If you filed early but the IRS hasn’t released your refund, there’s a high chance they’re still waiting for wage and income forms to finish posting to your file. These documents include:
- W-2 (employer wages)
- 1099-K (payment platforms — Venmo, CashApp, PayPal)
- 1099-NEC (contract income)
- 1099-INT / 1099-DIV (banks & investments)
- SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
Your Wage & Income Transcript is the IRS database that stores these forms once received.
If something is missing — your return may be flagged for review, triggering codes like 570 or 810.
Why This Transcript Matters
IRS systems use income data to validate your tax return.
If what you reported doesn’t match the documents they eventually receive, the IRS will:
- Freeze the refund
- Issue a math error or dependent notice
- Recalculate the refund (sometimes lowering it)
When W-2s & 1099s Show Up on Wage & Income Transcripts
| Form Type | Who Sends It | IRS Posting Starts | Fully Available By |
|---|---|---|---|
| W-2 | Employer | Late Jan–Feb | April–May |
| 1099-NEC | Self-employed clients | February | April–June |
| 1099-K | Payment Apps | March–May | June–August |
| SSA-1099 | Social Security | Mid-February | April |
| Financial 1099s | Banks + Brokers | February | May–July |
The safest time to rely on Wage & Income data is after July 1
Why Early Filers Are Most Affected
If you file before your data posts:
- IRS can’t confirm wages yet
- Refunds for EITC/ACTC are frozen until February 15 (PATH Act)
- Income mismatches trigger 570 and 971 review codes
- Refund delays can extend 4–12+ weeks
Filing before the IRS receives your W-2 often delays your refund instead of speeding it up.
Posting Waves Explained
The IRS doesn’t upload everything at once — updates come in data waves:
- January Preview — nearly empty transcript
- February–March — W-2s begin appearing
- April–June — majority of 1099 forms added
- July–August — final corrections + late submissions
If you had multiple jobs or contractors — expect multiple waves.
What Missing Data Triggers
If IRS detects income not reported on your return:
You’ll likely see:
- Code 570 — refund hold
- Code 971 — notice issued
- Code 290 — tax adjustment
- Possible refund reduction
The IRS calls this Error Resolution processing.
Who Should Check This Transcript?
- Anyone filing amended returns
- Early filers
- Taxpayers with multiple jobs
- Gig workers / tips / self-employment
- People who received new 1099-K forms
- Taxpayers who suspect identity or wage fraud
When Should You Request It?
| Timeframe | Recommended? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| January–March | Not ideal | Most forms missing |
| April–June | Good | Key forms mostly posted |
| July–August | Best | IRS validation complete |
To request online:
Get Transcript → “Wage & Income Transcript”
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
How It Helps Speed Up Refund Release
If the IRS is missing a W-2 or tax form, you can:
Upload or mail documentation responding to the notice
File a corrected/amended return if needed
Verify identity quickly if asked
Prevent delays from growing worse
Summary Chart
| Status | Transcript Shows | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Fully Posted | All wages/income match | Refund likely to release |
| Partially Posted | Some data missing | IRS still cross-checking |
| Empty | IRS has no wage data | Refund delays are likely |
