the week your account updates. For example, if your cycle code ends in 05, you're on a Thursday update schedule. So checking your transcript that specific day gives you the most current information.
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Keith Davidson
Thank you for sharing this insight about the cycle codes! I've been wondering why my transcript sometimes updates and sometimes doesn't when I check daily. My code ends in 02 - does that mean Monday updates?
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