What does code 971 on my transcript mean? Is my refund delayed?

Code 971 means "Notice Issued" and 570 means "Additional Account Action Pending" - basically the IRS is reviewing something on your return. This is a hold on your refund until they complete their review. The fact that both have the same date is actually common. The code 150 is just your return being processed and put into the system. You'll likely receive a letter in the mail explaining what they're reviewing. It could be identity verification, income verification, or they might be adjusting your refund amount. I'd suggest waiting for the letter before calling them - it should arrive within 1-2 weeks of the date on your transcript. If you don't receive anything by mid-June, then consider calling to find out what's happening.

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After dealing with the same issue and getting nowhere with the IRS phone system (hung up on 4 times after waiting for hours), I found this calling app called Claimyr that got me through to a real person at the IRS. Their system navigated all the phone menus and held my place in line, then called me when an agent was ready to talk. The agent explained everything about my transcript and fixed the hold on my refund. Best money I ever spent considering how much time I saved and how quickly I got my refund after talking to someone. Check out claimyr.com if you're tired of the runaround.

I had these same codes appear on my transcript back in March. In my case, they were reviewing my earned income credit claim. I received a letter about 8 days after the codes appeared asking for additional documentation. After I sent everything in, it took about 3 more weeks to get my refund. Just be prepared to wait - even after you respond to their letter, it takes time for them to process everything.

the IRS is a joke. they expect us to file and pay on time but they can take as long as they want to give us OUR money back. if we were late wed be paying penalties but they can just sit on our refunds forever with no consequences 🤬

When I see code 971/570 combo with the same date, it's usually an auto-verification that resolves itself. Mine had those codes and then 9 days later I got a 571 (resolved) and an 846 (refund issued) code. Just hang tight, it's probably in the automated review system and should clear soon without you needing to do anything.

Check your transcript again in about a week. If you see a TC 571 code appear, that means the hold has been released. Then you should see an 846 code which is your refund date. The good news is that if they adjust your refund amount, they pay interest on any delays beyond 45 days after the filing deadline.

hi, former IRS employee here. the 971/570 combo means they found something they need to look at. could be a math error, missing form, income verification, or just random selection. the BEST thing you can do is wait for the letter. DO NOT CALL before you get the letter - the phone reps won't have any more info than what you can see on your transcript until the letter is generated in the system.

I'm a CPA and see this situation all the time with clients. While you're waiting, make sure you've kept all your tax documents organized in case they request verification. If they adjust your refund, you can always appeal their decision with proper documentation. Also, don't forget that if your refund is significantly delayed (beyond 45 days after April 15), the IRS will pay you interest on the delayed amount.

looking at my own transcript right now and I have the same codes from filing in February! still waitng for my $4,600 refund. this is crazy. ive called 13 times and given up after being on hold for hours each time. the tax system is completely broken.

Don't panic yet. Those codes are super common this year. The IRS has been flagging returns with certain credits for additional review. When I had this happen, I received a letter about 10 days after those codes appeared on my transcript. They just needed me to verify my identity online through ID.me, and my refund was approved about 2 weeks after that.

Pro tip: if you do end up needing to call the IRS, avoid Mondays and Tuesdays - those are their busiest days. Call early morning (right when they open) on a Thursday or Friday for the best chance of getting through without a long wait. And always have all your documents ready before calling.

Here's a cheat sheet for the most common transcript codes: 570 = refund hold 571 = hold released 420 = audit examination 424 = examination closed 846 = refund issued 971 = notice issued 290 = additional tax assessed 291 = reduction of tax Keep checking your transcript every morning - it updates overnight.

i was stuck in this exact situation for 2 MONTHS. what finally worked for me was calling my congressional representative's office. they have a dedicated case worker for IRS issues and they got my refund released in less than 2 weeks after i contacted them. worth a try if you get desperate!

Check if the 971/570 is followed by a 700 series code. If yes, you're dealing with a refund offset where they're taking some of your refund to pay past due debts like student loans, back taxes, child support, etc. If no, it's more likely just a review.

One thing thats worth noting - im seeing TONS of 971/570 codes this year compared to previous years. The IRS got extra funding to do more compliance checks. They're reviewing returns more carefully but also processing them faster once the review is complete. So while more people are seeing these codes, the resolution time is actually improved from last year.