Transcript Updated with 570/971 Codes - Can IRS Send Notice to PO Box Instead of Physical Address?

Yes, you can get the notice sent to your PO Box, but you need to act quickly. According to the IRS.gov website under "Change Your Address" section, you have multiple options: 1. Call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040 (prepare for long wait times) 2. Complete and mail Form 8822 (Change of Address) 3. Submit a signed written statement with your full name, old address, new address/PO Box, and SSN The 570/971 combo typically indicates a manual review or adjustment. The notice will explain what's happening, so getting it promptly is important. Most likely it's a CP05 notice requesting verification or a refund hold notice.

Quick question - did you check your transcript for a cycle code next to the 570? Something like 20240805? That would tell us which processing cycle you're in and might give a clue about when the notice will be mailed. Also, any indication of a 290 code with $0.00 amount? That sometimes appears before a refund is released after a 570 hold. P.S. Congrats on the marriage! Tax filing as a couple is like assembling IKEA furniture together - a true relationship test. 😅

I checked again and yes, there's a cycle code 20240805 next to the 570. No 290 code showing up yet though. I'm still learning how to interpret all these codes - this is our first time dealing with anything beyond a standard processing. Do you think the notice is something serious, or just a standard verification because we're newly married with a different filing status than last year?

I was in the exact same situation last month - rural address with no mail delivery and a PO Box for all correspondence. Spent FOUR DAYS trying to reach someone at the IRS to change my notice delivery address. Finally used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and got through to an agent in about 25 minutes. They were able to update my address in the system immediately and flag the notice to go to my PO Box instead. The agent also explained what the notice was about (in my case just verification of some education credits). Would have missed the notice completely without getting through to them quickly.

Have you tried updating your address through your online IRS account? I'm wondering if that would be faster than calling or mailing in a form. Here's what I'd do in your situation: • Try updating address online first through IRS.gov account • If that doesn't work, call ASAP (early morning is best) • Ask specifically if the notice has already been printed/mailed • Request they note your PO Box as your mailing address of record • Ask what the notice is about while you have them on the phone The 570/971 combo is frustrating as hell because they hold your refund but don't tell you why until the notice arrives! 🤬

Be extremely careful about missing this notice. Per IRS Publication 594, if you don't respond to certain notices within the timeframe specified (usually 30-60 days), you can lose your appeal rights. I learned this the hard way last year when a notice went to my old address. The IRS position is that it's the taxpayer's responsibility to ensure they have your correct address per Internal Revenue Manual 4.8.9.8. Had to get a Taxpayer Advocate involved to fix it. So relieved to find this thread because I was about to suggest the same solutions others have mentioned.

I think you should probably also check with your local post office, if you haven't already? Sometimes they might actually hold mail addressed to physical addresses they know can't receive delivery, especially in rural areas. At least that's what happens in my small town - the postmaster knows which addresses don't have boxes and holds that mail for pickup. Maybe, possibly worth asking if that's their policy?

Another option besides calling: You can visit your nearest IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in person. I did this exactly 3 weeks ago for a similar issue. Made an appointment online, brought my ID and a copy of my return, and they updated my address in exactly 17 minutes. They can also print a copy of any notice that's been generated on your account, even if it hasn't been mailed yet. Most offices have appointments available within 3-5 business days.

If you can't get through to the IRS in time, set up USPS Informed Delivery for your physical address. Back in 2022, I had a similar problem and couldn't get my address changed in time. I set up Informed Delivery for my old address, which at least let me see when the IRS notice was delivered there. Then I was able to contact my old landlord to forward it. Not ideal, but at least I knew when it arrived and could take action instead of wondering if/when it was delivered.