No one but the IRS will know what all they are doing with your
return. Some returns require extra processing due to specific items in
the return. Some are pulled at random for more processing.
Since the "Where's My Refund" tool shows that your return has been processing for longer than 21 days, you
can phone the IRS to see if you can learn anything about the delay. The steps to reach a live agent are below.
IRS: 800-829-1040 hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Mon-Fri
Listen to each menu before making the selection.
First choose your language. Press 1 for English.
- Then do NOT choose the first choice re: "Refund", or it will send you to an automated phone line.
- Instead, 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 should then transfer you to an agent, but there is likely to be a long wait.
I usually use a speakerphone so I can work on something else while waiting.
