The IRS can process your Form 8379 before an offset occurs. If you file Form 8379 with your original return, it may take 11 weeks to process an electronically-filed return or 14 weeks if you filed a paper return. If you file the Form 8379 by itself after a joint return has been processed, then processing will take about 8 weeks.
https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc203.html
If the refund is overdue then to talk to someone at the
IRS, you could try the following. (Thanks to SuperUser epo39b for figuring out
most of this sequence.)
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 weekdays
from 7am to 7pm local time.
At the first prompt press 1 for
English.
At the next menu press 2 for questions
about your personal income taxes.
At the next menu press 1 for questions
about a form you have already submitted, your tax history, or payment.
At the next menu press 4 for all other
questions about your tax history or payment.
At the next menu press 2 for all other
questions about your tax history or payment.
There will be a brief pause. 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.
It will then put you in the queue for a
live agent, and tell you the estimated wait time.
Call the IRS:
1-800-829-1040 hours 7 AM - 7 PM local time Monday-Friday
