5 Reasons Your 2026 Refund is Stuck on “Code 570” (and How to Fix It)

You finally got into your IRS account. You opened your 2025 Account Transcript. You were praying for Code 846 (Refund Issued). Instead, you saw Code 570: Additional Account Action Pending.

Your heart sank. We get it. Code 570 is the “Red Light” of the tax world. It stops your refund dead in its tracks. It means the IRS computer system (the Master File) has paused your return for a human review or an automated adjustment.

The Bottom Line: Do not panic yet. A 570 code does not always mean an audit. Often, it fixes itself within 1-2 weeks. However, if you also see Code 971 (Notice Issued), you need to check your mailbox.

Here are the 5 most common reasons your money is frozen this February.

1. The Wage Verification Mismatch

This is the #1 culprit in 2026. The IRS computer compares the income you reported on your return against the W-2s sent by your employer.

• The Glitch: Sometimes, your employer is slow to upload their data to the Social Security Administration.
• The Result: The IRS thinks you are claiming income they can’t “see” yet, so they freeze the refund (570) until the data matches.

2. The “Math Error” (Auto-Correction)

Did you claim the Child Tax Credit (CTC) for a kid who turned 17 in late 2025? Did you miscalculate your estimated tax payments?

• The Fix: The IRS will automatically correct the math.
• The Sign: You will likely see Code 570 followed immediately by Code 971 with the same date. This usually means they fixed it, adjusted your refund amount (up or down), and are sending you a letter (CP12) to explain.

3. Identity Verification Needed

Sometimes the “freeze” is just a security gate.

• The Fix: You might receive a 5071C Letter. You cannot fix this transcript code until you verify your identity online or over the phone. Once verified, the 570 lifts and turns into a 571 (Resolved).

4. The 60-Day Review (CP05)

This is the frustrating one. You might get a letter saying, “We need 60 more days to review your return.”

• Why? Random selection or verifying tax credits (like the Earned Income Credit).
• Action: Sadly, you usually just have to wait. Calling rarely speeds this up unless you are facing financial hardship.

5. Missing Forms (1095-A)

If you bought health insurance through the Marketplace (Obamacare), you must file Form 8962 using data from your 1095-A.

• The Error: If you forgot to attach this, the IRS freezes the return immediately. They will send a letter requesting the form.

Decoding the Timeline

Use this logic to predict your next step based on the dates next to the codes.

Code Sequence	Date Pattern	Likely Outcome
570 Only	N/A	Processing delay. Check back in 7 days.
570 + 971	Same Dates	Auto-adjustment. Refund coming soon (minus difference).
570 + 971	Different Dates	Manual Review. Expect a delay of 2-4 weeks.

What To Do Now:

Check your transcript every Friday morning (if you are a weekly cycle code ending in 05). If you see Code 571 (Resolved Additional Account Action) appear below the 570, the freeze is lifted, and your 846 date is next.

For more details on notices, visit the IRS Understanding Your Notice page.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult official government resources.