IRS Code 570: How to Resolve your IRS Refund Hold
You’ve filed your taxes, checked the IRS’s Where’s My Refund? tool, and instead of a deposit date, you see “IRS Code 570” glaring back. No explanation, no timeline – just bureaucratic limbo. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Millions face this cryptic status each year, leaving them wondering: Is my refund in trouble?
The IRS Code 570 isn’t a rejection. It’s a temporary hold signaling the agency needs more time to review your return. Maybe there’s a math error, missing forms, or a random audit flag. Whatever the reason, the delay feels personal. But here’s what you need to know: This code isn’t permanent, and there are clear steps to resolve it. Let’s cut through the confusion.
What Is IRS code 570?
IRS Code 570 is a temporary freeze on your refund, triggered when the IRS identifies discrepancies or missing details in your tax return. Think of it as a yellow light – not a rejection, but a pause for closer review. You’ll typically see this code paired with a future date (e.g., “Code 570 – 08/15/2024”) on your tax transcript, which signals when the IRS plans to revisit your account.
The message “570 additional account action pending” means the same thing: Your refund is stalled pending further verification. Common triggers include mismatched income data (like unreported 1099s), calculation errors, or identity verification flags.
| Code variation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| IRS code 570 with future date | Hold placed; IRS will review by the listed date |
| 570 additional account action pending | Refund paused; requires manual IRS adjustment |
Don’t panic – this isn’t a bill or audit notice. It’s a procedural pause, but one that demands your attention.
Why did you get a 570 refund hold?
So, why did the IRS slam the brakes on your refund? IRS Code 570 usually means your return raised a red flag – but not necessarily a serious one. Let’s unpack the most common culprits:
Income discrepancies: The IRS cross-checks your reported income with third-party data (employers, banks, etc.). If your W-2 or 1099 forms don’t match their records, expect a hold. This often happens with freelancers or gig workers who overlook a client’s 1099-NEC submission.
Math errors: Transposed numbers, incorrect deductions, or miscalculated credits (like the Earned Income Tax Credit) can trigger tax code 570.
Identity verification: The IRS may freeze refunds if they suspect identity theft. This is common for first-time filers or those who’ve recently moved.
Amended returns: If you filed a corrected return (Form 1040-X), the IRS pauses processing until they reconcile both submissions.
| Trigger | What Happens Next |
|---|---|
| Unreported income | IRS adjusts refund or requests documentation |
| Tax credit errors | You’ll receive a notice (CP12) explaining changes |
| Identity checks | Verify via IRS Identity Verification |
Most issues are fixable without penalties—if you act quickly. Check your tax transcript for clues, and respond to any IRS notices within the deadline.
How to resolve IRS code 570
Resolving IRS code 570 starts with identifying why the hold exists. Here’s your action plan:
Review your tax transcript: Log into your IRS online account and check your transcript for details. Look for codes like 971 (notice issued) or 846 (refund approved) to gauge next steps.
Respond to IRS notices: If the IRS mailed a notice (e.g., CP12, CP05), follow its instructions. This might mean submitting missing documents, like proof of income or identity verification.
File an amended return (If needed): Errors in credits or deductions? Correct them with Form 1040-X. Note: This resets the IRS refund schedule to up to 16 weeks.
Call the IRS: If 21 days pass with no update, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040. Have your transcript and tax documents ready.
| Step | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Review transcript | Immediately |
| 2 | Submit requested docs | 30 days from notice |
| 3 | Wait for IRS review | 60–120 days |
After resolving the issue, monitor the Where’s My Refund? tool. If the hold lifts, your refund typically arrives within 2–4 weeks, but delays can stretch during peak seasons.
Timeline for resolution: When to expect your refund
A 570 additional account action pending status doesn’t mean endless waiting – but timelines vary. Here’s what to expect:
Immediate action: The IRS typically resolves simple issues (math errors, minor income mismatches) within 4–6 weeks. Check your tax transcript weekly for updates.
Complex cases: Identity verification or amended returns can take 8–16 weeks, depending on IRS backlog.
Post-hold refund: Once resolved, your refund follows the standard IRS refund schedule, arriving via direct deposit or mail within 2–3 weeks.
| Hold trigger | Average resolution time |
|---|---|
| Income mismatch | 4–8 weeks |
| Identity check | 8–12 weeks |
| Amended return | 12–16 weeks |
Use the Where’s My Refund? tool for real-time updates. If your transcript shows Code 571 (hold removed) followed by Code 846 (refund issued), you’re in the clear. Delays spike during tax season, so patience is key—but don’t hesitate to call the IRS after 60 days.
What If the delay persists?
If your refund remains frozen past the IRS’s projected timeline, don’t spiral. First, confirm there are no outstanding notices in your IRS online account. If the IRS Code 570 hold lingers beyond 120 days, escalate your case:
Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service: This independent IRS division intervenes in prolonged delays. File Form 911 or call 877-777-4778.
Request a Taxpayer Advocate referral: Your CPA or tax pro can expedite this process.
Persistent holds often mean unresolved errors or unprocessed paperwork. A CP504 notice (final warning before liens) requires immediate action. Stay proactive—delays rarely fix themselves.
Decoding IRS code 570: Key takeaways
IRS Code 570 isn’t a dead end – it’s a detour. Most holds clear up within weeks if you address the issue promptly. Start by reviewing your tax transcript for clues, respond to IRS notices quickly, and track updates through the Where’s My Refund? portal. Delays are frustrating, but they’re rarely permanent.
If the process feels overwhelming – or if deadlines slip past – don’t navigate it alone. H&S Accounting & Tax Services specializes in resolving IRS holds, from correcting errors to speeding up stalled refunds. Contact our team for a free consultation. Let’s turn that “pending” status into a deposit notification.
