My 2017 & 2018 amendment refunds taking 23+ weeks

[kirbdawg52]

Hi, I have searched the IRS website for my 2017 & 2018 amended returns, the website verifies they were both received in September.

But the search results page has a red exclamation point and says, "Take Action! Please see below for additional info about your amended return."

Then it reads as follows:

Your amended return was received on September 21, 2020. However, it has not been processed. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Please call [phone number removed], extension 623, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. You will need a copy of your amended return.

So my question here is: Does this indicate that there's some question they have about my amendment, and I must call? Or is this just typical for pandemic-related delays and I should just sit tight and wait it out? 

I'm fine with calling but just imagine the hold time is going to be really long and would prefer to avoid that if there's nothing I can do to speed this up anyway. 

Thanks!

[SweetieJean · Accepted solution]

You might try calling anyway.  But remember that the IRS owes you interest on the delayed refund.   

[kirbdawg52]

Are you aware if others are experiencing delays of this length? 

[SweetieJean]

Lots of folks are.  The IRS is swamped.

[SweetieJean]

For example, see this:

IRS tax refund delays in 2020 drag out a full year for millions (usatoday.com)

[kirbdawg52]

Thank you @SweetieJean. When you read the message I found from my search, cited above, do you know if that means I must take action by calling, or it's just like they're saying I can call to check on the status if I want to? 

[SweetieJean]

I'm not sure, but it can't hurt to call.

[kirbdawg52]

@SweetieJean ok that’s a good point, thank you!