IRS code 170: Estimated tax penalty
- Effect:
- Penalty
- Posts as a:
- Debit
A penalty for not paying enough tax during the year through estimated payments.
What code 170 means
Code 170 is the estimated tax penalty for not making adequate estimated tax payments.
It's either self-assessed from your return, meaning the penalty you or your preparer figured, or assessed manually by the IRS. When the IRS's system computes it instead, it posts as code 176.
Codes often seen with 170
- 176 Estimated tax penalty, computed by the IRS The IRS's system computed an estimated tax penalty for underpaying during the year.
- 150 Tax return filed Your original return posted, and the amount is the tax it showed, not your refund.
- 196 Interest charged Interest the IRS charged on tax that wasn't paid on time.
Source
IRS title: Estimated Tax Penalty (Document 6209, Section 8A, page 8A-9).
Decode your whole transcript
Paste your transcript lines and see every code explained. Runs in your browser.
Decode a cycle code
Turn an 8-digit cycle like 20261505 into the posting week and day.
More penalties and interest codes
TTOC Finder is independent and isn't affiliated with the IRS. This page explains what the code means in general. For your own account, check your IRS online account or Where's My Refund?