After an IRS refund freeze (such as a Code 810), refunds are typically released within several weeks to a few months, depending on the issue. Once necessary documents are reviewed, verified, and the hold is lifted, it often takes an additional 1 to 2 weeks for the funds to be deposited.
The IRS has no maximum time limit when it comes to processing tax refunds, but after 45 days, it is required to pay interest on your refund. In most cases, you can expect the IRS to issue your tax refund within 21 days of filing your tax return.
IRS Code 810, also known as “TC 810,” signifies that the IRS has temporarily stopped processing your tax refund. Usually, this is because the agency needs to verify details on your tax return and confirm that it has applied any amount you owe to your return.
How to resolve a refund freeze:
"Being processed", means the IRS must first process your return and then approve your refund. Even though the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days after they receive your tax return, it's possible your tax return may require additional review and take longer.
The IRS utilizes bank account freezing as a legal means to recover unpaid taxes, essentially putting a hold on the funds in an individual's account. This action restricts access to and withdrawal of money when previous attempts to collect owed taxes have been unsuccessful.
There's no strict maximum limit for how long the IRS can hold a refund, but they must pay interest after 45 days; while most e-filed returns take 21 days, returns needing extra review for errors, fraud, or certain credits (like EITC/ACTC) can take months (45-180+ days), and amended returns can take 8-16 weeks, with unfiled returns having an indefinite delay until filed.
You generally shouldn't worry if your refund is "still being processed," as it means the IRS is working on it, but it might take longer than the typical 21 days due to common issues like errors, incomplete information, or claiming credits like the EITC/ACTC. Worry only becomes necessary if you receive an IRS letter requesting more information or if the "Where's My Refund?" tool shows a specific problem like fraud, but typically, it just means a longer wait, not no refund at all.
Seeing this code signals you need to investigate the cause, usually by reviewing your tax return transcript. Resolution time varies greatly; there is no set period for the freeze to lift. Responding promptly to IRS notices is crucial for addressing an 810 freeze situation.
Until the levy has been released when your tax debt has been paid in full, you might face financial woes. However, there is room to bargain with the IRS for a modification or even a release to the garnishment if you don't have enough money to cover basic living expenses after the levy has gone into effect.
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.
Compliance Refund Hold Projects
A Transaction Code (TC) 810 or TC 570 indicates a stopped/frozen refund. TC 810 or TC 570 is used by Exam or Automated Questionable Credit (AQC) if a taxpayer's return is under review or the previous review is not closed.
Request an expedited refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059). Request a manual refund expedited to you.
Income tax refund delays in 2025 (for the 2024 tax year) happen due to errors, fraud protection, claiming specific credits like EITC/ACTC (held until mid-Feb by law), missing info, or general IRS review, with increased scrutiny on identity theft and income mismatches leading to longer processing times. Common culprits include wrong SSNs, math errors, incomplete forms, and discrepancies with income reported by employers.
Processing your refund usually takes: Up to 21 days for an e-filed return. 6 weeks or more for returns sent by mail. Longer if your return needs corrections or extra review.
The IRS generally issues refunds within 21 days of e-filing, but paper-filed returns can take 6 to 8 weeks.
Once a bank receives a levy notice from the IRS, it's legally required to freeze the funds in the account for 21 days. During this period, your client cannot access the money—but the IRS doesn't have it yet either. That 21-day window is critical.
When the IRS pursues back tax returns, the IRS can freeze any due refunds until you file the old return. The only way to fix this issue and get your refund is to file the past-due return. If you owe taxes on the old return, the IRS will take that amount out of your current-year refund.
In some cases, for instance, with suspected fraud, the freeze can last only a few days while the institution completes its internal checks. If a court order or investigation is involved, such as an Account Freezing Order, the account may remain frozen for months or even years.
The fastest way to get your refund is to e-file your Kansas state income tax return and choose direct deposit. However, if your return is incorrect, incomplete, or you filed a paper return, the refund process can take longer (up to 16 to 20 weeks if you paper filed and chose to receive your refund via paper check).
If your refund details state that it's still processing, you can check your tax return to see if you catch any errors. If your refund status instructs you to contact the IRS, you can speak to an agent to get clarification by calling 1-800-829-1040.
The IRS issues refunds only on business days. However, some banks may post deposits on Saturdays if funds are received late on a Friday.