Where's My Refund reference codes.
All 38 four-digit codes in the current IRS manual exhibit, with the IRS's own wording and what to do about each.
By what they mean.
Return under review
- Reference code 1121Problem identified
- Reference code 1181Refund delayed
- Reference code 1221Refund delayed
- Reference code 1241Paper return received more than 6 weeks ago
- Reference code 1242Electronic return received more than 3 weeks ago
- Reference code 1261Paper return received more than 6 weeks ago
- Reference code 1262Electronic return received more than 3 weeks ago
- Reference code 1551Frivolous Return Program freeze set by TC 971 AC 089
- Reference code 1561Excess credit freeze set when the taxpayer claims fewer credi...
- Reference code 1571Erroneous refund freeze initiated by TC 844
- Reference code 1581Manual refund freeze with no TC 150
Name or SSN mismatch
Held for another balance
- Reference code 1141Refund delayed liability on another account
- Reference code 1341Refund delayed
- Reference code 1361Refund withheld for part/full payment of another tax liability
- Reference code 1381Refund withheld for part/full payment of another tax liability
- Reference code 1401Refund withheld for part/full payment of another tax liability
Refund reduced by an offset
Math error corrected
Deposit or check problem
- Reference code 1502Direct deposit more than 2 weeks ago
- Reference code 2009Taxpayer is advised their refund check was returned undeliver...
- Reference code 5510Split direct deposit
- Reference code 5511Split direct deposit
- Reference code 5520Split Direct Deposit more than 1 week ago
- Reference code 5530Split Direct Deposit flipped to paper check
Refund paid
Bankruptcy on the account
System issue
Questions people ask
Where do these codes come from?
From the IRS manual for refund research, Exhibit 21.4.1-3, "Internet Refund Fact of Filing Reference Numbers". The tracker shows the code; the manual says what it means.
My code is not on this list.
The list is the current exhibit (revised September 2, 2026). Codes found on older websites, such as 1541, 1102, 1191, 1251 or 1301, are not in it.
Should I call the IRS about a reference code?
Only if the code page says so. Many codes mean a letter is on the way; answering the letter is what moves the refund.
Sources
Checked against these sources on October 30, 2026.