Code 570 means the IRS is holding your refund to check it against other tax records

Code 570 is an IRS hold placed on your refund while they verify information — usually to match your return against wage records from your employer, income reported by banks, or prior-year tax filings. It is not a rejection or a problem. It is a pause while the IRS confirms the numbers add up.

The IRS places this hold automatically when certain patterns trigger their matching systems. Common reasons include a large refund relative to your reported income, a refund claimed after filing late, income that does not match what employers or financial institutions reported to the IRS, or a return filed after a prior-year issue. Once the IRS confirms everything matches, the hold lifts and your refund processes.

How long this takes depends on how quickly the IRS receives the records they are checking against and how backed up their verification team is. There is no fixed timeline — some Code 570 holds clear in two weeks, others take two months or longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Code 570 is a verification hold, not a denial — the IRS is checking that your income and refund amount match what employers and banks reported.
  • The hold typically lasts between two weeks and two months, but the IRS does not publish a specific timeline because processing speed varies by season and workload.
  • You can check the status of your refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov, which updates every 24 hours.
  • If your refund does not arrive within 120 days of filing, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to ask whether the hold is still active.

How to track your refund while Code 570 is active

The IRS Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov is the only official source for your refund status. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your return. The tool updates once every 24 hours and will show Code 570 along with a message that the IRS is reviewing your return.

Do not rely on third-party websites or tax software to track your refund status — they pull information from the IRS system but may display it with a delay. The IRS website itself is always the most current.

If the Where's My Refund tool shows Code 570 but no estimated date, that usually means the verification is still in progress. Check back in three to five business days. If the status has not changed after 30 days, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to ask how much longer the hold will take.

What happens after Code 570 clears

Once the IRS confirms your information matches their records, Code 570 is removed and your refund enters the normal processing queue. From that point, the IRS typically deposits your refund within five to seven business days if you chose direct deposit, or mails a check within two weeks if you requested a paper check.

You will see the status change in Where's My Refund when the hold is lifted. The tool will show a new message indicating your refund has been approved and will display an expected deposit or delivery date.

If you filed by mail rather than electronically, Code 570 holds tend to last longer because the IRS must first scan and process your paper return before they can begin verification. Electronic returns move through verification faster.

Why the IRS holds refunds and what triggers Code 570

The IRS uses Code 570 to prevent fraud and catch errors before money leaves the government's account. When your return shows income or deductions that do not match what the IRS has already received from employers (W-2 forms), banks (1099 forms), or prior-year records, the system flags it automatically.

Common triggers include claiming a much larger refund than you received in prior years, reporting self-employment income that differs significantly from what you reported before, claiming dependents the IRS does not have on file, or filing after the normal tax season ends. None of these automatically means something is wrong — they just mean the IRS needs to verify before releasing the money.

The hold also appears when you amend a prior-year return or file after claiming the same refund twice. These situations require manual review, which takes longer than automated verification.

What to do if Code 570 takes longer than expected

If your refund has been on Code 570 for more than 60 days, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready. The IRS representative can tell you whether the verification is still in progress or whether something else is holding up your refund.

If you filed by mail and it has been more than 120 days since you mailed your return, the IRS may not have received it. Ask the representative to check whether your return was scanned into their system. If it was not, you may need to file electronically or mail a new copy with proof of mailing.

Do not file a second return while Code 570 is active on the first one. Filing twice can trigger additional holds and delays. Wait for the first return to be fully processed.

Direct deposit versus mailed checks with Code 570

If you chose direct deposit on your return, your refund will deposit directly to your bank account once Code 570 clears and the IRS releases the funds. This usually happens within five to seven business days after the hold is lifted. Your bank may take an additional one to two business days to make the money available in your account, depending on their processing schedule.

If you requested a paper check, the IRS will mail it after Code 570 clears. Mailed checks typically arrive within two weeks of being sent, though delivery time depends on your location and the postal service. If you do not receive your check within three weeks of the expected delivery date shown in Where's My Refund, contact the IRS to request a replacement.

You can change your refund method from check to direct deposit before the hold clears, but only by filing an amended return (Form 1040-X). This usually adds more time to processing, so direct deposit is faster if you have the option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do anything to speed up Code 570?

No. The IRS must complete their verification before releasing your refund, and there is no way to expedite it. Calling repeatedly or filing additional forms will not make it faster — it may actually slow it down by creating confusion in your file. The best use of your time is checking Where's My Refund every few days and waiting.

Does Code 570 mean I made a mistake on my return?

Not necessarily. Code 570 is a verification hold, not an error notice. It means the IRS is checking that your numbers match what they have on file. Most Code 570 holds clear without any changes to your return. If the IRS finds an actual error, they will send you a separate notice by mail explaining what needs to be corrected.

What if my refund never arrives after Code 570 clears?

If Where's My Refund shows your refund was approved and sent, but you have not received it after the expected timeframe, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. They can confirm whether the refund was deposited to your bank account or mailed as a check, and request a replacement if it was lost.

Can I use my refund while Code 570 is active?

No. Your refund is held by the IRS until Code 570 clears. You cannot access the money or have it sent to you early. Once the hold is lifted, the refund will be released according to your chosen method (direct deposit or check).

Is Code 570 the same as a tax audit?

No. Code 570 is an automated verification hold that happens before your refund is released. An audit is a separate, more detailed review of your return that the IRS initiates if they want to examine specific items. You can receive Code 570 without ever being audited. If the IRS decides to audit you, they will send you a notice by mail.