How do you get a real answer from the IRS?

[wewantthefunk]

No refund and no information about the status of the refund. 

Where's my refund? -> Your tax return is still being processed. A refund date will be provided when available.

Called [phone number removed]  -> Immediately hangs up because "high call volume"

Called [phone number removed]  -> same useless information as the website

The government is failing me and keeping my money. This is frustrating. If there is an error on my forms, OK, I can fix it. But no information AT ALL!

If anyone has another phone number, email, and/or website to contact, it is greatly appreciated.

[SweetieJean]

If you made an error, the IRS will let you know.  But it is seriously backlogged due to all the extra stimulus filings, as well as a few million unprocessed 2019 returns left over from the COVID shutdown.  Contacting them will not help, and the IRS has implored taxpayers not to call them.  Lots of other folks are still waiting, so please continue to be patient.  Also see:

The IRS is under serious stress — what does that mean for your refund? (msn.com)

What led to IRS backlog: ‘Thin workforce,’ new pandemic relief programs | Federal News Network

[Mike9241]

No. you called and you see what happens.  many posts have indicated it is taking the IRS longer than what it considers normal for 90% of the returns  - 21 days.  Many posts have also stated the difficulty in getting through.

did you report any unemployment compensation or were you covered by Obamacare? The IRS may be delaying refunds for those that reported those items so it can adjust the refund. it will take time for it to reprogram its computers and issue refunds. how much delay? unknown at this time 

all you can do is check your refund status on the IRS website. 

[wewantthefunk]

Yes, we had unemployment.

It's been 45+ days and no information. No wonder the government has a bad reputation for doing good work.