What does code 1242 and 1201 mean on WMR status?

Question

When I checked the status of my refund I got this message...............

There is a delay in processing your tax return. For more information, please continue.

If you have questions or need additional information, please have the following on hand when you call:
A copy of this page.
A copy of your tax return.
The Social Security Number, Filing Status, and refund amount claimed on your return.
Any notice that you have received concerning your refund.
Please mention reference number 1201 to the IRS Customer Service Representative.

My brother received this message................

We have received your tax return and it is being reviewed. For more information, please continue.

Please read the following information related to your tax situation:
Tax Topic 151, Your Appeal Rights
If you have questions or need additional information, please have the following on hand when you call:
A copy of this page.
A copy of your tax return.
The Social Security Number, Filing Status, and refund amount claimed on your return.
Any notice that you have received concerning your refund.
Please mention reference number 1242 to the IRS Customer Service Representative.

Does anyone know what theses codes mean and how long before we get our refunds. I filed in April, he filed in June. We have contacted the IRS and they are giving the run around. HELP PLEASE!!!

Answer 1

These codes mean that the refund is subject to offset. This means that someone has a lien against your tax return, such as child support enforcement (1201). The length of time it takes to get the refund depends upon the agency that is taking the money out of the refund. The IRS will contact the agency to find out how much the debt is. Once they get this information, which could take 1-4 weeks, then the IRS will deduct what you owe and then forward the rest to you, IF there is any left. Keep watching the "where's my refund" website, and once the IRS knows how much the debt is, it will reflected a new refund amount, which will likely be less from what the original refund was supposed to be.

Answer 2

I got that notice today 3/4/2010. My refund status was being processed and if no errors were found it would be dd on 3/9/2010. Of course I really need that money so I check my status I swear every day. lol Today I got the delay in processing please contact... blah blah blah. I did make the call this morning and it was to advise me that I had filed the 8379 form and that it was going to be delayed due to processing all the paper work. My situation is diffrent than your as to the form and married and filing jointly. I was scared to death to call them but found out it was just to inform me that its being done through a department that deals with the injured spouse forms and will take up to 11 weeks to process my return. As far as I know the 1201 could mean they have a question about your return or some other form you may have or may have not fied that pertains to you. Give them a call early AM depending on the time zone. I only waited 10 mins this time around. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

1201 means there has been a huge delay.

1242 means there has been a shorter delay.



Neither one is indicative of anything.



You already knew there were delays if you filed in April. So get a copy of your return and call.