While the online “Where’s My Amended Return” tool gives only a basic status, an IRS account transcript provides specific activity and financial details. These are the most important codes to watch:
Key Amended Refund Transaction Codes
| Code | What it Means | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 971 | IRS issued a notice about changes | A letter is on the way explaining the amendment |
| 570 | Additional review or hold on refund | No payment will be sent until resolved |
| 766 | Credit to your account | Refund is being calculated |
| 768 | Earned Income Credit applied | Helps increase refund amount |
| 571 / 572 | Resolution of the 570 hold | Movement toward refund release |
| 846 | Refund issued | A deposit or check date is confirmed |
| 290 / 291 | Additional tax assessed or removed | Final refund amount may change |
Timeline Clues on Transcripts
Beyond codes, these fields help indicate progress:
- Processing Date: When work should complete
- As Of Date: Account status checkpoint
- Cycle Code: When updates posted to system
Movement in these areas usually means your amended return has been assigned or adjusted.
If Codes Do Not Change
If codes remain stuck for months:
- A caseworker may not have reviewed it yet
- Documentation mismatches may exist
- A secondary review may be required
IRS contact is recommended only after the standard 20-week time-frame has passed.
Summary
Codes 971, 570, 571/572, and 846 are the most critical indicators of amended refund approval and release timing. Checking your tax transcript is the most reliable way to see real progress.
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