Does it take the whole 180 days for the irs to review your tax returns

[Tyson4030]

I had to do an identity verification at the irs office in May, told me it was successful & I will get my refund in 9 weeks. The 9 weeks past so I called on 7/21 to see what was the hold up. The rep said my return is “under review “ starting 7/21 said it will 180 days. She assign me a tax advocate. My question is does it the whole 180days?

[evelynm]

If you used TurboTax, received an IRS notice (as indicated below) and have MAX protection it may be best to contact Audit Defense to handle this for you.   

How do I sign up for an
Audit Defense Membership?

The easiest way to get audit defense is to purchase it when you file your taxes with TurboTax®.

If you missed it this year or want to get Audit Defense for past years, you can purchase memberships through our TurboTax® Audit Defense site.

If the IRS suspects that a tax return with your name on it is potentially the result of identity theft, the agency will send you a special letter, called a 5071C Letter. 

Additional information that may help:   https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/security/tips-for-handling-identity-verification-requests-from-...

[MartyG]

Hi Tyson4030,

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to your question.  The cynical (yet somewhat true) answer is that the IRS is the government and can do anything they want to.

The good news, is that if more than 45 days have passed since you filed, they will pay you interest on your overpayment (currently 7%).

Since the IRS can be most infuriating, it is best to follow up with them often to make sure that you have not fallen into the bureaucratic cracks.  If they assigned you a taxpayer advocate, I would definitely avail yourself of their services.

So best advice is to get in touch with your advocate and have them follow up often.  And no, it does not always take 180 days.  So keep politely following up with your advocate, and remember that the interest you ultimately receive from the IRS is also taxable and has to be reported as income in the year that you receive it.

I hope this helps!!

Marty

[JohnJ4]

The IRS in an Identity theft tax return situation can take up to 180 days to review. As they assigned you  taxpayer advocate I would contact that person to see how the review process is going  periodically. I know this can be frustrating but the government will take its time.