Stuck on Code 570? Don’t Fall for the “Instant Fix” Scams Exploding in 2026

If you checked your IRS transcript this morning hoping to see a refund date (Code 846) but saw Code 570: Additional Account Action Pending instead, your heart likely skipped a beat. You aren’t alone. Thousands of early filers for the 2026 tax season are reporting this specific freeze code.

Here is the bottom line up front: Code 570 means your refund is on hold. It does not automatically mean you are audited, but it does mean the IRS system stopped processing your return to verify specific data, usually wages or withholding.

Crucial Warning: Scammers are currently flooding social media claiming they can “unlock” Code 570 for a fee. Do not engage. No third party can force the IRS to lift a 570 hold.

The Dreaded 570/971 Cycle Explained

When the IRS computer system (the Master File) detects a mismatch—like your W-2 showing $45,000 income but your employer reported $42,000—it slaps a Code 570 on your account. This is an automatic brake.

Usually, this code is followed shortly by Code 971: Notice Issued. This means the IRS is mailing you a letter explaining why they stopped the money.

Q: Can I fix this immediately? A: rarely. In most cases, you must wait for the physical letter (usually a CP05 or CP12 notice). Calling the IRS before you receive the letter often results in the agent simply telling you to wait 60 to 120 days.

Real-World Scenario: The “Wage Mismatch”

Consider a generic taxpayer, “J. Doe,” who filed early in February 2026. Doe claimed a refund of $4,250.00.

• Feb 10: Transcript updates. Cycle code ends in 05 (weekly update).
• Status: Code 570 appears with a date of Feb 24, 2026.
• The Issue: Doe forgot a small 1099-NEC from a side gig. The IRS system sees income reported under his SSN that isn’t on the return.
• The Fix: Doe cannot just “call” to fix this. He likely needs to amend the return or wait for the IRS to adjust it automatically (which might lower the refund).

The “Unlock” Scam Alert

Because people are desperate for their money in this economy, bad actors are taking advantage. You might see comments on forums saying, “I had code 570, but [Instagram User] fixed it in 20 minutes!”

These are phishing scams. They will ask for your ID.me login credentials or your full SSN to “access the mainframe.” If you give them this info, they won’t unlock your refund—they will redirect it to their own bank account.

Analyzing Your Transcript Codes

Use this breakdown to understand what you are seeing on your mobile screen:

Code	Official Meaning	What It Actually Means For You
570	Additional Account Action Pending	STOP. Your refund is frozen. Do not spend the money yet.
971	Notice Issued	LOOK. A letter is in the mail. Read it immediately.
571	Resolved Additional Account Action	GO. The freeze is lifted. Look for Code 846 next.
846	Refund Issued	PAYDAY. The money is on the way.

Steps to Take Right Now

1. Check Your Math: Look at the return you filed. Did you enter exact numbers? A typo of $100 can trigger a manual review.
2. Verify Income: Ensure every W-2 and 1099 you received matches what you filed.
3. Wait for Friday: If you are a “weekly” updater (Cycle code ending in 05), your transcript only updates on Friday mornings.
4. Watch the Mail: The letter associated with Code 971 is your roadmap to a solution.

If you haven’t accessed your transcript yet to see these codes, you must log in securely through the official portal at IRS.gov/individuals/get-transcript. Never use third-party links to log in.

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