IRS Code 570 But No 971? Why Your Refund Is Stuck (And When It Unfreezes)

Filers checking their tax transcripts this week are encountering a specific pattern that signals a delay: Code 570 (“Additional Account Action Pending”) appears with a future date, but the accompanying Code 971 (“Notice Issued”) is missing.

This scenario typically indicates a processing hold where the IRS has paused the refund for review but has not yet issued a formal notice to the taxpayer.

Here is what these codes mean for your refund timeline and the specific update you need to watch for next.

Code 570 Means an Account Hold

Code 570 is a transaction code that places a hold on the refund release. It prevents the system from automatically generating the final Code 846 (Refund Issued).

When 570 appears alone, without a 971 code below it, it often means the IRS is conducting an internal review that may not require action from you yet. Common reasons for this hold during filing season include:

• Wage Verification: The income reported on the return is being cross-checked against employer records.
• Credit Adjustments: The system is verifying eligibility for credits like the EITC or ACTC.
• Identity Verification: The return is held pending completion of ID verification steps.

The refund is not necessarily denied. The 570 code simply holds the funds while this review takes place.

Why Code 971 Is Missing

Usually, if the IRS adjusts a refund or needs more information, they send a letter. This action generates Code 971 on the transcript.

If you see 570 but no 971, it implies the review is still in an early stage or the issue might be resolved internally.

The “Ghost” 971: In some cases, Code 971 will appear on the transcript a week or two after the initial 570 hold. If a future weekly update adds a 971, it indicates the internal review concluded with a decision to send a notice or request verification.

Weekly Processing Updates

Many filers affected by this hold fall into “weekly” processing cycles (often ending in 05). These transcripts typically update overnight on Thursdays into Fridays.

During heavy processing periods in mid-February, system updates can lag. A 570 code may appear as a temporary placeholder while the system finalizes the return’s status for the next cycle.

How to Fix It (And What to Watch For)

The IRS typically advises waiting 21 days from your acceptance date before calling about a refund status.

Tracking the 570 Hold:

1. Monitor Weekly Updates: If you are a weekly filer, check your transcript again next Friday morning.
2. Watch for Code 571: This code means “Resolved Additional Account Action.” It effectively reverses the 570 hold.
3. Check for Code 846: Once the 571 appears, the Code 846 (Refund Issued) usually follows in the same update or the subsequent cycle.

If the 570 hold remains on your transcript for multiple update cycles without resolving, watch your mail for an IRS letter or check your online account for digital notices.