IRS Transcript Code 570 for US Expats: What It Means and What to Expect
Seeing a code on your IRS Account Transcript can feel stressful, especially when you’re waiting for a refund. If you’ve noticed IRS transcript Code 570, it generally means the IRS placed a temporary hold while “additional account action is pending.” In plain English: the IRS is pausing something (often the refund release) while it reviews or verifies part of your return.
For Americans living abroad, Code 570 can show up more often because expat returns frequently include items that require extra validation (foreign income, exchange rates, exclusions, credits, foreign addresses, and consistency across disclosures).
Quick takeaways (read this first)
- Code 570 typically means a temporary processing hold, often affecting refund timing.
- The date next to Code 570 is usually not your refund date. It’s commonly an internal processing date.
- Watch what appears next on your transcript: 971 (notice), 571/572 (hold released), 846 (refund issued).
- No refund is truly “on the way” until Code 846 appears on the Account Transcript.
What Is IRS Transcript Code 570?
IRS transcript Code 570 indicates additional account action is pending. Practically, it’s a sign that the IRS needs extra time to complete processing, often before releasing a refund or finalizing the account.
Important: Many people search online for “IRS Code 570,” but on transcripts this is a transaction code used for IRS processing. It’s not a reference to “Section 570” of the Internal Revenue Code.
Transcript Code Map: What to Look for Next (570, 971, 571, 846)
Code 570 becomes much more informative when you look at the codes that follow it. Here’s a quick map you can use while checking your transcript.
| Transcript code | Plain-English meaning | What it usually means for your refund |
|---|---|---|
| 570 | Additional account action pending | A hold exists: refund may be paused while something is reviewed. |
| 971 | Notice issued | The IRS generated a letter/notice: watch your mail and online account. |
| 571 | Reversal / resolution of the 570 hold | The hold may be lifted: refund may move forward next. |
| 572 | 570 processed in error / corrected | Similar effect: the 570 hold may be removed/corrected. |
| 846 | Refund issued | This is the key refund code: it indicates the IRS has issued/scheduled the refund. |
Pro tip for expats: If you’re checking your transcript repeatedly, focus less on the 570 date and more on whether you later get 571/572 and then 846.
Why Code 570 May Appear (Common Reasons for US Expats)
Code 570 does not reveal the exact reason by itself, it simply signals that the IRS paused something pending review. For Americans abroad, common triggers include:
| Potential trigger | What the IRS may be verifying | Why it’s common for expats |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) | Eligibility and accurate calculation | Requires tests are met (Physical Presence Test / Bona Fide Residence) and careful reporting and exchange-rate consistency. |
| Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) | Foreign taxes paid/credited and limitation computations | FTC involves classifications, carryovers, and foreign-source income details that increase mismatch risk. |
| Foreign income / exchange rates | Consistency of income amounts and conversions | Multiple currencies and pay sources can create avoidable discrepancies. |
| Refundable credits / refund integrity filters | Eligibility and correctness of certain refund items | Some refund items receive extra scrutiny to reduce improper claims. |
| Foreign address / identity verification | Address changes, identity signals, or account consistency checks | Overseas moves and foreign addresses can add verification steps. |
| Mismatch with third-party reporting | Whether reported income aligns with documents on file | Expats may have mixed US and foreign reporting documents across systems. |
Does Code 570 Mean You’re Being Audited?
No. IRS transcript Code 570 is generally a processing hold, not an audit indicator by itself.
An audit typically involves formal correspondence and a defined exam process requesting substantiation. Code 570 more commonly indicates the IRS is verifying something as part of processing.
How Long Does a Code 570 Hold Last?
There is no single timeline for how long Code 570 lasts. Some holds clear quickly, others take longer depending on what’s being reviewed and whether the IRS sends a notice.
What influences the timeline
- Complexity of items under review: foreign income/credits can add complexity
- IRS workload and seasonal processing volume
- Whether the IRS needs to send a notice and wait for a response
- Whether the hold is systemic (auto-clears) vs. tied to a manual review condition
About the date next to Code 570: It usually reflects an internal processing date, not the date a refund will be issued.
What Should You Do If You See Code 570?
In many cases, the best approach is to monitor your transcript and your mail/online account for updates. Use this decision table:
| If you see… | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| 570 only | Hold exists: no transcript notice indicator yet | Check again periodically: watch for updated codes 971, 571/572, and 846. |
| 570 + 971 | Notice was generated / issued | Watch your mail and IRS online account: follow the notice instructions carefully. |
| 571 or 572 | Hold likely released or corrected | Keep monitoring: many taxpayers see 846 next. |
| 846 | Refund issued/scheduled | Now you can track the actual deposit / check timing. |
Reality check: Calling the IRS usually doesn’t “unlock” a 570 hold instantly. In many situations, the outcome depends on the IRS completing internal verification steps or posting cycles.
Will You Still Receive Your Refund?
Often, yes. Code 570 usually indicates a delay, not a denial. Once the hold is resolved, the IRS typically releases the refund unless an adjustment is required.
If the IRS changes something on your return, you should receive a notice explaining what changed and how to respond if you disagree.
What Do the Dollar Amounts Next to Code 570 Mean?
The amount displayed next to Code 570 can be confusing. Here’s a practical way to interpret it:
- \$0.00 often indicates an administrative hold with no posted adjustment amount.
- A positive amount may reflect a figure under review (not automatically “tax due”).
- A negative amount can show a credit/refund context, but it’s not final until the refund code posts.
Bottom line: Don’t treat the Code 570 amount as the final answer. Wait to see whether the hold is removed and whether Code 846 appears.
How to Reduce the Chance of Code 570 in the Future (US Expats)
While IRS reviews can’t always be avoided, careful preparation can reduce avoidable triggers, especially for returns with foreign income reported.
Checklist for expat returns
- Double-check FEIE and FTC logic: eligibility, limits, classifications, and calculations.
- Use consistent exchange rates and document your methodology.
- Keep residency and travel records: travel calendars, entry/exit evidence, leases, etc.
- Keep proof of foreign taxes paid: assessments, withholding statements, foreign returns.
- Make disclosures consistent across your tax return and any required international reporting.
What Happens If the IRS Sends a Notice?
If the IRS needs clarification, you may receive a letter requesting identity verification, clarifying income items, or asking for supporting documentation.
If you receive a notice:
- Read it carefully and identify exactly what is requested.
- Gather only the requested documents: avoid over-sending irrelevant items.
- Respond by the deadline using the method specified.
- Keep copies of everything you submit and track delivery if mailed.
The Bottom Line
IRS transcript Code 570 usually reflects a temporary processing hold while the IRS completes a review or verification step. For many US expats, these holds relate to foreign income, exclusions, credits, exchange rates, or consistency checks.
The most useful strategy is to monitor your transcript for what comes next, especially 971 (notice), 571/572 (hold released), and 846 (refund issued).
Common Questions (FAQ)
What does IRS transcript Code 570 mean?
It generally means the IRS has placed a temporary hold while “additional account action is pending,” often delaying refund release while the IRS reviews part of your return.
Is Code 570 bad?
Not necessarily. It often reflects routine verification and doesn’t automatically mean you made a mistake.
Does Code 570 mean I’m being audited?
No. By itself, Code 570 is usually a processing delay/hold, not an audit notice.
How long does Code 570 last?
There’s no fixed timeline. Some holds clear quickly; others take longer depending on what the IRS is reviewing and whether a notice is involved.
What code means my refund is actually being sent?
On an IRS Account Transcript, Code 846 typically indicates the refund has been issued/scheduled.