When I check the status of my refund with the irs the bars have disappeared and the status says still being processed

[cwaters1822]

Same thing happened to me back in 2018 and now it's happening all over again! Below is my original post from 2018. Found it in my email.  

So, when you get the message "Your return is STILL being processed" that is an indication that the IRS is reviewing your return. Some people use the term "holding your return" but honestly it's the same thing. The IRS is reviewing/holding your return. Not a good sign. I remember I literally had to stay on top of the IRS in 2018 by calling and fighting like hell for my refund that was owed to me. Now, 3 years later and here we go again! 

Filed 2/3/18 and accepted same day. IRS wmr bar has been stuck on first bar "Your return is still being processed... tax topic 152. No ddd info no path act message

[harrison8322]

Can you recall approximately how long it took to finally either get your refund or even a reply from the IRS back in 2018, so that I’ll know what to expect.   You see I’m in the same boat as of now.  All I get is “STILL BEING PROCESSED” over and over for 30 days now.  

[cwaters1822]

@harrison8322 It took about 2 1/2 weeks. I kept calling and spoke with several agents until I finally got 1 agent who told me what the issue was. Once I knew why I was being flagged I got the ball rolling by identifying my info. The IRS never mailed me any CP notices. Call tomorrow and keep calling until someone provides straight answers so that you'll know how to move forward. The key is now to reach out to them and find out what's going on. This year my return was being held in the Error Resolution Dept. I had to call 3 times and speak with 3 different people to get this info on Friday 3/5/21. 

[Sena1]

I’m going through the same situation but they won’t answer calls! Is there a way we can email an agent? 

[SweetieJean]

Please understand that the IRS is really backlogged due, in part to COVID, stimulus, and major last minute tax law changes.  In fact, a recent news article said it is still processing over 6 million returns leftover from the 2019 tax year.  Please continue to be patient.

[cwaters1822]

@Sena1 You can't email an agent. You have to call and follow these prompts...

• First choose your language.  Then listen to each menu before making the selection.

• Then press 2 for "personal income tax".

• Then press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment".  

• Then press 3 "for all other questions."

• Then press 2 "for all other questions." 

• It might transfer you to an agent at that point.   If it doesn't it may ask for your SSN, but do not enter it.  Just wait.    If it asks for SSN a second time, still do not enter it.

• Then you'll get another menu.  Choose 2 for "personal" then you should be transferred.

•Then choose 4

[cwaters1822]

Update: Called Friday 3/5/21 spoke to 2 different agents and got 2 different answers. First agent said he couldn't view any info pertaining to my return and the second said that my return is in the Error Resolution Department. He said he didn't see anything wrong with the return and to wait for an update or a letter.

2nd update: Called today after researching what exactly the Error Resolution Department does and checks for... Agent stated she couldn't view my return and to wait 10 weeks! I don't buy that at all. They are telling everyone to wait 10 weeks. It's discerning to me that years ago before my parents retired and they filed taxes the IRS was NEVER this slow and didn't have millions of taxpayers returns on hold. Every year this agency gets worse. I will keep calling until I get a straight answer. Foolishness.