IRS code 570 can appear confusing and frustrating when you check your tax transcript, indicating that your tax return is experiencing a processing delay. If you’ve seen this code and are wondering what it means for your refund or what steps you should take next, you’re not alone. This guide will help you understand why the IRS uses this code, what it signifies about your return, and how you should respond to ensure your tax matters move forward as smoothly as possible.

In this article, you’ll learn what IRS Code 570 means, why it delays your tax refund, and how to avoid common mistakes that trigger it. You’ll also get actionable steps to monitor your status and prepare for next steps.

What Is IRS Code 570?

Seeing code 570 on your IRS transcript means the processing of your tax return has hit a temporary pause. This internal delay flag signals that the IRS is taking a closer look at something specific, which could range from verifying income discrepancies to reviewing claimed tax credits. While it can feel unsettling not knowing the exact reason, the hold is a routine part of handling complex or flagged returns and doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem with your tax filing.

How the IRS Uses Code 570

Code 570 acts like a red flag within the IRS system indicating your return is undergoing additional scrutiny before moving forward. It doesn’t provide details but alerts you that either identity verification, income validation, or credit matching is being reviewed. This pause ensures accuracy and helps prevent fraud or refund errors, explaining why your refund timeline is extended beyond the usual processing period.

What It Looks Like on Your Transcript

Transaction codes like 570 serve as the IRS’s internal shorthand for tracking the various stages and statuses of your tax return. Since these codes are meant for IRS officials, they often lack clarity for general taxpayers and aren’t typically shown in public-facing tools like “Where’s My Refund.” This system allows IRS employees to quickly reference a return’s condition without revealing sensitive details prematurely.

IRS transaction codes encompass hundreds of specific markers used to indicate everything from refunds issued to additional reviews required. For example, code 971 often follows 570 if the IRS requests more information from you. This layered coding system helps the IRS manage millions of returns by flagging returns needing follow-up or verification. However, because these codes are designed strictly for IRS internal use, trying to decode them without professional assistance can lead to confusion or incorrect assumptions about your return’s status.

What Does IRS Code 570 Followed by 971 Mean?

If your IRS transcript shows Code 570 followed by Code 971, it means the IRS placed a temporary hold and has issued or will issue a notice to you. Code 971 is typically used to indicate that a letter has been sent explaining the delay or requesting additional documentation. This doesn’t necessarily mean your return is being audited, but it does mean action may be needed. Check your mail and IRS Online Account for notices, and respond promptly if required.

Is IRS Code 570 a Sign of Rejection or Audit?

No, IRS Code 570 does not mean your return is rejected or audited. It simply means processing has paused. If an audit or correction is needed, the IRS will issue a specific notice. In most cases, this is part of routine verification, especially during peak tax season.

Why Did I Get IRS Code 570? Common Reasons

Several specific issues often cause the IRS to place a hold on your return with code 570. These include identity verification challenges, mismatches between reported income and what the IRS has on file, missing income documentation, inconsistencies in claimed tax credits, or early filing. Sometimes, filing for special allocations like the Injured Spouse status can also prompt this delay. Understanding these common triggers helps you recognize why processing might be paused and why patience during the review process is necessary.

Identity Verification Challenges

If the IRS can’t confirm your identity with the information provided on your return, code 570 might appear. This often happens if your Social Security number doesn’t match IRS records, or if you’ve been a victim of identity theft. The IRS may require extra steps to verify that you are the rightful filer before moving forward with your refund, causing the hold.

Income Mismatches and Tax Credit Discrepancies

When the income figures on your tax return don’t align with what employers or third parties reported, or the tax credits you claimed don’t match IRS records, the IRS flags your return with code 570. For example, a mismatch in wages or claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit incorrectly can trigger further review before your refund is released.

These discrepancies often arise from data mismatches reported on W-2s, 1099s, or other income statements the IRS receives independently. Tax credits like the Child Tax Credit or American Opportunity Tax Credit are also closely scrutinized since they can significantly affect your refund amount. The IRS may compare your claimed credits to their records and pause processing if inconsistencies appear, meaning you might later be asked to provide supporting documentation or corrected information.

What Does the Date Next to IRS Code 570 Mean?

If you spot a future date next to IRS code 570 on your transcript, that date signals when the IRS intends to revisit your account for further review. It doesn’t guarantee when your refund will be issued, nor does it mark the deadline for processing your return. Instead, you can view it as the earliest point in time the IRS anticipates moving forward with your case, though actual resolution may take longer depending on workload and case complexity.

How to Understand the IRS’s Future Review Dates

The future date alongside code 570 reflects an internal checkpoint set by the IRS to re-examine your return. Often, this date aligns with scheduled batch reviews or deadlines for pending verifications. It doesn’t necessarily mean your refund is due then, but rather that the IRS plans to either clear the hold or request additional information starting from that time.

What Pending Account Actions Mean for Your Refund

A future date on code 570 confirms your return is under active review, with some form of action pending before processing can continue. This might include verifying income discrepancies, identity checks, or confirming eligibility for credits. The IRS pauses processing until these checks are completed, explaining why the timeline remains uncertain.

Pending account actions tied to code 570 can arise from a variety of factors, such as mismatched wage information or tax credit inconsistencies. For instance, if your reported Earned Income Tax Credit amounts don’t align with IRS records, they’ll place a hold reflecting that discrepancy. In complex cases, this delay can stretch beyond typical timelines, especially during peak processing seasons. The IRS uses the future date to prioritize when to readdress your file, but until then, your refund remains on pause, awaiting thorough validation or potentially an outreach requesting more documentation.

IRS Code 570: What to Do and What to Avoid

Seeing code 570 on your transcript means patience and measured action are your best allies. Avoid jumping to conclusions or rushing to fix things on your own, as improper moves could prolong the delay. Keep monitoring your refund status regularly with the official IRS tools, stay organized with your documents, and be ready to respond promptly if the IRS reaches out. Balancing patience with preparedness helps you manage this waiting period without unnecessary stress or confusion.

Can You Speed Up the IRS Code 570 Process?

Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed way to speed up the IRS review process for Code 570. However, you can reduce delays by keeping your records organized, checking your IRS Online Account regularly, and responding quickly if you receive a notice. Calling the IRS usually won’t help unless more than 60 days have passed and you’ve received no updates.

Should You Call the IRS Right Away?

Contacting the IRS as soon as you see tax code 570 usually won’t give you any new information. IRS representatives cannot disclose details about the delay until their review begins, and busy call centers often result in long wait times. Premature calls won’t speed up processing and may just increase your frustration. Waiting for official communication or updates via IRS tools remains the most effective approach.

Smart Ways to Review Your Tax Return

Going over your tax return thoroughly can be a smart use of your waiting time. Checking for inconsistencies—such as mismatched income figures, overlooked forms, or credit claim errors—can help you spot issues that the IRS might be reviewing. If you do find mistakes, however, hold off on submitting an amended return until you hear directly from the IRS, as forced amendments can create further processing complications.

Diving deeper during your review can highlight common trouble spots that trigger code 570, like discrepancies in wage reporting, unclaimed or mismatched credits (EITC, Child Tax Credit), or misreported stimulus payments. Identifying these ahead of time lets you prepare for a potential IRS notice, reducing anxiety and ensuring you can provide accurate documentation swiftly—cutting down on the total resolution time. But resist the urge to act without IRS guidance; patience combined with preparedness is the safest path forward.

How Long Will IRS Code 570 Delay My Tax Refund?

Resolution for IRS code 570 often falls between 45 to 120 days, influenced by the IRS’s current workload and the complexity of your case. Some taxpayers see their returns cleared in just over a month, while others wait several months before the IRS completes its review. Your patience matters most here, but staying alert to any IRS communications will ensure you’re ready to act if they request additional information. Assume that earlier dates shown near the code mark the soonest possible review, not a guaranteed completion time.

Typical Processing Time for IRS Code 570 Delays

Although IRS communications may suggest a future date for rechecking your return, actual processing times often extend well beyond that point. Many expect refunds within 6 weeks, yet delays sometimes stretch to three or four months due to verification steps. The IRS doesn’t provide specific reasons or firm deadlines, so timelines vary widely between taxpayers. Assume that your return may be under review for longer than the initial date implies.

What Affects How Long IRS Code 570 Stays on Your Transcript

Several elements impact how long your 570 code stays unresolved. Identity verification issues or mismatches in wage reports can slow processing, especially if third-party employer information is delayed. Claims for refundable credits like EITC, or disputes involving stimulus payments, tend to lengthen reviews. Filing your return early in the season or submitting an Injured Spouse Allocation also introduces complexity. Assume that higher IRS case volumes during peak filing seasons could add more waiting time.

More detail on these factors shows varying effects on your timeline:

• Identity confirmation requires cross-checking with government databases, which may take extra time if additional documentation is needed.
• Employer-reported wage discrepancies often need back-and-forth coordination between the IRS, you, and your employer for clarification.
• Credit claim mismatches trigger audits or in-depth examination to prevent potential fraud or errors.
• Early filers may face delays because the IRS processes initial batches cautiously to detect common mistakes.
• Assume that systemic IRS delays caused by staffing shortages or technical updates can occasionally extend all case reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions About IRS Code 570

How long after IRS Code 570 will I get my refund?

Most taxpayers receive their refund within 45 to 120 days after seeing Code 570, but this varies depending on the case complexity.

What should I do if nothing changes after 60 days?

If more than 60 days pass without updates, you can call the IRS or consult a tax professional to request a transcript review or additional information.

Does Code 570 mean I’m being audited?

No, Code 570 alone doesn’t mean an audit. It’s often a routine verification hold.

Final Thoughts on IRS Code 570 and What You Should Do Next

Summing up, if you see IRS code 570 on your transcript, it means your return is delayed for further review, and while this can be frustrating, it often resolves without issue. You won’t receive specific details until the IRS is ready, so the best approach is to monitor your refund status through the official IRS tools and wait for any requested correspondence. If contacted, provide any needed information promptly or seek professional advice to guide you through the process and help resolve the delay efficiently.

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