Hi. In Nov 2021 I received a Notice CP21B. It says there were changes to my 2020 Form 2040 and that I am due a Refund of $177. Never got refund. Can get in touch w/IRS

[jfmarcum]

I have tried countless times to call the IRS number on the notice to ask questions - every time I get to the end (after numerous menu selections) and a recording says "..too busy to handle the call, call back another time" and disconnects.  I tried calling the Taxpayer Advocate number and never get anyone to talk to.   It's pretty much literally impossible to talk to anyone at the IRS.   Just curious what this CP21B actually means and how I can find out what to do with it and the supposed refund.
Thanks

[NCperson · Accepted solution]

@jfmarcum suggest taking a look at your transcript and refund history and see if there is any indication of what the IRS did.....

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

https://www.irs.gov/refunds

[jfmarcum]

Thanks NCperson - that suggestion to look at the transcripts helped a lot.  It allowed me to see the dates involved. 

And after checking it appears they did send the small refund a long time ago.  Thanks again!!

[jfmarcum]

It's still crazy that it's next to impossible to actually talk to someone at the IRS.....

[NCperson]

@jfmarcum - part of the Inflation Reduction Act that Biden recently signed included significant dollars so that the IRS could upgrade its technology and hire more people.  That will eventually restore better customer service to the IRS.  Congress also knows it is a BIG problem