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Level 2
posted Mar 13, 2018 1:34:23 PM

What's taking my refund so long? I have code 1541 on IRS site.

Does code 1541 mean I'm being audited? I'm not sure what could be wrong with my return. Has anyone else had this issue and what was the code for?

0 867 39370
24 Replies
Level 3
Mar 13, 2018 3:17:09 PM

I think code 1541 means that your return is delayed. I don't think it means you are being audited.

 

Anyone else?

Level 9
Mar 14, 2018 4:16:44 PM

Yes, Bogart is on the right track. The code 1541 is a generic internal code used by the IRS to identify returns that have been "Delayed". There are different reasons accounting for the 1541 reference number; so not everyone’s reason will be the same. And it does not always mean that there is something wrong with your return. The most general reason is typically that they have a backlog of returns and are behind on processing. 
 
However, some other reasons that are generally related to this code:
  • You claimed Earned Income Credit (those were held til mid-Feb before they begin processing)
  • Hold due to a current or prior year return that was filed incorrectly
  • Hold on current return to resolve past filing issues if there are prior year returns you didn’t file
  • Filed and you owe past due obligation (i.e. federal/state taxes owed from prior years, child support, student loans, etc.)
  • IRS has an overflow of returns at this time and maybe behind schedule
You call the IRS tax refund hotline at 800-829-4477, Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Or, call the 24-hour ­assistance number at 800-829-1040 and mention the reference the code 1541 to them and they can provide you with further details. 

Level 3
Feb 12, 2019 9:34:23 AM

Mine says the same..what I don't get is I paid all that money when I filed with deluxe just so there was no issues..or is it a common code 1541?

Level 1
Feb 12, 2019 3:05:34 PM

Mine says the same. Im on hold with the irs now. I'll post later what they said

New Member
Feb 12, 2019 5:56:03 PM

Any updates

Returning Member
Feb 12, 2019 6:05:00 PM

What did they say? I have the same code?

Level 1
Feb 13, 2019 7:13:52 AM

I have the same code and I get different answers from the very rude people st the irs. They first told me it was because of claiming EITC and ctc now they are telling me wait 45 days from feb 25th because it’s under review

New Member
Feb 15, 2019 11:18:23 AM

What did they tell you.

Level 2
Feb 16, 2019 9:40:19 AM

I received the same message this morning. Im really confused about this. The IRS is closed until Tues. I have other friends who have the EIC and they have not gotten this message😱😱

Returning Member
Feb 16, 2019 5:27:17 PM

Mine has the same your refund is delayed code 1541. What's going on??

Returning Member
Feb 16, 2019 5:34:57 PM

They said what?

New Member
Feb 17, 2019 12:23:35 AM

I contacted the IRS last Tue after looking at my status online. I was told my return was being delayed due to the EIC. The customer service agent also stated that the status on my account should update after Feb 15.

New Member
Feb 17, 2019 12:38:30 AM

Did you ever find out?

Level 3
Feb 17, 2019 12:40:04 PM

Did it update? If so what did it say

New Member
Feb 17, 2019 8:33:33 PM

Im trying to figure out aswell linda noone is responded we will need to call Tuesday ourself

New Member
Feb 17, 2019 9:35:52 PM

I received this message, but I haven’t got an update on my end. I talked to the irs customer service on Friday and they said they didn’t see any letters generated. I said if I don’t see an update today I am going to call them back because it would be 21 days.

Level 2
Feb 18, 2019 7:12:34 AM

Hey I have the same code ! What was the reason when you called?

New Member
Feb 18, 2019 11:28:33 AM

Hi did you ever get an answer to what this code really mean for your taxes

Level 5
Feb 18, 2019 11:54:16 AM

Hey guys so I got the code also, I filed Jan 14th.. I had TAx 152 code for a couple weeks and changed to 154 this past Saturday... wait for tomorrow night for update. I’ll keep u guys updated too..
I wouldn’t call tomorrow because they say tomorrow is busiest tax day of the year and u could Ben on hold for hours lol

Level 2
Feb 18, 2019 9:00:59 PM

What's taking my refund so long

Level 3
Feb 19, 2019 5:21:10 AM

I talked to the irs today she said they didn’t have proof of my w2 in there system so I had to wait for my employer to send it to them. I got the code 1541 never had this problem before

New Member
Feb 19, 2019 6:00:35 AM

Did you get a update from the IRS when you spoke with them

Level 5
Feb 19, 2019 6:20:56 AM

I spoke with them today and they told me I had to wait and additional 2 weeks by March 4 to see if there is and update or if I receive a letter. I am so frustrated because I need this money and now I have to wait and I file the same way each year nothing different

Level 3
Feb 19, 2019 6:23:07 AM

They told me it was because my job w2 wasn’t in there system