If my return says Topic 152 reference # 9001 and they want me to call them with all my tax info handy. What information could they possibly need?

[mesquitebean · Accepted solution]

If you got that info using WMR tool on the IRS website, wait a couple days and see if it straightens out.  A lot of people have gotten that message because the IRS does not open up for official return processing until later today, January 28.  

So the Where's My Refund tool has been funky the last 2 weeks, since the WMR tool didn't know how to handle all the returns that were accepted but weren't actually being processed yet until the IRS opens up.  So it's possible many, if not most, people are getting the same message you are.   There are many threads on it in this forum.

[heady1374]

Thank you! Much gratitude for your knowledge. I’ll wait. Do you suppose they waiting 21 days on the return will actually start today? With the IRS officially opening today?

[mesquitebean]

You're welcome.
There's no way to know.   I've seen a couple of people who had returns pulled early by the IRS said they were given a deposit date.   The 21 days is actually "within 21 days".    The IRS says 9 out of 10 filers who use efile and direct deposit will get it within 21 days.

There's no way to predict.  It's not uncommon to get a refund within 10-12 days.   Your return must have been pulled early if you have already have had an acceptance notice.  

Also, if you have EIC (earned income credit) or ACTC (additional child tax credit) the IRS cannot, by law, release those refunds until after February 15.  And the IRS can always pull a return for additional processing.

[heady1374]

Hello, My return still says to contact them.  I do have 3 Kids.  Single mom filing Head of household. I fall within a interesting yet wonderful tax bracket. So should I just call them?

[mesquitebean]

 I don't know. They may be hard to reach this week.  But if you want to:

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.