Code 570 and Code 971 are two of the most misunderstood IRS tax transcript update combinations. Many taxpayers panic when they appear together — especially if they were expecting Code 846 (refund issued). In reality, this sequence often represents normal refund verification and is a positive forward movement in processing.
This full guide will help you clearly understand what’s happening, what to expect next, and how long the process typically takes.
Understanding IRS Code 570: Additional Account Action Pending
Code 570 means the IRS placed a temporary hold on your refund while it verifies something in your return.
This does not mean you’re being audited.
Common triggers for Code 570:
- Earned Income Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit review
- Wage/income mismatch (W-2 or 1099 not received yet)
- Dependent claim conflict with another filer
- Recovery Rebate / stimulus credit miscalculation
- Identity verification checks
- Large adjustments or refundable credit changes
Important: There is no refund movement until Code 570 clears.
Next Step: Why Code 971 Appears
Code 971 — Notice Issued
This means the IRS has taken an action related to the 570 hold and has issued (or will issue) a notice explaining what’s being reviewed.
Key insight:
Code 971 appearing after Code 570 usually means the IRS completed its internal review and is preparing resolution.
Examples of 971 notice types:
| Notice Type | Usually Means |
|---|---|
| Math Error | Adjusting credits or income |
| Dependent Notice | Claim review needed |
| ID Verification | Additional identity proof required |
| Informational Review | Return was corrected & refund will continue |
You may or may not ever receive a physical letter — the notice is sometimes automated.
The Ideal Sequence to Watch For
A typical successful flow looks like this:
Code 570 → Code 971 → Code 846 (refund hold) (review complete) (refund issued)If your transcript shows 570 → 971, that is a good sign of forward progress.
How Long Does It Take After 971 Posts?
Average timelines:
| Timeline Stage | Typical Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| 570 appears | Initial review: 7–21 days |
| 971 posts | Second review: 2–6 weeks |
| 846 refund issued | Direct deposit posting |
Actual results vary by return type and complexity:
Faster resolution cases (no taxpayer response needed)
2–4 weeks after Code 971
Slower cases (IRS awaiting documents/information)
6–12+ weeks depending on staffing and volume
Will WMR Show Status Changes?
Often, yes — but later than transcripts.
Typical order of updates:
Transcript Update → WMR (bars return) → Deposit DateIf transcript has moved ahead, WMR may still show “still processing.”
When Should You Call the IRS?
Only if any of the below apply:
✔ You received a notice requiring documents
✔ 971 posts but no movement after 60 days
✔ There is a refund freeze code like 810 present
✔ Changes reduce refund and you need clarification
IRS phone number: 800-829-1040
Best time: Right when phones open (7:00 AM ET)
Signs That Refund Release Is Coming Soon
Watch for:
- As of Date moves forward
- Cycle code changes to a newer posting week
- Additional resolved codes 571 or 572
- Amount populates on transcript after being blank
When Code 846 posts → Refund approved
Summary
| Code | Meaning | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| 570 | IRS placed a temporary hold | None — wait |
| 971 | Notice issued / internal action taken | Usually none |
| 846 | Refund issued | Celebrate & track deposit |
Most taxpayers do not need to send documents or call the IRS.
