My return was received and has been "processing" over 180 days

Forum|Forum|3 days ago
August 20, 2026
5 replies
57 views

After 180 days in processing, according to the website, I tried calling customer service (right at 7AM) to find out what was happening. The AI bot told me I could not talk to a representative if my question was about the status of my return as I could find that on the website. I tried any other answer to get to a person but it kept coming back to me that it was not authorized to allow me to talk to a representative. I’m expecting a substantial refund, but I haven’t gotten any notices about audits, errors or anything since February 18 when it was accepted. My 2 questions (1) does anyone know how to get to a person? (2) when do I start earning interest on the refund owed me if they are just incredibly slow?

Refund Status

Best answer by DoninGA

Call the IRS: 1-800-829-1040 hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Monday-Friday
When calling the IRS do NOT choose the option re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.

Or you can contact your local IRS office. See this IRS website for local IRS offices - http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-Your-Local-IRS-Office-1 or call 1-844-545-5640 to set up an appointment

You may want to contact a Taxpayer Advocate in your area. See this IRS website for Taxpayer Advocate - https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/ or call 1-877-777-4778

DoninGA

Answer

Level 15

Call the IRS: 1-800-829-1040 hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Monday-Friday
When calling the IRS do NOT choose the option re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.

Or you can contact your local IRS office. See this IRS website for local IRS offices - http://www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-Your-Local-IRS-Office-1 or call 1-844-545-5640 to set up an appointment

You may want to contact a Taxpayer Advocate in your area. See this IRS website for Taxpayer Advocate - https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/ or call 1-877-777-4778

NCperson

Level 15

suggest calling the Advocate’s office. The call center is not going to know much beyond what is on the website - which is why the bot states you can find the status on the website. It wastes their time for a live person to restate what the website already states.

You started earning interest on your refund on June 1st (45 days after the greater of the day the tax return was received or April 15).

rjs

Level 15

"My return was received ..."

How do you know that the IRS received your tax return?
Did you e-file or file by mail?

"according to the website"

What website? The TurboTax website? The IRS website? TurboTax does not get any information from the IRS about the status of your refund. Even if you talk to a person at TurboTax, they will not have any information about your refund. Check your refund status on the IRS website. What does it say, exactly?

Do not contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service if you have not checked your refund status on the IRS website.

Did you select the option to receive your refund by direct deposit to your bank account?
Did you select the option to have your TurboTax Online fees paid from your tax refund?

julie1988Author

Level 1

I filed electronically with my bank account that I always use, I have the emails l certifying receipt and the IRS website says it is under review and could take up to 180 days to process. It has been saying that fr 190 days and counting