How Can I Look Up Reference Code on Where is My Refund
If you check Where’s My Refund (WMR) and see you have a reference code, you should identify the code and see if any action is required.
In many cases, no action is required on your part. One of the most common codes is 9001, which, as you can see, just means you accessed WMR using a different SSN or TIN. Once the IRS analyzes to ensure no fraud has taken place, you will get your return like normal.
If there is an issue, the IRS will typically send you a letter to your mailing address within 90 days stating what the issue was, and any additional information required.
If you have any questions, you can contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.
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Below are the code and a link to the page where you can get more details in plain easy to understand language.
To find the particular reference code – hold down the CTRL key and click “f” for find. Example: I want to search for reference code 5530, so I hold down CTRL and type “f”, a “find in page” box opens on the bottom left corner. 5530 in the box and everywhere the results are found will be highlighted. Click “Match Case” and it will take you directly there.
1001 – Refund paper check mailed more than 4 weeks ago
1021 – BFS part offset, check mailed more than 4 weeks ago (contact BFS at 1-800-304-3107)
1061 – BFS part offset, direct deposit more than 1 week ago (contact BFS at 1-800-304-3107)
1081 – IRS full or partial offset, paper check mailed more than 4 weeks ago
1091 – IRS full or partial offset, direct deposit more than one week ago
1101 – No data, taxpayer filed paper return more than 6 weeks ago
1102 – No data, taxpayer filed electronic return more than 3 weeks ago
1121 – Problem identified; P-Freeze (We’ve discovered that this is typically a typo on the return)
1141 – Refund delayed liability on another account (this means you owe a government entity money)
1161 – Refund delayed, bankruptcy on account
1181 – Refund delayed, pulled for review, not within 7 cycles conduct account analysis
1201 – All other conditions not covered by a status code conduct account analysis
1221 – Refund delayed, pulled for review, within 7 cycles conduct account analysis
1341 – Refund delayed, liability on another account
1361 – Refund withheld for part/full payment of another tax liability
1381 – Refund withheld for part/full payment of another tax liability
1401 – Refund withheld for part/full payment of another tax liability
1421 – Refund delayed bankruptcy on account; -V Freeze; more than 8 weeks
1441 – Refund delayed, SSN, ITIN or Name mismatch with SSA/IRS; return posted to Invalid Segment
1481 – Refund delayed, return Unpostable
1501 – Direct Deposit between 1 and 2 weeks ago, check with bank, file check claim
1502 – Direct Deposit more than 2 weeks ago, check with bank, file check claim
1521 – No data, paper return taxpayer filed more than 6 weeks ago; TIN not validated
1522 – No data, taxpayer filed electronic return more than 3 weeks ago; TIN not validated
1545 – Overflow of returns for 2018
1551 – Frivolous Return Program freeze
1561 – Excess credit freeze set when the taxpayer claims fewer credits than are available
1571 – Erroneous refund freeze initiated
2015 – Savings bond request denied – partial offset – more than 3 weeks from refund date
2016 – Savings bond request denied – total offset
2017 – Savings bond request allowed – more than 3 weeks from refund date
5501 – Split direct deposit – partial offset – more than 2 weeks from refund date
5510 – Split direct deposit – returned by the bank – check mailed – with partial offset
5511 – Split direct deposit – returned by the bank – check mailed
5510 – Split direct deposit – returned by the bank – check mailed – with partial offset
5520- Split Direct Deposit more than 1 week ago; Direct Deposit, General Information
5530- Split Direct Deposit flipped to paper check; Direct Deposit, General Information
8001 – Paper return taxpayer filed more than 6 weeks ago, failed authentication
8002 – Electronic return taxpayer filed more than 3 weeks ago, failed authentication
9001 – Where’s My Refund System Error.
9021 – Reference Code for all math error conditions Analyze account and follow appropriate IRM
9024 – Math error on return. Balance due more than $50 Analyze account and follow appropriate IRM