You’re checking your IRS tax transcript, anxiously awaiting your refund, and then you see a mysterious code: 971. What does it mean? Is your refund delayed? Should you be concerned?
If you’re asking yourself, “How long after Code 971 will I get my refund?” you’re not alone. Thousands of taxpayers come across this code and are left in the dark about what it truly means for their refund timeline.
What Is IRS Code 971?
Code 971 is an IRS transaction code that appears on your tax transcript, not on your tax return. This code simply means that the IRS has sent or is about to send a notice to the taxpayer. It does not always signal a problem.
Why Does IRS Code 971 Appear on My Tax Transcript?
Could mean:
- A notice regarding identity verification
- A change in your return after processing (adjustments)
- Confirmation of an IRS review or audit
- Notification of a payment arrangement
The presence of Code 971 typically means that some action has been taken or initiated by the IRS and that you’ll receive a formal letter in the mail explaining the situation.
- Code 971 Does Not Always Mean Your Refund Is Delayed: Just because you see Code 971 on your IRS transcript doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong or that your refund is being held. In many cases, it simply means the IRS is sending you a notice or letter, this could be informational or procedural rather than a sign of a problem.
- The Actual Cause or Explanation Will Be in the Corresponding IRS Notice: Whenever you see Code 971, the IRS is preparing (or has already sent) a physical letter explaining what’s going on. This is typically referred to as a CP Notice, and the type will depend on the situation.
What are the common types of IRS notices tied to Code 971?
- CP05 – Your tax return is under review. No action is required unless the IRS contacts you with a specific request.
- CP12 – The IRS has made corrections to your return, typically due to a math error or miscalculation.
- CP75 – The IRS is requesting additional documentation to verify eligibility for certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).
- 5071C – A notice asking you to verify your identity before the IRS can continue processing your return.
Does Code 971 Mean My Refund Is Delayed?
Not necessarily.
Code 971 alone usually means a notice was generated, but it doesn’t always result in a refund delay. The real indicator of a hold or delay is Code 570, which often appears before or after 971.
What If You See Code 570?
If Code 971 appears alongside Code 570, this suggests a hold on your refund. The IRS may be conducting a review, verifying income, or waiting for additional documents from you.
- Code 570 = Refund hold (further review required)
- Code 971 = Notice sent (explains the situation)
In many cases, once the review is completed, you may see Code 571 (hold lifted) followed by Code 846 (refund issued).
What If Code 971 Appears Alone?
If Code 971 is the only code after your return was accepted, it’s likely just a notification that a notice has been mailed to you.
You may still receive your refund on time, especially if the notice is informational and doesn’t require further action from you.
How Long After Code 971 Will I Get My Refund?
The timeline for receiving your refund after seeing Code 971 on your IRS transcript depends on the other codes that appear with it:
- If Code 971 is followed by Code 570 (Additional Account Action Pending):
This indicates your refund is on hold. Delays can range from 2 to 6 weeks, or longer in more complex cases. - If Code 971 is followed by Code 846 (Refund Issued):
Good news—your refund has been approved. You can typically expect it within 2 to 5 business days via direct deposit, or up to 3 weeks if receiving a paper check. - If Code 971 is the final code listed:
This usually means the IRS is sending you a notice. You should receive it by mail within 5 to 10 business days. The timing of your refund will depend on the content of the notice and whether further action is required.
What to Do If You See Code 971
Step 1: Review Your IRS Transcript
Log in to your account at IRS.gov to download your tax transcript. Check for:
- Code 570: Suggests a hold
- Code 846: Refund issued
- Code 971: Notice issued
Step 2: Wait for the IRS Notice
Don’t panic. Wait for the official IRS notice associated with Code 971. It will include an explanation, instructions, and whether you need to take any action.
Step 3: Take Prompt Action (if needed)
If the notice requires a response (e.g., verifying identity), respond as quickly as possible to avoid further delays.
Step 4: Call the IRS If Necessary
If:
- You haven’t received a notice within 2 weeks
- You can’t access your transcript
- Your refund has been delayed for over 4 weeks with no explanation
Tips on How to Stay Informed
- Sign up for IRS e-Notifications
- Use the Where’s My Refund tool
- Bookmark and check your transcript weekly
Common IRS Transcript Codes and Their Meanings
Here’s a quick cheat sheet of IRS transcript codes you might see:
| Code | Meaning | What It Tells You |
| 570 | Additional Account Action Pending | The IRS is reviewing your return. This usually holds your refund temporarily. Combined with 971, it means a notice is being sent to explain the review. |
| 571 | Hold Lifted (Resolved Issue) | This is a positive update that the issue from Code 570 has been cleared, and the IRS will now proceed with processing your refund |
| 846 | Refund Issued | The best code to see! It means your refund has been approved and sent. If this follows 971, the notice may have been just a routine update |
Understanding these codes can help you better anticipate what’s happening with your return and refund.
Conclusion
So, how long after Code 971 will you get your refund?
It depends. If it’s followed by a hold (Code 570), expect delays. If it’s followed by a refund (Code 846), your money is on the way. And if it appears alone, it likely means a notice is coming, and you’ll need to wait for the details.
The key is to stay proactive: monitor your IRS transcript, read any notices carefully, and act promptly when needed. While tax season can feel overwhelming, understanding IRS codes like 971 gives you more control and peace of mind.For more helpful tax tips and insights, visit our Tax Relief Helpers Blog. If you’re still unsure about your refund status, don’t hesitate to reach out to a tax professional who can help you navigate the IRS maze.
Written by: Thomas Brooks
Published: September 8, 2025