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Jamal Washington

Transcript Shows 570/971 Codes - 120 Day Review but No Notice Received

I've been monitoring my tax transcript status and observed codes 570 (Additional Account Action Pending) followed by 971 (Notice Issued) approximately 14 days ago. However, I've verified my IRS online account portal and haven't received any correspondence digitally or physically. I initiated contact with the IRS via telephone, and the representative indicated my return is under a 120-day review protocol. I've researched extensively on potential triggers for this review classification, but none of the common scenarios appear applicable to my situation. I've meticulously verified all W-2 documentation, confirmed wage reporting accuracy multiple times, and can't identify any discrepancies that would warrant this delay. This processing anomaly is unprecedented in my filing history, and the representative specifically clarified it's not an identity verification issue. I'm attempting to understand the procedural implications and timeline expectations given these parameters. Any technical insights or analogous experiences would be valuable for my situation assessment.

I hate to be the bearer of less-than-ideal news, but these 120-day reviews are... well, they're becoming more common this year. The 570/971 combo usually means they've flagged something for manual review, though it might not necessarily be anything you did wrong. Sometimes it's just, you know, random selection or something triggered their automated systems. The notice might still be on its way - mail from the IRS can take a surprisingly long time to arrive these days.

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Mei Wong

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Ah, the classic "hurry up and wait" from our friends at the IRS. Been there, done that, got the delayed refund t-shirt! šŸ˜… When I was stuck in review limbo last month, I tried calling the normal IRS number for THREE DAYS and kept getting the "high call volume" message. Finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got through to an actual human in about 15 minutes. They couldn't speed up my review, but at least I got confirmation about what was happening and a more specific timeframe. Saved my sanity and a lot of redial finger cramps. Worth considering if you need more detailed info than what they initially told you.

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I'm currently in the EXACT same boat. Got 570/971 codes about three weeks ago. No notice in the mail. Called and was told 120-day review. I need that money NOW for rent, not in 4 months. What's most frustrating is they wouldn't tell me what triggered it. My return was super basic - one W-2, standard deduction, nothing complicated at all.

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PixelWarrior

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• This seems to be happening to a lot of people this year • Even with simple returns • I've seen several cases where there was no apparent reason • Makes me wonder if the IRS changed their review algorithms • Or if they're just understaffed and using the 120 days as a buffer

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Did the agent mention exactly when the 120-day period started? Is it from the date you filed, the date of the 570 code, or the date you called? This makes a significant difference in the timeline. In my experience working with tax issues, the clock usually starts on the date of the 570 code, which would mean you're looking at approximately 97 days from today.

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Is it possible your state tax return is also affected by this? Sometimes federal reviews can impact state processing as well. Have you checked your state tax portal to see if there's any movement there? Sometimes that can give you additional clues about what's happening.

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Per IRM 21.5.6.4.35.3, these reviews are often triggered by income verification issues, even when taxpayers have correctly reported all information. §6201(d) of the tax code requires the IRS to have a "reasonable basis" for the review, but in practice, they rarely disclose the specific trigger. I've seen this increase dramatically since they implemented new fraud detection algorithms in 2023.

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Dylan Evans

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It seems like, possibly, your return might have been selected for what they sometimes call a "random review" rather than something specific they found wrong. In my somewhat limited understanding, these 120-day reviews are often just verification processes where they might be cross-checking your information with other databases? It doesn't necessarily mean there's an audit or anything particularly concerning, from what I've gathered.

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Sofia Gomez

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Not always random. Sometimes specific flags. Could be income verification. Could be credits claimed. System looks for patterns. Human reviews later.

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StormChaser

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Has anyone here actually had their review finished BEFORE the 120 days? I'm on day 47 of mine and getting super anxious bc I need that $$ for summer classes 😩

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Looking at tax transcripts is like trying to read hieroglyphics without a Rosetta Stone. When I got hit with the 570/971 combo last year, it was like navigating a maze blindfolded. I finally used https://taxr.ai to decode my transcript - it was like turning on the lights in a dark room! The tool explained exactly what each code meant for MY specific situation, not just generic definitions. It even predicted when my review would likely be completed based on current IRS processing patterns. Think of it like having a tax pro look over your shoulder, but without the hourly fees.

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Ava Williams

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I've seen a bunch of these transcript decoder tools pop up lately. How is this one different from just googling the codes? Not trying to be difficult, but I've been burned before paying for stuff I could've gotten for free.

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I just checked my transcript again today and now I have a 571 code! Does that mean my review is over? Has anyone used this taxr.ai thing to figure out what happens next? I'm supposed to close on a house in 45 days and my lender needs to see this refund hit my account!

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I experienced a similar TC 570/971 sequence in February of this tax season. In my case, the 971 Notice was actually a CP05 Review Notice, which arrived approximately 9 days after the transcript codes appeared. The notice specifically indicated they were "reviewing the income and withholding reported" on my return. Despite having all documentation correct, the IRS still implemented a 120-day review period. My cycle code was 20240705, which is a weekly processing cycle. The resolution eventually came at the 87-day mark with a TC 571 (Resolved Additional Account Action) followed by an 846 (Refund Issued) code.

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Have you checked whether you have any outstanding debts that might trigger an offset? Here's how to check: 1. Call the Treasury Offset Program at 1-800-304-3107 2. Enter your SSN when prompted 3. Listen for any reported debts that might affect your refund Sometimes a 570 can indicate a potential offset is being processed, which might explain why you're not seeing the typical identity verification or discrepancy notifications.

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LunarEclipse

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Please be careful with these extended reviews! I've seen many cases where people assume everything is fine and just wait the full 120 days, only to find out there was something they needed to respond to. According to the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-cp05-notice), even if you haven't received a notice yet, you should: 1. Verify all income was reported correctly 2. Double-check that all W-2/1099 forms match what employers/payers submitted 3. Confirm your withholding amounts are entered correctly If the IRS does send a notice requesting documents, responding quickly can sometimes shorten the review period significantly.

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Yara Khalil

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OMG this is so frustrating! 😤 Did the agent give you ANY hint about what might have triggered the review? I'm wondering if it could be related to the W-2 verification system they implemented this year? So many people are getting caught in these reviews even with perfect returns!

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Keisha Brown

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Word of caution - I had a similar situation last year and made the mistake of assuming I just needed to wait out the 120 days. Turns out they had sent a notice requesting documentation to an old address I hadn't updated with them. When I didn't respond (because I never got it), they adjusted my return and I lost a significant portion of my refund. Had to file an amended return and it took another 6 months to resolve. Don't just wait - be proactive about checking your account transcript weekly for updates.

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Thank you for sharing this! I just realized I need to check if my address is current with the IRS. I moved last September and thought updating it with USPS would be enough, but maybe not.

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Amina Toure

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I've been through something similar before. Did you ever find out what specifically triggered your review? I'm trying to compare notes with others to see if there's a pattern to these reviews.

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Harold Oh

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I'm dealing with something very similar right now! Got the 570/971 codes about 10 days ago and called yesterday - same story, 120-day review with no clear explanation of what triggered it. The agent was polite but couldn't (or wouldn't) tell me specifics about why my return was flagged. What's really bothering me is that I used the exact same tax software as last year, same employer, same straightforward situation, but somehow this year I'm in review purgatory. I've been checking my transcript obsessively and there's been zero movement since those initial codes appeared. One thing I learned from calling is that they said the 120 days starts from when the 570 code posted, not from when I filed. So if your codes appeared 14 days ago, you're looking at roughly 106 days remaining (assuming they stick to the full timeline). Not exactly reassuring when you're expecting that refund for planned expenses! Has anyone here actually received their notice yet after seeing the 971 code? I'm starting to wonder if there's a mail delivery issue or if they're just really behind on sending them out.

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Kai Rivera

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I'm in almost the exact same situation! Filed my return in early February, got the 570/971 codes about 12 days ago, and like you, I'm obsessively checking my transcript for any changes. The waiting is honestly the worst part - especially when you have no idea what specifically triggered the review. I called the IRS yesterday and got a similar non-answer about the 120-day timeline. The representative was helpful but couldn't give me any details about what they're actually reviewing. My return is super basic too - single W-2, standard deduction, nothing fancy. One thing that's giving me a bit of hope is reading some of the comments here about people getting resolved before the full 120 days. I'm trying to stay patient but it's hard when you're counting on that refund! Have you tried checking if your address is current with the IRS? After reading some of these comments, I'm worried the notice might get sent to an old address.

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Diego Vargas

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This is incredibly frustrating and unfortunately all too common this year. I went through something very similar about 6 months ago - got the 570/971 codes, called multiple times, and kept getting the same vague "120-day review" response with no specifics about what triggered it. A few things that might help while you wait: 1. **Check your address with the IRS** - Call and verify they have your current address on file. I've seen cases where people missed important notices because of outdated addresses. 2. **Keep detailed records** - Document every call you make, including date, time, and what the representative told you. This becomes important if you need to escalate later. 3. **Monitor your transcript weekly** - Look for any new codes that might appear. Sometimes additional codes show up before the notice arrives in the mail. 4. **Consider congressional inquiry** - If you're facing financial hardship because of the delay, your congressman's office can sometimes help expedite reviews. The silver lining is that most people I've talked to who had legitimate returns eventually got their full refund, even if it took the full 120 days. The review process is frustrating but it doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong with your return. Hang in there!

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Nia Johnson

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This is really helpful advice, especially the part about documenting every call! I'm relatively new to dealing with IRS issues and didn't realize how important it would be to keep detailed records. Quick question - when you mention congressional inquiry, do you just call your representative's office directly? And is there a specific threshold for what they consider "financial hardship"? I'm not in dire straits, but this delay is definitely impacting some planned expenses and it would be good to know what options are available if this drags on much longer. Also, has anyone here actually had success getting more specific information about what triggered their review by escalating through different channels? The vague responses are almost worse than just waiting - at least if I knew what they were looking for, I could prepare better.

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Sarah Jones

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I'm experiencing the exact same situation and it's honestly maddening! Got my 570/971 codes about 16 days ago, called the IRS twice now, and both times got the same scripted response about "120-day review" with zero specifics about what triggered it. What's particularly frustrating is that my return is embarrassingly simple - single W-2 from the same employer I've had for 3 years, standard deduction, no dependents, no credits claimed beyond the basic ones. I literally used the same tax prep software with almost identical numbers as last year, but somehow THIS year I'm flagged for review. The waiting game is brutal, especially when you're checking your transcript daily hoping for some movement. I've been reading through all these comments and it seems like 2024/2025 tax season has been particularly rough for these mysterious reviews. Makes me wonder if the IRS changed their algorithms or if they're just overwhelmed and using the 120-day buffer as a way to manage their workload. Has anyone who got their review completed early noticed any patterns in their transcript codes before resolution? I'm looking for any sign of progress since the silence is deafening right now.

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Evelyn Kim

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I feel your pain! I'm in week 3 of the same nightmare - 570/971 codes with zero explanation. What's really getting to me is how these reviews seem completely random this year. I've been lurking in tax forums and it's like they're just throwing darts at returns. One small thing I learned from calling again yesterday: apparently they batch process these reviews, so don't expect daily changes on your transcript. The rep said to check weekly instead of daily (easier said than done when you're anxious!). She also mentioned that if they need additional documentation, that notice usually comes within 30 days of the 971 code, so you might be getting close to knowing if they actually need anything from you. Still doesn't make the waiting any less brutal though. Hang in there - we're all in this together! šŸ˜ž

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I'm going through the exact same ordeal right now - got hit with the 570/971 codes about 18 days ago and I'm losing my mind checking that transcript every single day! Called the IRS three times and each representative gave me the same cookie-cutter response about "120-day review period" without any actual explanation. What's driving me crazy is that my return couldn't be more straightforward - one W-2, took the standard deduction, no fancy credits or deductions. Same employer for 4 years, filed with the same software I always use. Yet somehow this year I'm stuck in review limbo while my coworker who filed the same day already got her refund weeks ago. The financial stress is real too - I was counting on that refund for some car repairs and now I'm having to put things on credit cards. Has anyone here successfully gotten through to a supervisor or someone who could provide more specific information? I'm wondering if there's a magic phrase or department I should be asking for when I call. Also seeing a lot of people mention checking your address is current with the IRS - definitely going to do that next. At this point I'll try anything to get some forward movement on this situation!

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Anna Stewart

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I completely understand your frustration! I'm actually new to this community but dealing with something very similar. Got my 570/971 codes about 2 weeks ago and like everyone else here, I'm getting nowhere with phone calls to the IRS. One thing I've noticed from reading through all these comments is how common this seems to be this year - it's almost like they've changed something in their system that's flagging tons of simple returns. Your situation sounds identical to mine (basic W-2, standard deduction, same employer) which makes me think this really is some kind of systematic issue rather than anything specific we did wrong. Have you tried that Treasury Offset Program number that @Connor O'Neill mentioned earlier? I'm wondering if it's worth checking to rule out any potential offset issues, even though it seems unlikely with straightforward returns like ours. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get some clarity on what's actually happening! The waiting really is the worst part - especially when you're dealing with unexpected expenses like your car repairs. Fingers crossed we all get some movement soon!

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I'm experiencing the exact same frustrating situation! Got my 570/971 codes about 2 weeks ago and I'm stuck in the same "120-day review" limbo with zero explanation from the IRS. Called twice and both times got the standard script with no actual details about what triggered the review. Like so many others here, my return is incredibly basic - single W-2, standard deduction, same employer for years. It's honestly mind-boggling that straightforward returns are getting caught up in whatever algorithm changes they've implemented this year. One thing I've learned from reading through all these comments is that the 971 notice might take longer to arrive than expected - some people mentioned 9+ days after the code appears. I'm on day 14 now and still nothing in the mail or my online account. The financial stress is real when you're depending on that refund, especially with the complete lack of transparency from the IRS about what's actually being reviewed. Has anyone here had any luck getting more specific information by asking to speak with a supervisor or calling during specific times of day? I'm willing to try anything at this point to get some actual answers instead of the generic responses! Definitely going to check that my address is current with them after reading some of the warnings here about notices going to old addresses. At least that's one thing I can control in this whole mess.

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Jenna Sloan

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I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm dealing with the exact same situation - got my 570/971 codes about 10 days ago and I'm completely new to this whole process. Reading everyone's experiences is both reassuring (I'm not alone!) and terrifying (this could really take 120 days?). Like you @Collins Angel, my return is super simple - just one W-2, standard deduction, nothing complicated. I'm a recent college graduate and this is only my second year filing taxes, so I had no idea these mysterious reviews were even a thing! The lack of explanation from the IRS is really stressing me out because I keep wondering if I made some rookie mistake. I called yesterday and got the same scripted response everyone mentions. The representative was nice but couldn't tell me anything specific. I'm definitely going to check my address like you mentioned - I moved apartments last year and while I thought I updated everything, maybe something got missed. Has anyone who's newer to filing taxes had success getting through these reviews quickly? I'm hoping maybe simpler returns get processed faster, but honestly I have no idea how any of this works!

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This is incredibly frustrating and you're definitely not alone! I've been dealing with something very similar - got hit with the 570/971 codes about 3 weeks ago and I'm still waiting for any kind of notice or explanation. Called the IRS multiple times and keep getting the same vague "120-day review" response with absolutely no specifics. What's really bothering me is how random these reviews seem this year. My return was super straightforward too - single W-2, standard deduction, same job I've had for years. Yet somehow I'm stuck in this limbo while friends with more complicated returns sailed through processing in weeks. One thing I learned from my multiple calls is that you can ask them to verify what address they have on file for you - apparently some people have missed important notices because of outdated addresses. Also, the representative mentioned that if they actually need documentation from you, that notice typically comes within the first 30 days after the 971 code appears. I know the waiting is brutal, especially when you're counting on that refund. I've started checking my transcript weekly instead of daily (per IRS recommendation) which has helped my sanity a bit. Hang in there - from what I've read, most people with legitimate returns do eventually get their full refund, even if it takes way longer than expected.

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Kara Yoshida

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Thanks for sharing your experience @Edward McBride! It's both comforting and frustrating to know so many of us are in the same boat. I'm new to this community and this whole tax review process, but reading everyone's stories is really helping me understand what to expect. I'm curious - when you called to verify your address, did they make you go through the full identity verification process each time? I'm thinking about calling again but those hold times are brutal and I don't want to waste hours if they can't tell me anything new. Also, you mentioned checking weekly instead of daily - I've been obsessively checking my transcript every morning and it's definitely not helping my stress levels! Did you notice any patterns in when updates typically appear on transcripts, or is it really just random throughout the week? The 30-day window for documentation requests is good to know. I'm coming up on that timeframe soon, so hopefully if they need anything from me I'll find out shortly. Otherwise maybe I can at least stop worrying about missing some important notice!

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Amina Toure

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I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! Got my 570/971 codes about 2.5 weeks ago and I'm completely new to dealing with IRS reviews. Like so many others here, my return is ridiculously simple - one W-2, standard deduction, nothing fancy at all. What's really getting to me is the complete lack of transparency. I've called twice now and both times got the same scripted "120-day review" response with zero explanation of what triggered it. The representatives are polite but basically useless when it comes to actual information. I'm a newcomer to this community but wow, reading through everyone's experiences here has been both reassuring (I'm definitely not alone in this!) and terrifying (some people are really waiting the full 4 months?). It seems like 2025 tax season has been particularly brutal for these mysterious reviews. One question for those who've been through this before - is there any benefit to calling back periodically, or should I just wait it out? I don't want to waste more hours on hold if they're just going to give me the same non-answers. Also definitely going to double-check my address is current with them after reading some of the horror stories here about notices going to old addresses. The financial stress is real when you're counting on that refund. Hoping we all get some movement soon! šŸ¤ž

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