Refund status "under review" with a link to Topic 151?

[Anonymous]

Due to some special circumstances, I used TT but filed by paper with specific forms under the guidance of a tax attorney.  When checking the filing status, the following was shown:

Does this mean that my filing is "being reviewed" to determine whether there is a dispute from IRS or that IRS has already concluded that there is a dispute?  The Topic 151 relates to dispute process, which was what confused me.  If in fact it is still being reviewed, I may never need 151.  If the IRS concluded that they dispute my filing, then am I simply waiting for a letter?

Thanks.

[Mike9241]

Tax Topic 151: Appeal Your Rights,” one of the several messages you may get, means that you're getting a tax adjustment or offset and could receive a smaller refund than anticipated.

What are the common causes for tax offsets?

Your refunds could be reduced or withheld completely due to:

• Unpaid taxes.
• Unpaid child support.
• Federal student loans in default.

YOUR OPTIONS

A) wait for the refund and subsequent letter of explanation if it is changed

B) contact the IRS

1. Call 1-800-829-1040 between the hours of 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM local time.
2. Press “1” for English or “2” for Spanish.
3. Press “2” for “answers about your personal income taxes.”
4. Press “1” for “questions about a form you have already submitted or a payment or to order a tax transcript.”
5. Press “3” for “all other questions about your tax history or payment.”
6. Press “2” for “all other questions about your tax history or payment.”
7. Do not input your Social Security Number when the recording tells you to.
8. Press “2” for “personal- or individual-tax related question.”
9. Press “3” for “all other inquiries.”
10. Wait to be connected to someone at the IRS.

C) discuss with attorney as to how to proceed

[fanfare]

You can ignore Tax Topic 151.

IRS puts that out on almost everybody's Refund Status.

@Anonymous 

[Anonymous]

@Mike9241 thanks for the information.  I am clear about what Topic 151 covers, what I wanted to understand was if the status included a link to 151, does it automatically mean that IRS has determined that they are disputing my filing? 

It was confusing because on the same page there was also the text "We have received your tax return and it is being reviewed."  This text would suggest that the filing was still under determination rather than a decision has been made that would be relevant to 151.

What I wanted to know was if the status message, in totality, which included both "..being reviewed" and 151 typically means that 1) IRS already decided that they are disputing OR 2) it is still being determined.

I would ask my tax counsel, but I figured I first ask here to see if anyone is familiar with this status presentation.

According to @fanfare's post above this is a sort of form letter and 151 and is common on filing status.

[Anonymous]

@fanfare, thank you for the information.  I will ignore it for now.  Should I assume that "We have received your tax return and it is being reviewed." is the key message in the status and that my filing is in fact just being reviewed (and not [yet] determined by IRS that they are disputing)?

[fanfare]

Topic 151 indicates your refund has been offset and therefore reduced.

I was thinking of another more common Topic 152.

@Anonymous 

[Anonymous]

@fanfare so my filing is really NOT "under review" as written on the status page and has already been offset?  

[fanfare]

Your refund is "under review" until it moves to "approved" status.

@Anonymous 

[Anonymous]

Thanks again @fanfare!  So I understand the IRS' process:  Someone at the IRS has already determined that there should be an offset and is now waiting for their internal review process before it becomes "approved", at which time I will receive some sort of written communication on their decision?

[Mike9241]

since I can't see what you filed I can't say 

the usual reason is in the items cited - an offset to your refund 

if you want to know call the iRS. 

[Anonymous]

@Mike9241 thanks a lot for the steps to contact the IRS (along with other advice).  It streamlined the process and made navigating the phone tree a breeze.  It was very helpful!