A tax return is under review when IRS letters arrive, Where’s My Refund shows review wording, transcript codes add holds, and your refund stalls.
If you filed and the refund hasn’t landed, you’re likely asking whether your return is stuck in an IRS review. This guide shows the plain signs to look for, what each signal means, and the steps that move things along. You’ll see how letters, refund tools, and transcript codes fit together, plus realistic timelines and smart follow-ups.
Clear Signs Your Return Is In An IRS Review
Reviews range from quick automated checks to deeper looks where IRS staff compare your entries with wage and information reports. The signals below are the most common. See which ones match your case.
| Signal | Where You’ll See It | What It Usually Means |
|---|---|---|
| CP05/CP05A/CP05B letter | Mail to the address on your return | Refund on hold while income, withholding, or credits are checked; CP05A/CP05B may request documents. |
| “Under review” type wording | Where’s My Refund (WMR) or IRS Online Account | System flagged the return; the account shows a hold while the check finishes. |
| Transcript code 570 | Tax Return Transcript | Additional processing needed; refund can’t release yet. |
| Transcript code 971 | Tax Return Transcript | A notice or letter was issued; watch mail for instructions. |
| Refund date disappears | WMR moves from a date to a generic message | Return moved to a manual queue or automated hold. |
| Identity check request | Letter or IRS Online Account alert | IRS needs you to prove you’re the filer before release. |
What The Common IRS Letters Mean
IRS letters carry a notice number in the top corner. That CP or LTR code tells you why your refund paused and what action, if any, you need to take.
CP05: Broad Verification Hold
CP05 means the IRS needs more time to check income, withholding, credits, or business entries. In many cases you don’t need to send anything right away. The notice sets a waiting window before you call. If nothing arrives after that window, reach out with the notice in hand.
CP05A: Send Proof
CP05A looks similar to CP05 but requests documents. The letter lists what to send—think W-2s, 1099s, proof of withholding, or records for a credit you claimed. Ship copies, not originals, and keep a full set for your files. Include the page that shows the barcode or tracking number so the intake center can match your packet to your case.
CP05B: Income Mismatch
CP05B is used when the income on the return doesn’t match third-party reports. Send the requested forms or a short note that explains a mismatch, along with records that back it up. If a payer corrected a form, include the corrected version.
Letter 4464C: Return Under Review
This letter also tells you the IRS is reviewing your return. Next steps vary by the team handling your case. Some letters ask you to wait; others direct you to call or verify identity. Read the action box on the letter and follow it line by line.
Close Variation: How To Tell Your Tax Refund Is Under A Review Hold
Many filers spot the review when a once-promising refund date vanishes. Others see a generic message in WMR or receive a letter a week later. Your transcript often confirms the status.
Use Where’s My Refund The Right Way
Check once per day; the system refreshes overnight. Match your filing status, refund amount, and exact Social Security number. If you e-filed, give it at least 24 hours before the first check. Paper returns take longer to appear. If WMR shows review-style wording and your return transcript shows hold codes, you’re in a review.
Read Your Transcript Codes
Open your IRS Online Account and pull the “Return Transcript” for the tax year. Two codes matter in most review cases:
- 570 — Additional processing needed. This code blocks the refund until the issue clears.
- 971 — A notice or letter was issued. The date next to it lines up with mail timing.
A later 846 means a refund was released. If you see 570 without 971, a notice may still be on the way, or the IRS is working the case without asking you for more records.
What Usually Triggers A Review
IRS systems compare your entries with wage and information reports and run checks on credits with fraud risk. You can’t see the exact algorithm, but these patterns show up often:
- W-2, 1099, or gig income that doesn’t line up with payer reports.
- Large withholding claims that don’t match W-2 boxes or 1099s.
- Refundable credits with missing forms or math issues.
- Identity verification signals, such as prior ID theft activity.
- Math changes or schedules that don’t match each other.
Plenty of clean returns get pulled at random as well. A review doesn’t mean the IRS decided something is wrong; it means the system or a staff reviewer needs to check a few items before release.
What To Do When You Get A Review Letter
Action depends on the notice. Follow the letter’s exact steps. A sharp, complete packet saves weeks.
Build A Targeted Document Set
Match each request line with a document. If the letter asks for income proof, include W-2s, 1099s, and a short cover page that maps each item to the letter line. If a credit is in question, include eligibility records and any forms tied to that credit. Keep copies of everything you send.
Send It The Way The Letter Asks
If it offers an upload portal or fax line, use that. For mail, send tracked delivery to the address on the letter, not the general IRS address. Place the notice page with barcode on top so the intake center can route it fast.
Give The Stated Window
Many review letters set a window, often around 60 days, before you call. That clock starts on the notice date or on the date the IRS marks your reply as received, depending on the letter. Calling inside the window rarely speeds release unless the letter gives a line to call.
Realistic Timelines And What They Mean
Timelines vary with staffing, the type of issue, and whether the IRS needs more records. Use the table below as a plain guide.
| Situation | Expected Window | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| CP05 with no document request | About 60 days from the letter date | Wait through the window; check WMR weekly; call only after the window passes. |
| CP05A/CP05B with records sent | Up to 60 days from when IRS receives your packet | Track delivery; keep your proof; call after the stated window if no update. |
| 570 hold on transcript | Varies; watch for 971 and later 846 | Look for a letter; if none arrives in a few weeks, call with transcript in hand. |
| Identity check letter | Release follows successful verification | Finish the steps online or by phone; keep the confirmation number. |
| Paper return pulled for review | Longer due to intake and scanning | Expect a slower start; watch for letters; respond fast when asked. |
How To Check Status Without Guesswork
You have three ways to track progress. Use them in this order to save time.
1) Use Where’s My Refund
Run a daily check. A move from a date to a generic message usually pairs with a review hold. If WMR shows a code or reference, write it down. If you can’t get online, the automated phone line can give the same status for current-year refunds.
2) Pull Your Transcript
Your IRS Online Account gives you a downloadable transcript. Scan for code 570 and code 971 with dates. A final code 846 means the money has been released. If you see a new 971 with a fresh date, watch the mail for the linked letter.
3) Call Only When The Window Passes
Calls before the window often lead to the same message you already see online. Once the wait period ends, have your notice number, filing status, refund amount, and transcript codes ready. That prep shortens the call.
Smart Ways To Speed Resolution
You can’t skip a review, but you can keep it from dragging on.
- Answer the exact ask. Don’t toss in stacks of unrelated papers. Direct matches get routed faster.
- Label every page. Add your name, SSN last four, and notice number on each page.
- Use trackable delivery. Save the carrier receipt and a scan of the packet.
- Check online first. One daily WMR check is enough; wait for an overnight refresh before checking again.
- Stay consistent. If you must call, reference the same notice number and dates shown on your transcript.
When A Review Becomes An Examination
Most reviews end with a refund release. A smaller share turns into a full examination where the IRS proposes changes. If you get a letter proposing an adjustment, read the response options and deadlines. You can agree, send records to refute parts, or request an appeal through the process listed in the letter.
Answers To Common “Is This A Review?” Moments
WMR Shows “Processing” For Weeks
This can be normal during peak season. If you filed early and see no letter after several weeks, pull a transcript. A 570 without 971 can still be a review in progress.
Refund Date Disappeared Overnight
That’s a classic sign of a hold. A notice often follows. Keep checking WMR and your mail.
The IRS Returned My Paper Check
Returned checks tie to address issues, name mismatches, or entitlement problems. If the check bounced back due to address, update your address and request a reissue once the account is clear.
Sample Call Script Once The Waiting Window Ends
Use a crisp script to keep the call short and productive:
- Open with your name, the tax year, and that you’re calling about a review notice.
- State the notice number and date from the letter.
- Read your transcript codes and dates (570 on [date]; 971 on [date]).
- Ask what items are being checked and whether any documents remain outstanding.
- Confirm the next touchpoint and the time frame.
Prevent Repeat Reviews Next Year
Small tweaks lower the odds of another hold:
- Match payer forms before you file. Compare W-2 and 1099 totals to what you enter.
- Confirm withholding boxes and Social Security numbers digit by digit.
- Attach required schedules and forms for any credit you claim.
- Use direct deposit with correct routing and account numbers to avoid mailed checks and reissues.
- Keep a file with copies of your forms and any notice you received this year.
Where To Get Official Status And Guidance
For status, the IRS page for refunds gives the current contact lines and points you to Where’s My Refund. The CP05 notice page explains why a refund is held and the usual 60-day window. Keep both links handy while you track your case.