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New Member
posted Jun 6, 2019 7:43:16 AM

I got a tax topic 151 which I know what that is but will they hold my entire refund or give me a partial that was not affected? The affected part I’m sure was my step son

I have three children 2 of which are my biological kids but my son is my step son. I’m sure that’s why I got a tax topic 151 to prove he lives with me. But I was wondering if I would get a partial or my refund of the part of the refund that is not affected which would be my other 2 kids? 

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24 Replies
New Member
Jun 6, 2019 7:43:18 AM

We can't tell you whether the IRS will give you part of your refund or take it all.  They could determine that you could have all of it. 

Tax Topic 151 means your return is under review.  This can be done for various credit claims such as Earned Income Credit or any of the education tax breaks (this is not all inclusive).  Your best bet it to wait until the IRS contacts you via letter which can take up to or more than 4 weeks for you to receive it.

They may simply need more information and nothing will be affected.  In addition, they could potentially make changes which you can accept or contest the changes per the IRS letter.

Level 2
Jan 27, 2020 9:43:03 PM

Not true topic 151 means there's an offset pending an that your taxes are being adjusted

Level 2
Feb 22, 2020 4:21:56 AM

I received the topic 151 this morning on WMR.. so it basically means they’re offsetting an amount? & I’ll get the difference?

New Member
Feb 22, 2020 5:24:38 AM

I got the same message this morning, in which I know I owed from last year. Will they take what’s owed to them and release the rest or do I need to call in?

Returning Member
Feb 22, 2020 6:04:53 AM

Ive got the same message. This so confusing that so many ppl has gotten the same message.

Intuit Alumni
Feb 22, 2020 8:31:37 AM

It sounds like you have a refund offset.  This is when the IRS reduces your refund to pay off delinquent debt.  If this happens, you will receive a letter explaining why your refund was offset.

 

Tax Topic 151 is the code referring to your right to appeal in this situation.  Read more here:  https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc151

Level 2
Feb 22, 2020 9:13:07 AM

I got the same message today as well a lot people are getting same error will they b adjusting our refund ?

Intuit Alumni
Feb 22, 2020 9:26:12 AM

@King67

Unfortunately, TurboTax does not receive updates from the IRS, once a return is accepted. Please see this great explanation regarding this situation: Refunds Reduced and Partial Refunds

Level 2
Feb 22, 2020 9:27:45 AM

I do owe from unemployment which I think may b reason that they are going to adjust my refund and give me the rest lol. 

Level 2
Feb 22, 2020 9:30:16 AM

If anyone else is having 151 tax topic please share! 

New Member
Feb 22, 2020 11:31:25 AM

hi I was contacting because we received the same letter and I was wondering did it have anything to do with you filing a child that wasn't biologically yours and if so what happened in that case

Level 2
Feb 22, 2020 1:32:12 PM

I am going through this now they will hold the refund under review if you claimed the eitc. Birth certificates lease doctor or school records a lease and utility bill. Making sure you send yours and the kids.

 

Level 2
Feb 22, 2020 1:33:34 PM

No it means you are under review

Level 2
Feb 22, 2020 1:35:47 PM

No it's under review until I send supporting documents

Level 2
Feb 22, 2020 4:38:36 PM

It would still be tbe same earned income tax credit and they will hold it until you send more supporting documents send birth certificates a lease doctor or school records and a utility bill generally you will receive a letter but once they have the info best results fax it they will have 7 days to release your entire refund.

Level 2
Feb 22, 2020 6:05:58 PM

@monilove34  Did you get letter in the mail? On wmr they told me wait until I get a notice from them in the mail. What documents would I need to forward to them ?

Level 1
Feb 22, 2020 6:59:37 PM

I got the same message except I’ve had the same job and claiming the same people. I don’t have any debt like that so Im sure there not taking anything from me like that.. I’m claiming one less person cause they claimed themselves this year. Not sure 

Level 2
Feb 22, 2020 7:14:24 PM

@Mundo Did you get anything in the mail telling you to send anything or what’s the next process you have to do?

New Member
Feb 22, 2020 7:17:41 PM

I got 151 all I did was add a child that live with me 2019 will I get part of my money are what? Should i go too the IRS on Monday 

New Member
Feb 22, 2020 7:20:04 PM

Do anyone think I should go to the IRS on Monday i got 151 today also never got this need help 

Level 2
Feb 22, 2020 9:55:05 PM

@Wilkerson  I got the same thing too what are you going to do?

Level 2
Feb 23, 2020 6:07:20 AM

No need to.worry you just need to send supporting documents like birth certificates a lease school or medical records and a utility bill for proof and they will release it there is so many people going through this mess because of trumps tax law one thing for sure if you claimed the eic before they can't take it away form u

Level 2
Feb 23, 2020 6:08:18 AM

No it means you have to send supporting documents 

Level 2
Feb 23, 2020 6:23:41 AM

@monilove34 what supporting documents can I send from school or what else can I send bc it’s my child I adopted so I’m not in the birth certificate?