Code 290 means the IRS has received your return but hasn't processed it yet

Code 290 appears in your IRS account transcript when the IRS has your return in hand but is still reviewing it for errors, missing information, or anything that needs verification before they can issue your refund. It is not a delay or a problem — it is a normal step in the processing pipeline.

The time between Code 290 and your refund depends on what the IRS finds during that review. If your return is straightforward with no issues, you may see your refund within two to three weeks. If the IRS needs to verify something — income, credits you claimed, or documents you attached — the timeline stretches to four to eight weeks or longer.

You can see Code 290 in your IRS account on the IRS website under "View Your Tax Account" or in the transcript section. It shows the date the IRS received your return and sometimes a note about what they are reviewing.

Key Takeaways

  • Code 290 means your return arrived at the IRS but processing has not finished, which is a normal part of the workflow.
  • Refunds typically arrive two to three weeks after Code 290 if no issues are found, or four to eight weeks if the IRS needs to verify information.
  • You can track your refund status on the IRS website using "Where's My Refund?" or by checking your account transcript.
  • The IRS will contact you by mail if they need documents or clarification, so check your mailbox regularly during the processing window.
  • If your refund does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the IRS or a tax professional to find out what is holding it up.

What happens between Code 290 and your refund deposit

After Code 290 appears, the IRS runs automated checks on your return. They verify that your Social Security number matches IRS records, that your income figures line up with W-2s and 1099s filed by your employer or payer, and that any credits or deductions you claimed are within normal ranges for your income level.

If everything passes those checks, the IRS approves your refund and sends it to the bank or address you listed on your return. Direct deposit refunds usually land in your account within one business day of approval. Paper checks take seven to ten business days after approval to arrive by mail.

If the IRS flags something during review — a mismatch in numbers, a credit that needs verification, or a missing document — they will send you a letter explaining what they need. You then have a window to respond, which can add two to four weeks to the timeline.

How to check your refund status after Code 290

The IRS tool "Where's My Refund?" is the fastest way to see what is happening. Go to irs.gov, select "Where's My Refund?", and enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight.

If "Where's My Refund?" shows Code 290 and no other message, your return is still under review. The tool will tell you the date you can expect your refund, though that date can shift if the IRS uncovers something that needs attention.

You can also pull your full account transcript from the IRS website. Log into your IRS account, go to "View Your Tax Account," and select "Transcript." The transcript shows every code attached to your return and the date each one was assigned. Code 290 will appear with the date your return arrived.

Reasons Code 290 takes longer than expected

The most common reason for delays is a mismatch between what you reported and what the IRS has on file. If you claimed a dependent but that person's Social Security number does not match IRS records, or if your income does not match the W-2s your employer filed, the IRS will hold your refund until they can verify the correct information.

Claiming certain credits — the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, or education credits — can also trigger extra review, especially if your income is close to the phase-out range for that credit. The IRS has to confirm you meet all the rules before they release the refund.

If you filed an amended return or if the IRS is cross-checking your return against prior years' returns, Code 290 can stay in place for six to eight weeks. The IRS processes amended returns and multi-year reviews more slowly than standard returns.

What to do if Code 290 does not move forward

If Code 290 has been on your account for more than eight weeks with no change, or if "Where's My Refund?" stops updating, contact the IRS directly. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (the main refund line) and have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready.

The IRS can tell you whether your return is still under review, whether they sent you a letter you may have missed, or whether something went wrong in the system. If a letter was sent, they can tell you what it says and what you need to do to move forward.

If you filed through a tax professional or tax software, contact them as well. They sometimes receive IRS notices before you do and can help you respond quickly.

Code 290 versus other IRS refund codes

Code 290 is one of several codes the IRS uses to mark where your return is in the pipeline. Code 150 means your return was received and accepted — this is the code you see first, usually within one to two days of filing. Code 290 comes next and means the IRS is reviewing it. Code 846 means your refund has been approved and is on its way to you.

If you see Code 570, the IRS has put a hold on your return — usually because they need more information or because your return is flagged for identity verification. Code 570 can add weeks to your timeline and requires you to respond to an IRS letter.

Tracking these codes helps you understand where you are in the process. Code 290 is normal and expected; Code 570 means you need to take action.

Direct deposit versus check delivery after Code 290

If you chose direct deposit on your return, your refund will land in your bank account within one business day of the IRS approving it (after Code 290 clears). Some banks post the deposit the same day; others take until the next business day. Check with your bank if you are unsure about their timing.

If you are receiving a paper check, the IRS mails it after approval. Checks typically arrive within seven to ten business days, though mail delays can add a few days. The IRS will show you the check number and mailing date in your account once the check is sent.

If you did not provide banking information when you filed, the IRS will mail a check by default. You can update your banking information on a future return, but not retroactively for the current refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Code 290 usually stay on my account?

Code 290 typically stays for two to three weeks if no issues are found. If the IRS needs to verify information or if you claimed certain credits, it can remain for four to eight weeks. Once the IRS approves your refund, Code 290 is replaced by Code 846 and your refund is sent out.

Can I speed up my refund after Code 290 appears?

No, you cannot speed up the IRS review process. The timeline depends on how thorough the review needs to be. If the IRS sends you a letter asking for information, responding quickly is the only way to move things along.

What if Code 290 disappears from my account?

If Code 290 disappears and is replaced by Code 846, your refund has been approved and is being sent. If it disappears without a new code appearing, check your mail for an IRS letter — the IRS may have flagged an issue and is asking for more information.

Does Code 290 mean my refund was rejected?

No. Code 290 means your return was received and is under review. It is a normal part of processing. A rejected return would show a different code and the IRS would contact you by mail.

Can I file my state return while Code 290 is showing on my federal return?

Yes, you can file your state return independently. State processing happens separately from federal processing, so Code 290 on your federal return does not affect your state refund timeline.