Why can't I speak with someone from the IRS about my return? It's past the 21 days and it still shows that it's processing! I've tried all the suggested methods! HELP?!

[DevRick]

I've tried calling the IRS in every suggested way I can find from previously answered questions. I have been hung up on, put on hold for 20 minutes at a time just to be sent to an automated messaging system stating that they're "experiencing technical difficulties, call back later" and I've tried selecting a multitude of different automated answering system options! I've even tried reaching out to the most local IRS office (2 hours from me) just to be told on another automated answering system that I have to schedule an in office appointment to ask any questions!!!!!!
I filed for Maximum benefits this year and Audit protect along with other stuff (thinking that everything would go through even more quickly then usual) and WOW, was I wrong!!! It's never taken this long any of the other times that I've filed (never even using the options I selected *AND PAID FOR this time)!! EVER! Never will I EVER select those options again!!! I'm actually extremely frustrated right now! I have every right to reach out to someone for answers at this point, rather it's just for advice about why I still haven't received anything or whatever my questions may be!! They should offer WAY better customer service then this! I've been calling them for 4 1/2 hours trying to get any answers or advice at all! Has anyone else experienced this poor service and does anyone else have any advice on what steps to take next?
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[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

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.

Then press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.

It should then transfer you to an agent.

[DevRick]

I've tried this option. Every agent I speak with says they're going to transfer me to another agent in the "appropriate" department. I then wait on hold for about 15-20 minutes just to be told that they're "experiencing technical difficulties, call back later" or "We are experiencing unusually high call volumes, try your call again in 2 days". It's very unacceptable! Thank you for the advice.

[kishadachosen1]

Say you’re calling about business taxes. Then when they get on give them your social and say you’re calling about your personal taxes that was the only way I got s live person

[macuser_22]

TurboTax receives NO information about your return after it is filed.  Audit protection is only if you are audited after filing and you receive an audit letter from the IRS.  After filing ONLY the taxpayer can get any information from the IRS.

The IRS says most refunds will be issued within 21 days - some faster, some longer.

Each tax return is evaluated on it's own merits.  There is no first-in-first-out.  Two similar tax return submitted at the same time can have totally different processing times based on IRS criteria for examining  tax returns that the IRS does not divulge.

Some returns will be held for ID verification or other verification.  The IRS will send a letter if they require more information to process your tax return.

The 2015 PATH act mandated that tax refunds be held if the tax return claimed the Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit in order to allow the IRS time to match wage statements (W-2's and 1099's) against the claimed income to combat fraudulent tax returns claiming income that did not exist and receive refunds before the IRS could process the wage statements.

Beginning in 2016, if you claim the EITC or ACTC on your tax return, the IRS must hold your refund until mid February This new law (PATH Act) requires the IRS to hold the entire refund.

2018 Refunds should be deposited about Feb 27., 2019
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/refund-timing">https://www.irs.gov/individuals/refund-timing</a>

Check your refund stratus here:
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">https://www.irs.gov/refunds</a>

Check your state refund here:
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund">https://ttlc.intuit.com/qu...>

[DevRick]

Thank you! That's actually some really helpful information. I don't exactly know what the difference in my refund and a family members refund are. She filed on her children and her entire return a week after myself and she received hers a couple days ago. That's a big portion of why I'm concerned, confused and alarmed. Your answer is very helpful though, so thank you very much!

[SweetieJean]

https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions

[DevRick]

Thank you. I checked out the link. I have seen most of these prior to posting this question. I am most curious about the mention that the EIC filers might be waiting until the 27th which I believe to be incorrect because I have a family member who filed with EIC as well, they filed a week after myself and  they received their return a couple of days ago. This whole process is confusing and I really need to get in touch with someone from IRS about rather or not there's something serious going on with my return. Currently on hold again for the 5th time today, 20 minutes in again after being directed to the "appropriate representative". Thank you for your answer/advice.

[338LLapua]

Why can't I speak to someone at Turbo Tax?

[Ronyi78]

It’s been past 21 days and I haven’t received my refund. What’s going on it still says it’s processing.

[VolvoGirl]

The IRS is seriously behind.  Turbo Tax only gives you an estimated date. The IRS usually pays most refunds within 21 days. But these are not normal times. This year is taking the IRS longer to send the refunds. There are millions more people filing returns to get the Stimulus payment.

See this news article on Refunds being delayed
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/personalfinance/where-is-my-damn-irs-tax-refund-new-answers-emerge-a...

Only the IRS can tell you. If your return was Accepted then check IRS Where's my refund
https://www.irs.gov/refunds/

When will you get your refund?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/refund-status/help/when-will-i-get-my-irs-tax-refund/01/25589

IRS - Questions about Refunds
https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions