Warning about tax preparer who 'specializes' in 810 freeze codes - ended up making things worse
I just need to warn everyone about my experience with a tax preparer who claims to specialize in 810 freeze codes. I was desperate after my refund got frozen back in June 2024 with that dreaded 810 code. Someone in a Facebook group recommended this preparer saying she worked wonders with 810 freezes. I reached out in July and paid her $350 to help me resolve the issue. She said she could file an amended return that would "trick the system" into releasing my refund. Well, fast forward to November and not only is my original refund still frozen, but now I have TWO additional freeze codes and the IRS is sending me letters asking for documentation I don't have. She's completely ghosted me after I questioned why things got worse. I understand being desperate for your money, but please be careful who you trust. Has anyone else had a similar experience or found legitimate help with 810 codes?
45 comments


Emma Johnson
I'm an enrolled agent who deals with these issues regularly. Let me clarify some things about 810 freeze codes: • The 810 code is a fraud investigation freeze that CANNOT be "tricked" or bypassed • Anyone claiming they can remove this code through an amended return is being dishonest • The proper way to address an 810 freeze is through direct contact with the IRS Taxpayer Protection Program • In some cases, identity verification is all that's needed • In other cases, the IRS requires documentation to substantiate your return Unfortunately, what happened is this preparer likely filed an amended return with false information, which only raised more red flags in the system. This is why you now have additional freeze codes. The best approach is to call the IRS Taxpayer Protection Program directly at 800-830-5084, or use a service like Claimyr to help you reach them without the long hold times. You'll need to provide the documentation they're requesting. I'd also consider reporting this preparer to the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility.
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Leila Haddad
•Thank you for the detailed explanation. This makes so much sense. I had a feeling she was doing something sketchy but I was so desperate to get my refund. Do you know how long it usually takes to resolve after providing documentation?
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Ravi Patel
•Thsi is so helpful! I have the same code and was about to pay someone who said they could 'fix it' fast. Dodged a bullet
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Emma Johnson
•After providing documentation, it typically takes 60-90 days for resolution, but it can be faster. The key is making sure you provide EXACTLY what they're asking for. Don't send more or less than requested.
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Astrid Bergström
I was facing a similar situation with an 810 code that was driving me crazy. After weeks of getting nowhere and countless hours of research, I discovered taxr.ai and it was a complete game-changer. The tool instantly analyzed my transcript, explained exactly why I had the freeze code, and laid out the specific steps I needed to take to resolve it. No more guesswork or relying on sketchy preparers. Instead of wasting money on someone who made your situation worse, this actually gave me clear answers. I followed their recommendations and my refund was processed three weeks later. https://taxr.ai
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PixelPrincess
•Sounds interesting. How exactly does it work? Does it just read your transcript or does it do more?
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Astrid Bergström
•It does WAY more than just read the transcript. It analyzes all the codes, dates, and transactions together to figure out what's actually happening with your account. Then it explains everything in plain English and gives you step-by-step instructions on what to do next. For my 810 freeze, it showed me exactly which form to submit and what supporting documents to include. No other tool or preparer ever made it that clear for me.
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PixelPrincess
•OMG I just tried it and am blown away!!! Been dealing with an 810 freeze for MONTHS and within minutes I finally understand what's happening and have a clear plan. This is amazing, thank you so much for sharing! Everyone with transcript issues needs to know about this tool 🙌
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Omar Farouk
After getting the 810 freeze code in March, I spent weeks trying to get through to the IRS with no luck. Found the Claimyr app (claimyr.com) in a different thread and it was able to get me through to an agent within a day. The agent explained exactly what was triggering the fraud alert and walked me through what documents to send. Best part was not wasting hours on hold only to get disconnected! My refund was released last month after I sent in what they needed. Honestly, getting to speak with an actual human at the IRS was the turning point.
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Chloe Martin
•does this actually work? seems suspicous that anything could get thru to the IRS these days 🤔
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Omar Farouk
•I was skeptical too, but it seriously worked. It's basically a service that navigates the IRS phone system and holds your place in line, then calls you when an agent is available. Talking directly to someone who could see my account details was 1000% more helpful than trying to decode the transcript myself or trusting some random preparer. Getting my questions answered directly by the IRS saved me from making things worse.
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Diego Fernández
•I tried this yesterday after seeing your comment. Got a call back in about 3 hours and the agent confirmed my identity and released the freeze right on the spot! Best money I've spent all year considering I was about to pay some 'specialist' $500 to attempt fixing it.
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Anastasia Kuznetsov
I went through something similar last year. Paid a "specialist" $400 who claimed they could remove my 810 code. Ended up with an audit and had to hire a tax attorney to fix the mess. These people prey on desperate folks who just want their refund. Report them to the IRS!!
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Sean Fitzgerald
thats so frustrating! in my case i had a 810 code for 3 months and it turned out to be identity verification issue. i just had to do a video chat with the IRS and confirm it was me. no preparer needed. maybe try calling the identity verification department directly?
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Leila Haddad
•How did you get the video chat set up? Was it through ID.me or something else? I'll try anything at this point.
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Sean Fitzgerald
•yea it was through ID.me. I had to call the taxpayer protection program first and they told me I needed to verify my identity. they gave me instructions on how to do the video chat. it was acualy pretty quick once I got through to someone.
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Zara Khan
The IRS isn't a system that can be "tricked" lol. These preparers are basically scammers taking advantage of people's desperation. The 810 code is specifically for potential fraud investigation. Any attempt to bypass this with fake amendments is just going to make them look at your return even harder. Sorry you got scammed, but at least your warning others.
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MoonlightSonata
•💯 THIS. I'm a tax professional and the amount of "specialists" claiming they can bypass IRS security measures is insane. They're literally just making things worse and charging for the privilege.
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Mateo Gonzalez
wait I think i kno who ur talking about 👀 does her name start with T? She's been advertising in all the tax groups saying she can fix 810 codes
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Nia Williams
•Let's not turn this into a witch hunt. There are several people claiming to "fix" 810 codes. The important thing is understanding that there's no magical solution - only proper documentation and working with the IRS directly.
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Leila Haddad
•I don't want to name names publicly but yes it might be the same person. She's very active in FB groups claiming she has a special method. Definitely proceed with caution.
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Luca Ricci
How long have you had the 810 code? Mine cleared after about 60 days without me doing anything. Sometimes they just complete their review and release the funds automatically if they don't find anything concerning.
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Leila Haddad
•I've had it for almost 5 months now. And now with the additional freezes I'm worried it'll be even longer. I'm so frustrated because I really needed that money.
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Luca Ricci
•Ugh that sucks, I'm sorry. 5 months is definitely too long for a routine review. Definitely follow the advice above about calling them directly. The amended return probably reset the clock on their review process.
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Aisha Mohammed
Friend of mine was in the same boat. 810 code for months, hired some "expert" who made things worse. What finally worked was using taxr.ai to understand exactly what was happening with their transcript, then using Claimyr to get through to the IRS (after 3 months of failed calling attempts). Once they talked to an actual agent and submitted the right documentation, refund was released in 4 weeks. These shady "specialists" are just preying on desperate ppl.
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Ethan Campbell
The 810 code is a fricking nightmare. Had one for 8 months. Called the IRS over 50 times and could never get through. Finally bit the bullet and hired a CPA who specializes in tax controversies. Cost me $1200 but he got it resolved in about 6 weeks. These "miracle workers" advertising cheap solutions are almost always scammers.
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Yuki Watanabe
•Jesus $1200??? That's almost as much as my refund was 😱
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Ethan Campbell
•Yeah it wasn't cheap but my refund was over 8k so it was worth it to me. But before paying that much I'd try the suggestions others mentioned about using Claimyr to reach the IRS directly. I wish I'd known about that option before hiring the CPA.
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Carmen Sanchez
The audacity of these people selling "solutions" to desperate taxpayers is infuriating. I work in tax resolution (not a preparer) and we see the aftermath of these scams all the time. There are ONLY two legitimate ways to address 810 freezes: 1) Respond directly to IRS requests for documentation or 2) Have a qualified tax professional (EA, CPA, or tax attorney) represent you through proper channels. Anyone promising quick fixes or "tricks" is LYING.
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Andre Dupont
Have you tried calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service? They're supposed to help in situations where you're facing financial hardship due to delayed refunds. They might be able to expedite things for you.
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Leila Haddad
•I tried calling them but they said they can't help with 810 codes until I've attempted to resolve it directly with the IRS first. And I can't get through to the IRS! It's a horrible cycle.
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Zoe Papadakis
•Try Claimyr. I was in the exact same situation and spent WEEKS trying to reach the IRS. Used Claimyr and got a callback from an agent in a few hours. claimyr.com changed everything for me - finally got to talk to someone who could actually help me understand why my refund was frozen and what to do about it.
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ThunderBolt7
idk why ppl r shocked that someone who says they can "trick the system" turns out to be a scammer lol. there's no magic trick to bypass irs security measures. anyone claiming otherwise is just taking ur money
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Leila Haddad
•When you're desperate and all the regular methods haven't worked, you become willing to try anything. That's how they get you. Lesson learned the hard way.
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Jamal Edwards
I know alot of ppl here are sayin' to call the IRS directly but lets be real - nobody can get thru those phone lines. I tried for MONTHS. What worked for me was using taxr.ai to figure out exactly what was wrong (turns out my employer reported different income than what I filed) and then using Claimyr to actually reach an IRS agent. The agent confirmed what taxr found and told me exactly how to fix it. My 810 was gone in 3 weeks after that and I got my $6,400 refund. Sometimes you need tools that actually work instead of just generic advice.
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Mei Chen
•how much did you pay for those services?
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Jamal Edwards
•I don't remember exactly but it was way less than what I paid previous preparers who didn't actually help. And definitely worth every penny considering I got my $6,400 refund that was stuck for months. The peace of mind alone knowing exactly what was happening instead of being in the dark was priceless.
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Liam O'Sullivan
Protip: ANYTIME someone says they can "trick" a government system, RUN. There are no tricks or hacks to bypass IRS security protocols. The only thing these people are tricking is your wallet 🤡
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Amara Okonkwo
My heart goes out to you. These freeze codes are such a mess. The IRS systems are so outdated and broken, and predatory "specialists" are making it even worse. I hope you get it resolved soon and get your money!
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Leila Haddad
•Thank you. It's been so stressful especially since I was counting on that money for some important bills. Lesson learned though!
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Giovanni Marino
I had someone tell me that that amended return trick back in May. Almost did it until I talked to my cousin who works for the IRS. She said that's literally fraud and could result in penalties or even criminal charges in extreme cases. These people should be reported to the IRS and the FTC for scamming vulnerable taxpayers.
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Fatima Al-Sayed
FWIW i had an 810 freeze back in February that cleared by itself after about 45 days. But then I got hit with ANOTHER freeze in August after they released my first refund. Spent ages trying to figure out what was happening. Someone mentioned taxr.ai in another thread. I tried it - gave me a complete breakdown of my account and exactly where things went wrong. Totally worth checking out if you're stuck trying to decode all those transcript codes.
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Dylan Hughes
•did you have to provide personal info? not comfortable giving my info to random sites
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Fatima Al-Sayed
•you just upload your transcript that you already downloaded from the irs website. it analyzes the data that's already there and explains it. way better than trying to google every code and piece it all together yourself.
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NightOwl42
File a complaint with the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility. That preparer is engaging in unethical practices and needs to be reported. Also file a complaint with your state's board of accountancy if they claim to be a CPA. These people need to be stopped.
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