Can’t reach human for delayed refund

[Jbra]

Filed MFJ return and was accepted Jan.27. Straight forward return, standard deduction, no credits under PACT act. I keep checking the IRS website and says waiting approval. It’s been 22 days. Tried calling today get routed to automated hotline to just get the same info the website says. Pressed some other options to get a human was successful however they said they couldn’t help and routed me back to the automated hotline. 

Do we know if the IRS is taking longer to process refunds for standard returns this year? 

Is there a way to speak to a human at the IRS that can actually help? 

[CatinaT1 · Accepted solution]

You will need to contact the IRS for information. It might be easiest to set up an account with them.

IRS Individual Online Account  

• Taxpayers with a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number can create or access their IRS Individual Online Account to get information they need to file their return.
• With an IRS Individual Online Account, people can:
• View balance owed, payment history and schedule payments.
• Cancel scheduled payments.
• Get transcripts.
• View or create payment plans.
• See digital copies of some IRS notices.
• View key data from their most recently filed tax return, including adjusted gross income.
• Validate bank accounts and save multiple accounts, eliminating the need to re-enter bank account information every time they make a payment.
• View, approve and electronically sign power of attorney and tax information authorizations from their tax professional. 

[Jbra]

@CatinaT1 thanks so much for that recommendation. I logged into the IRS portal and found they are sending a letter to verify identity that’s why it’s delayed. Basically was told from the IRS agent when calling the Identification department that they need to do that before receiving payment.

Was reading on Reddit and some other sites that a lot of people got hit with that this year. Could be because of numerous different things (i.e change of way files from previous year, change of IP address from previous year etc.) 

So the IRS will mail a letter with a custom code then you can login to the account online and verify that way or call or go in person. Once completed and accepted the refund will be processed. 

[jwwert]

It has now been 5 months since I received the letter to verify my identity. I followed the instructions and verified my identity. But total silence since then. There is no way to talk to a live person by phone or online. Phone calls just provide the same answer that my return is being reviewed. There are no open IRS offices anywhere near me. Has anyone had any success in contacting their Congressman for help? 

[xmasbaby0]

@jwwert

Call the IRS: 1-800-829-1040 hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Monday-Friday
When calling the IRS do NOT choose the first option re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.
So after first choosing your language, then do NOT choose Option 1 (refund info). Choose option 2 for "personal income tax" instead.
Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".
Then press 3 "for all other questions."
Then press 2 "for all other questions."
- When it asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, don't enter anything.
- After it asks twice, you will get another menu.

Press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
Then press 3 for all other inquiries
It should then transfer you to an agent.

[jwwert]

When I call [phone number removed], there is no question offered on language and no choice on Option 1 or 2. Pushing 2 takes you to "enter your SSN" and the system will go no further without entering SSN.