IRS Code 570: Refund Hold — Why It Happens & What to Do

If you’re checking your IRS tax transcript in 2025 and see Code 570 – Additional Account Action Pending, you may be wondering: “Is my refund frozen?”

The short answer: Yes, Code 570 means your refund is on hold. But don’t panic — here’s what it means, why it happens, and what you can do when IRS Code 570 Refund Hold.

Illustration showing IRS Code 570 “Refund Hold” highlighted on a tax transcript, with a yellow caution symbol and a frozen money graphic, representing a delayed IRS refund.

What Does IRS Code 570 Mean? IRS Code 570 Refund Hold

IRS Transaction Code 570 appears on your transcript when the IRS places a hold on your refund. This usually happens because something in your tax return triggered a manual review or verification.

In plain terms:

• Refund on Hold: Your refund won’t be released until the issue is resolved.

• Not Always Bad: Many holds are routine checks, not audits.

• Usually Temporary: Often followed by Code 971 (Notice Issued) or Code 571/572 (Hold Released).

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Common Reasons for IRS Code 570

Here are the most frequent causes:

1. Identity Verification

   • The IRS may suspect fraud or need to verify your identity.

   • Sometimes triggered by mismatched Social Security numbers.

2. Credit Checks (EITC/CTC)

   • If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), extra checks are required by law.

3. Discrepancies in Income

   • W-2 or 1099 forms don’t match the income you reported.

4. Early Filing (PATH Act)

   • If you filed early in tax season with refundable credits, the IRS may hold refunds until mid-February.

5. Tax Debt or Offset Review

   • Refund may be paused to check if it will be applied to debts like child support or student loans.

   
   

How Long Does Code 570 Delay a Refund?

• Mild Cases: A few weeks, if the IRS can resolve internally.

• With Notices: If you get a letter (Code 971), the hold may last 45–60 days until you respond.

• Complex Cases: Audits or debt reviews can take longer.

👉 Important: Code 570 does not mean your refund is denied — only delayed.

What Comes After Code 570?

• Code 971 – Notice Issued: The IRS sends a letter explaining why the hold exists.

• Code 571/572 – Hold Released: Refund is cleared after resolution.

• Code 846 – Refund Approved: Final step, refund scheduled for release.

  
  

What Should You Do If You See IRS Code 570?

1. Wait for an IRS Notice (if issued)

   • Don’t panic. If the IRS needs info, they’ll mail you a letter.

2. Check Your Transcript Weekly

   • Updates usually post overnight between Tuesday and Saturday.

3. Don’t Call IRS Too Soon

   • Agents won’t have answers until the hold is officially reviewed.

4. Prepare Documents

   • If you claimed credits, make sure you have W-2s, 1099s, and dependent documentation ready.

     
     

Common FAQs About IRS Code 570

Q1: Does Code 570 mean I’m being audited?

Not necessarily. Most holds are routine checks, not audits.

Q2: Can my refund be denied after Code 570?

It’s rare. Usually, it’s just delayed until you verify information.

Q3: How long after Code 570 will I get my refund?

It depends. If no notice is issued, it may resolve in weeks. If Code 971 follows, expect 45–60 days.

Q4: Should I call the IRS about Code 570?

Wait until you receive a notice or until at least 60 days have passed.

Final Thoughts

Seeing IRS Code 570 can be stressful, but it doesn’t mean you’re in trouble. It simply means the IRS needs more time to review your return. Most taxpayers see it resolved within weeks, especially once Code 571, 572, or 846 appears.

👉 Still waiting? Check our guide on IRS Code 971 – Notice Issued.