Transcript Shows 810/570/971 Codes But No 846 - Refund Purgatory?
Ok so here's the question. I've got an 810 code dated 12/29/23 570 code 3/27/24 After back and forth notices and 2 amendments later I finally get this. 971 code on 1/10/25 assuming it's this CP21B letter saying due a refund as of 1/10/25 Transcripts don't show an 811, 571, or 846 and an as of date of 1/24/25 Am I actually getting the refund finally or still in frozen hell? My sister had a similar situation last year but at least she got an 846 code eventually. I'm getting worried since I need this money for my mom's medical expenses I've been covering.
29 comments


Nia Wilson
Looking at your transcript codes, I'm concerned about the lack of resolution indicators. According to the IRS Master File documentation (available on IRS.gov), the 810 code is a freeze that typically requires manual review. The 570 indicates additional account action is pending, but without the corresponding 571 (resolved) code, you're still in processing limbo. The CP21B letter is promising since it acknowledges a refund adjustment, but I'd be wary until you see the 846 (refund issued) code appear. The "as of" date of 1/24/25 is just a processing marker and doesn't necessarily indicate when action will occur.
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Mateo Sanchez
I've analyzed many transcripts with this exact pattern. Here's what's likely happening: 1. The 810 freeze was applied to your account in December 2. The 570 in March indicates they found something requiring adjustment 3. The 971 code shows they've sent you a notice (the CP21B) 4. The absence of an 811 (freeze release) is the key issue The CP21B letter confirms they've made an adjustment in your favor, but the refund is still being held. I'd recommend using https://taxr.ai to analyze your full transcript. It can identify these specific code combinations and give you a more precise timeline based on current IRS processing patterns. It helped me understand my own amendment freeze pattern and predicted my refund release within 3 days of when it actually happened.
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Aisha Mahmood
Ah, the joys of IRS code purgatory! 😩 I was stuck in this exact situation last tax season - had the 810/570 combo with a CP21B letter but no 846. Called the IRS for THREE WEEKS straight and couldn't get through. Finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in 20 minutes who confirmed my refund was approved but stuck in a final review queue. Got my deposit exactly 9 days later. Worth every penny not to waste hours on hold or getting disconnected. Those transcript codes are definitely moving in the right direction though!
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Ethan Clark
•I'm always hesitant about these services that claim to get you through to the IRS. In my experience from 2022, nothing really works better than just being persistent. Did they actually do anything special or just automate the calling process?
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AstroAce
•I used Claimyr exactly 3 weeks ago after trying to reach the IRS for 4 days straight (called 27 times total). Got connected in 17 minutes and resolved my 570 code issue. The agent told me they were experiencing a 78% call drop rate that week due to volume. Saved me literally days of frustration and I got my $4,217 refund 8 days later. Sometimes the time saved is worth more than the service cost!
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Yuki Kobayashi
I went through this exact situation last February. Here's how it played out for me: • Got 810 code (freeze) • 570 code appeared 6 weeks later • Received CP21B letter saying I was due a refund • No 846 code for 3 more weeks • Called IRS, they said "just wait" • 811 and 571 codes suddenly appeared on a Friday • 846 code appeared the following Tuesday • Money in my account 2 days later The key was the 811 code (releasing the freeze). Until you see that, you're still in review. The CP21B is a good sign though - they've decided in your favor, just haven't processed the release yet.
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Carmen Vega
Wait - did u actually get the CP21B letter in the mail yet or are u just assuming that's what the 971 code is for? Big diff since sometimes 971 can be for other notices too.
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Andre Rousseau
•That's an excellent question. It's like having a tracking number but not knowing what package is coming. The 971 is just a generic "notice issued" code - it could be a CP21B (adjustment notice) or something else. The fact that it came after amendments suggests it's probably the adjustment notice, but until you physically receive it, you can't be 100% sure what action they're taking.
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Zoe Stavros
I'm seeing some confusion in the comments that I want to clear up. The 810 code is a freeze specific to refund fraud prevention, and it's DIFFERENT from the 570 (additional account action pending). You need BOTH an 811 (to release the fraud freeze) AND a 571 (to resolve the account action) before you'll see an 846 refund issued code. The CP21B letter is actually great news! It means they've processed your amendments and determined you're due a refund. I'm feeling really optimistic about your situation! The system is just working through its final steps before releasing your funds.
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Jamal Harris
I had this EXACT situation last year! 810 code in November, 570 in January, then a CP21B letter in February saying I was due a refund after my amended return. No 811 or 571 for weeks and I was going crazy checking my transcript daily. Finally got my refund in late March - about 6 weeks after the CP21B letter. The money came through right when I needed it for a car repair. Hang in there - the CP21B is definitely a good sign that you're at the end of the process!
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GalaxyGlider
•Six weeks? That's fast. Mine took almost 12 weeks after CP21B. IRS systems are complex. Different departments. Different review levels. Some refunds release quickly. Others take forever. No logic to it.
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Mei Wong
•Did either of you have to do anything special to get the refund released? I'm in a similar situation but it's been 8 weeks since my CP21B and still nothing. Should I be calling them or just continuing to wait?
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Liam Sullivan
•In my experience from March 12th this year, calling after receiving the CP21B letter did help speed things up. The agent was able to see that my refund was approved on February 28th but stuck in a final verification queue. She submitted a request to expedite, and my 846 code appeared exactly 9 days later. It seems like sometimes these approved refunds just need a gentle nudge to move through the final stages.
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Amara Okafor
I've been researching these code combinations for perhaps too many years, and there are a few possibilities here. The most likely scenario, based on what I've seen, is that your account is in the final stages of processing. The CP21B letter generally means they've made a favorable adjustment, but there might be some verification still happening behind the scenes. It's possible, though not guaranteed, that you'll see an 811 and 846 code appear within 2-4 weeks of the CP21B letter date. I would suggest checking your transcript twice weekly rather than daily to reduce stress. If nothing changes by 30 days after the CP21B date, then it would be appropriate to contact the IRS directly.
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Giovanni Colombo
•Thank you for this detailed explanation! I've been wondering - is there any way to tell from the transcript itself what specifically triggered the initial 810 freeze? Or is that information only available to IRS agents?
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•Extremely helpful analysis. TC810 specifics aren't visible to taxpayers. Internal codes exist. Transaction code combinations provide clues. Fraud prevention algorithms trigger most 810s. Identity verification issues cause others. Amendment processing creates delays. System prioritizes first-time returns over amendments. TC971 with CP21B indicates positive resolution path. Statistical release patterns suggest 21-30 day window post-CP21B for most refunds.
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StarSeeker
I'm really sorry to hear about your situation with your mom's medical expenses - that added stress makes this whole process so much harder. Based on what you're describing, you're actually in a pretty good position despite the frustrating wait. The CP21B letter is essentially the IRS saying "yes, we agree you're owed this refund" after reviewing your amendments. The fact that you don't have an 811 or 571 code yet just means they haven't released the administrative holds, but the 971 code following your amendments is typically the final notice before processing. I'd estimate you're probably looking at 2-4 weeks from when you receive the actual CP21B letter in the mail. In the meantime, if you haven't already, you might want to call the IRS and specifically ask about expedited processing due to financial hardship - they sometimes have options for medical expenses that can speed things up. The key phrase to use is "financial hardship" when you get through to someone. Hang in there!
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Mateo Martinez
•This is really solid advice about the financial hardship option! I didn't know the IRS could expedite for medical expenses. @Nia Wilson, when you call them, make sure you have documentation ready about your mom's medical bills if they ask for it. I've heard they sometimes want proof of the hardship situation. Also, don't give up if the first agent you talk to doesn't know about expedited processing - sometimes you need to ask to speak with someone in the hardship department specifically.
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Aria Washington
I've been through this exact code combination twice - once in 2023 and again early this year. The good news is that the CP21B letter after amendments is almost always a positive outcome. Here's what likely happened: your amendments were approved, they've calculated your refund amount, but there are still some automated holds in place. The missing 811 code is the key piece you're waiting for. Once that appears (releasing the 810 freeze), you should see the 846 refund code within 1-2 cycles. In my experience, the timeline from CP21B letter to actual deposit was about 3-5 weeks. Given your mom's medical situation, definitely call and mention financial hardship - they have expedite procedures for medical expenses. When I called about my situation, I was transferred to a "hardship specialist" who could see more details about processing timelines than the regular customer service reps. Ask specifically for the "Hardship Processing Unit" if the first agent seems unsure. Your transcript pattern looks very similar to resolved cases I've seen. Stay positive - you're much closer to the finish line than it feels right now!
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Ruby Knight
•This is incredibly helpful - thank you for sharing your experience with the same code pattern! I'm curious about the "Hardship Processing Unit" you mentioned. When you called, did they require specific documentation upfront, or were they able to expedite based on your verbal explanation of the medical expenses? I'm dealing with a similar situation with elderly parent care costs and wondering what kind of proof they typically want before approving expedited processing.
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Yuki Tanaka
I'm really feeling for you with the medical expenses stress - that uncertainty makes everything so much harder. Looking at your timeline, you're actually showing classic signs of being in the final processing stage. The 810/570 combo followed by a 971 after amendments is textbook "approved but not released yet" pattern. Here's what I'd recommend based on similar cases I've tracked: First, make sure you actually receive that CP21B letter before getting too excited - sometimes the 971 can be for other notices. Second, if it IS the CP21B confirming your refund, you're probably looking at 2-6 weeks for the release codes to appear. For your mom's medical expenses, definitely call the IRS hardship line at (844) 545-5640. They have specific expedite procedures for medical situations. Have your bills ready and explain you've been covering expenses while waiting for this refund. I've seen them release frozen refunds in as little as 7-10 days when medical hardship is documented. Your transcript is missing the 811 release code, but that's normal - it often appears suddenly along with the 846. The fact that you got to the 971 stage after amendments means they've already done the hard work of approving your changes. Hang in there!
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Aliyah Debovski
•Thank you for providing that specific hardship number - I didn't know there was a dedicated line for medical situations! That's incredibly useful information. @Nia Wilson, I'd definitely recommend calling that number ASAP given your mom's medical expenses. The fact that you've been personally covering these costs while waiting for a refund that's been approved should qualify for expedited processing. From what I've seen in other cases, having actual medical bills and documentation of your out-of-pocket expenses really helps when they review hardship requests. The 7-10 day timeline mentioned here would be such a relief compared to the normal waiting period!
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Zainab Khalil
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress while managing your mom's medical expenses - that financial pressure makes the waiting so much more difficult. Your transcript pattern actually looks very promising though! The 971 code after your amendments strongly suggests the CP21B letter confirming your refund, and that's a huge step forward. I've been tracking similar cases in our community, and the 810/570/971 combination you have typically resolves within 3-4 weeks of the notice date. The missing 811 and 571 codes are frustrating, but they often appear together suddenly when the system finally releases everything. Definitely take advantage of the hardship expedite options others have mentioned - medical expenses absolutely qualify. When you call, emphasize that you've been personally covering your mom's medical costs while waiting for an approved refund. Have your documentation ready and ask specifically for the Hardship Processing Unit. Also, try not to check your transcript daily if you can help it - I know it's tempting, but these codes tend to update in batches over weekends. You're much closer to resolution than it feels right now. The system has already done the hard work of approving your amendments; now it's just working through the administrative release process. Hang in there!
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Kai Rivera
•I completely agree about not checking the transcript daily - I made that mistake last year and it just added to my anxiety! @Nia Wilson, one thing I learned from my own experience with similar codes is that the IRS systems often batch process these releases on Wednesday nights/Thursday mornings. So if you do check, maybe limit it to Thursdays and Mondays. Also, when you call about the hardship expedite, make sure to get a case number or reference number for your request - that way if you need to call back, you won't have to re-explain everything. The waiting is awful when you have real expenses depending on this money, but your transcript really does look like it's in the final stages!
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Sarah Jones
I can really relate to the anxiety of waiting for a refund when you have urgent financial needs, especially medical expenses. Your code sequence is actually following a pretty typical pattern for amended returns that end up getting approved. The 971 code appearing after your amendments is almost certainly the CP21B notice, which means they've reviewed your changes and agreed you're due the refund. The frustrating part is that even though the hard decision-making is done, the system still has these administrative holds (the 810 and 570) that need to be released. I'd strongly recommend calling that hardship line at (844) 545-5640 that others mentioned. Medical expenses for family members absolutely qualify for expedited processing. When you call, explain that you've been personally covering your mom's medical costs while waiting for an already-approved refund. Have your medical bills ready as documentation. Based on similar cases I've followed, once you get the hardship expedite approved, those missing 811 and 571 codes often appear within 1-2 weeks, followed quickly by the 846 refund code. The fact that you made it to the 971 stage means you're in the final administrative phase, not stuck in review purgatory like it feels. Try to check your transcript only once or twice a week - these codes typically update in batches, and daily checking just adds stress. You're much closer than it seems!
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Giovanni Mancini
•This is such great advice about the hardship expedite process! I went through something similar last year when my dad was in the hospital and I was covering his expenses while waiting for my refund. The hardship line Sarah mentioned really does work - they were able to see that my refund had been approved but was just sitting in a queue. What really helped was being specific about the dollar amounts I was covering and having the actual medical bills ready when they asked. They gave me a case number and told me to expect movement within 10 business days. My 811 and 846 codes appeared on day 8. @Nia Wilson, definitely don't lose hope - that 971 code after amendments is genuinely a light at the end of the tunnel. The system just needs that final push to release everything!
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Amina Bah
I'm so sorry you're going through this stress while dealing with your mom's medical expenses - that financial pressure makes everything feel so much more urgent and overwhelming. Looking at your transcript codes though, you're actually showing really positive signs of being in the final processing stages! The sequence you described (810 → 570 → 971 after amendments) is classic "approved but waiting for release" territory. That 971 code is almost certainly your CP21B letter confirming they've processed your amendments favorably. The missing 811 and 571 codes are definitely frustrating, but in my experience tracking these patterns, they often appear suddenly together when the system finally releases everything. Given your mom's medical situation, I'd absolutely recommend calling the hardship line at (844) 545-5640 that others have mentioned. Medical expenses for family care are exactly what these expedite procedures are designed for. When you call, be specific about how you've been covering her medical costs while waiting for this already-approved refund. Have your medical bills ready as documentation - they really do prioritize these cases. I know the waiting feels endless when you need the money for something so important, but your transcript genuinely looks like it's in the administrative release phase rather than stuck in review. Try to limit checking to twice a week if you can - these codes typically batch update, and daily checking just adds to the anxiety. You've made it through the hardest part (getting the amendments approved), and now it's just a matter of the system working through its final steps. Hang in there!
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Zachary Hughes
•This is such a thoughtful and comprehensive response! As someone new to understanding these transcript codes, I really appreciate how you've explained the pattern and what each stage means. The hardship expedite option for medical expenses seems like exactly what @Nia Wilson needs right now. I m'curious - when people call that hardship line, do they typically need to provide the medical bills upfront during the call, or can they submit them later if approved for expedited processing? Also, is there a specific dollar threshold that qualifies for medical hardship, or do they evaluate each case individually? Thanks for sharing such detailed guidance during what must be an incredibly stressful time for the original poster!
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NeonNebula
I'm really sorry you're dealing with this stress while managing your mom's medical expenses - that adds such a difficult layer to an already frustrating situation. But honestly, looking at your transcript pattern, I think you're much closer to resolution than it feels right now! The sequence you described (810 freeze in December, 570 in March, then 971 after amendments) is actually a really positive pattern. That 971 code appearing after your amendments is almost certainly the CP21B letter, which means the IRS has reviewed your changes and agreed you're owed a refund. The hard part - getting them to approve your amendments - is done! The missing 811 and 571 codes are definitely nerve-wracking, but from what I've seen in similar cases, these often appear suddenly together when the system finally releases everything. You're in that final administrative phase where they've made the decision but haven't processed the release yet. Given your mom's medical situation, I'd absolutely call the IRS hardship line at (844) 545-5640. Medical expenses for family care are exactly what expedited processing is designed for. When you call, explain that you've been personally covering her medical costs while waiting for an already-approved refund. Have your medical bills ready - they really do prioritize these cases and I've seen refunds released in 1-2 weeks through hardship expedites. Try not to check your transcript daily if you can help it - I know it's tempting, but these codes update in batches and daily checking just adds stress. Your situation looks very promising, even though the waiting is awful when you need the money for something so important. Hang in there!
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