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New Member
posted Jun 12, 2019 1:10:13 PM

Where's my refund says there is a delay with a reference number 1541. What does that mean?

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1 Best answer
New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:14 PM

1541 is an an internal code that the IRS uses to identify returns that
have been "Delayed". The doesn't mean there is something wrong with your
 return, it could simply be that the IRS has an overflow of returns at
this time and is behind schedule on issue refunds. There are different
reasons accounting for the 1541 reference number.Also if you claimed the EIC or the child tax credit then those returns will not start to be processed until after the 15th of February.You can also contact the IRS directly mention the reference the code 1541 to them.

Use the link below to get the contact number for the IRS.

https://www.irs.gov/uac/irs-offers-new-toll-free-numbers-to-assist-taxpayers

24 Replies
New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:14 PM

1541 is an an internal code that the IRS uses to identify returns that
have been "Delayed". The doesn't mean there is something wrong with your
 return, it could simply be that the IRS has an overflow of returns at
this time and is behind schedule on issue refunds. There are different
reasons accounting for the 1541 reference number.Also if you claimed the EIC or the child tax credit then those returns will not start to be processed until after the 15th of February.You can also contact the IRS directly mention the reference the code 1541 to them.

Use the link below to get the contact number for the IRS.

https://www.irs.gov/uac/irs-offers-new-toll-free-numbers-to-assist-taxpayers

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:16 PM

Those are not true. I have no offsets, even called the treasury dept and confirmed this but I still have a take action on my wmr and reference of 1541

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:17 PM

Did you claim the EIC or Child Tax Credit?

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:20 PM

No i did not. I called them today though and they didn't really give me much information, they just told me because i had received a 4883c form and verified myself the week before, that i wont be able to check WMR right now and that's what the delay is but that they will begin releasing funds on 02/15/2017 even if you did not claim the EIC or child tax credit

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:21 PM

But you're still not able to check wmr??

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:23 PM

Exactly. If I check wmr it just says there has been a delay in processing, if you have questions call and reference 1541 which the IRS agents had no idea what that was about since I don't have any offsets or EIC. They pretty much said If there's no error code I shouldn't worry about anything and at this point it's just a waiting game 😕 I'll keep y'all updated though!

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:24 PM

Update. After calling several times I still was getting the same answer and was told to wait the 9 week turn around time that the tax payer protection gave me or until I receive anything in the mail from IRS. I felt so defeated but checked WMR at like 5am on 2/18/17 and it now shows my refund was approved and gives me a DD date for next week 🙂

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:26 PM

I just spoke with a representative ( received the same code) and he asked if I claimed the child tax credit. I told him I did and I filed on January 27, 2017. He told me to continue to check the WMR website as it is updated daily and if I don't see a change by February 27, 2017 to call back.

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:28 PM

***Update on reference code 1541***
Received a letter in the mail stating I have 10 days to file 2011 taxes or the IRS will do it for me. Funds will not be released until I file.

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:30 PM

I got the same thing for 2013 taxes. I have to file those returns. Once you file past tax returns, do they release this year's refund?

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:31 PM

My return status says Take Action Refund Delay call ext 321

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:33 PM

Mine says the same. 1541 dial ext 312

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:34 PM

I called and there's bn no letter issued..did u receive one?

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:36 PM

Do any one of you have any updates?? @beka6840 @tn.green1 @christinep214 I've had this message for a month. Been told different things by the IRS. One rep told me there were no issues & to wait it out. Another told me I would receive a letter by 3/1/17; I did not. I've always filed, no offsets. So I don't know what it could be! I just want to know SOMETHING.

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:38 PM

I have had no updates, received no letters. I did get my transcript a couple weeks ago and they had 570 and 971 with the dates of 3-6-17. Those codes mean hold, and letter sent. I was able to reorder my transcripts last Friday but have not received them yet to see if anything has been updated. I'm kind of hoping for a update Saturday , but that's probably wishful thinking.

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:39 PM

I called again this morning and was told that my return is under review and I should receive a CP05 notice in a week to 2 weeks. Then I need to allow 60 days for the review to be complete. Arghhh

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:41 PM

I finally received a DDD! Best of luck you guys!

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:42 PM

Confirmed identity a week ago and was told to wait 9 weeks. As of today received code 1541 and that taxes were being delayed. Also I was able to order transcripts. ...does anyone know what's going to happen next?

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:44 PM

***UPDATE*** Filed 2/11, Accepted 2/12, Delayed Reference (1541) 2/18. Called 2/22, no info. Called again 3/3, was told a letter was sent out on or before 3/1 BC I was under further review and that it could take up to 9 weeks to process. So I was just anxious, waiting for the letter, and I actually still have not received it. Checked WMR (3/12) & my refund has been approved with DDD of 3/15.

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:46 PM

I got my letter today 3/13 saying..We received your income tax return and in the process of conducting a thorough review of your return information. This review is part of an ongoing program the IRS conducts to ensure the accuracy of return information...you aren't required to do anything at this time unless you didn't file a tax return. If you haven't received your refund or been contacted by us in writing within 60 days from the date of this letter 3/9/2017 you can call us at the number listed above 1-800-829-1040 Once we complete our review we may send your refund....Have anyone got this letter and got there returned yet.....

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:47 PM

I got the letter

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:49 PM

But no refund yet

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:51 PM

@GHarris Yes. I actually received that same letter the day I received my DDD.

New Member
Jun 12, 2019 1:10:52 PM

@jep655 what was the reason for your 1541?