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Level 2
August 20, 2026
Solved

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

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?

DoninGA
DoninGAAnswer
Level 15
August 20, 2026

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

8 replies

DoninGA
Level 15
DoninGALevel 15Answer
Level 15
August 20, 2026

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

Level 15
August 20, 2026

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
Level 15
August 20, 2026

"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 2
August 22, 2026

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 

Level 15
August 22, 2026

then patience…..

julie1988Author
Level 2
October 22, 2026

Update. Had to prepay for next year. The date I transmitted the prepay, the IRS kicked out a letter saying my return was now being reviewed and it could be 60 days or more to get through the review. I think it fell into some electronic rabbit hole and was kicked out by being referenced for next year?  In any case I now expect over a year to get action if the past precedent is any indication. 😔

Level 1
October 21, 2026

I got in touch with someone only for them to tell me an additional 90 days 

What could be the reason

Level 15
October 21, 2026

a multitude of things: 

you reported income less than what your employer (w-2) or other payors (1099s) reported to the IRS. 

you and someone else reported the same dependent. 

your requested refund is unusally large.  

those are just guesses.