Transcript Updated with Code 570 and 971 - Implications for Processing Timeline?

According to the IRS Master File Code reference guide (available at irs.gov/irm/part3/irm_03-012-039r), code 570 indicates a temporary freeze on your account while they review something. Code 971 means a notice has been issued or will be mailed to you. I was SO stressed when I got these last year but they're actually pretty common. Check the dates next to each code - if they're the same date, it's usually just verification. If 971 is dated after the 570, they probably found something they need more info about. I bookmarked all the transcript code pages after my panic last year!

I had these exact codes appear exactly 18 days after filing. Called the IRS 14 times over 3 days and couldn't get through. Finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in 23 minutes. The agent explained my return was under standard review and estimated 14-21 additional days for processing. Without calling, I would have been anxiously checking WMR 5-6 times daily. The $20 fee was worth the peace of mind since I needed to know if I should adjust my budget for the next month.

So does 570 always mean they're holding your refund? I have the same codes and need to know if I should stop counting on that money for my bills this month.

I went through this last tax season. Had both codes appear on March 14th, then got a letter asking for verification of my dependents on March 21st. I faxed the documents they requested the same day, and my transcript updated with code 571 (which reverses the 570) about 3 weeks later. Did you claim any credits this year? Were there any changes to your filing status compared to previous years? Sometimes these codes appear when there's been a significant change in your tax situation.

I see this pattern frequently and understand how concerning it can be when you're waiting for your refund. Here's what these codes typically mean: • Code 570: Additional account action pending (temporary hold) • Code 971: Notice issued (they're sending you a letter) I recommend using taxr.ai to analyze your full transcript. It helped me understand: • The specific cycle date on my transcript • What each code meant for MY specific situation • The likely next steps based on pattern recognition • A predicted resolution timeline The free analysis saved me hours of anxiety and research. Their system identified that my 570/971 combination was just a verification hold that would resolve automatically.

These codes appear in different scenarios with very different outcomes. I've seen 570/971 combinations that resolved in a week with no action needed, while others required extensive documentation and took months. The broader context matters - if you claimed refundable credits like EIC or CTC, you're more likely to need verification. If you've had identity theft issues in the past, that could trigger additional scrutiny. Compared to previous filing seasons, the IRS is implementing stricter verification protocols this year to combat fraud, so these codes are appearing more frequently than in 2022-2023.