I've been trying to contact the irs but i can't get through is there another way?

[CatinaT1]

According to this IRS update as of April 23rd:    

The IRS is now opening mail within normal timeframes. The IRS has also made significant progress in processing prior year returns. As of April 16, 2021, we had 1.5 million individual tax returns received prior to 2021 in the processing pipeline. Including current year returns, as of April 16, 2021, we had 16.1 million unprocessed individual returns in the pipeline. Unprocessed returns include those requiring correction to the Recovery Rebate Credit amount or validation of 2019 income used to figure the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). This work does not require us to correspond with taxpayers but does require special handling by an IRS employee so, in these instances, it is taking the IRS more than 21 days to issue any related refund. If, as a result, a correction is made to any RRC, EITC or ACTC claimed on the return, the IRS will send taxpayers an explanation. Taxpayers are encouraged to continue to check Where’s My Refund? for their personalized refund status and can review Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions.   

How long you may have to wait: The IRS understands the importance of timely processing of tax returns and refund issuance. We are processing returns received over the summer and fall in 2020 due to the extended July 15, 2020 tax filing due date. While the majority of 2019 refund returns have been processed, in some cases, we are processing tax returns that were mailed with a payment even though payment associated with these returns have been processed by the IRS. However, we are rerouting tax returns and taxpayer correspondence from locations that are behind to locations where more staff is available, and we are taking other actions to minimize any delays. Tax returns are opened in the order received. As the return is processed, it may be delayed because it has a mistake including errors concerning the Recovery Rebate Credit, is missing information, or there is suspected identity theft or fraud. If we can fix it without contacting you, we will. If we need more information or need you to verify that it was you who sent the tax return, we will write you a letter. The resolution of these issues depends on how quickly and accurately you respond, and the ability of IRS staff trained and working under social distancing requirements to complete the processing of your return.   

What you should do: If you filed electronically and received an acknowledgement, you do not need to take any further action other than promptly responding to any requests for information. If you filed on paper, check Where’s my refund? If it tells you we have received your return or are processing or reviewing it, we are processing your return, but it may be under review. We’re working hard to get through the backlog. Please don’t file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.   

[rncustoms]

Same here, filed on Feb 12th accepted Feb 15th, and it as has said they recieved it and it's being processed ever since. 

[Jgamble360]

There is absolutely no way to contact the IRS and this is down right government tyranny they're withholding thousands and thousands of people money during this trying time but they are milking this covid situation bone-dry you can't go into a office without making an appointment you can't make an appointment through the automated system because they will tell you that they have too many calls and to call back tomorrow not later today but tomorrow they're literally telling you we don't feel like working try again later and there's nothing anyone could do about it... 

[Jgamble360]

What number did you call to leave a message to get someone to call you back you got a leg up on everyone else on here cuz we came and get through the automated system for someone to call me back and be rude to me but yeah that is some b******* like you wrong for asking where your money is

[Jgamble360]

 apparently you are not faced with this problem because when you search for the irs's number I don't care where you go every office will give you the same number to the same automated system that will give you the same bul**bleep** it's giving everyone else "call back tomorrow, click" this was not helpful mr. Expert

[Critter-3]

Only the IRS and your State control when and if a Federal or State tax refund is Approved and Issued.

You complete your tax return by finishing all 3 Steps in the File section. In Step 3, to e-file your tax return, you must click on the large Orange button labeled "Transmit my returns now".

After completing the File section and e-filing your tax return you will receive two emails from TurboTax. The first email when your tax return was transmitted and the second email when the tax return has either been accepted or rejected.

Note - Once a tax return has been Accepted by the IRS or a State, TurboTax receives no further information concerning the tax return or the status of any tax refund.  Only the taxpayer listed on the tax return can obtain the status of a tax refund or a tax return.

To check the status of an e-filed return, open up your desktop product or log into your TurboTax Online Account. You can find your status within the TurboTax product.
If accepted by the IRS use the federal tax refund website to check the refund status - https://www.irs.gov/refunds
If accepted by the state use this TurboTax support FAQ to check the state tax refund status - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund

After the tax return has been Accepted by the IRS (meaning only that they received the return) it will be in the Processing mode until the tax refund has been Approved and then an Issue Date will be available on the IRS website.
See this IRS website for federal tax refund FAQ's - https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions
If over 21 days since being Accepted by the IRS and the tax refund is still Processing you can call the IRS and speak with an IRS agent concerning your tax refund.
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.

Press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.
Then press 4 for all other inquiries
It should then transfer you to an agent.

[xmasbaby0]

Sorry---it is VERY difficult to call the IRS----they are severely backlogged and do not want phone calls.  And yes, it is frustrating for many people.  

To check on regular tax refund status via automated phone, call 800-829-1954. (This line has no information on Economic Impact Payments.)

Millions of people are waiting for the severely backlogged IRS to process their tax returns and send their refunds.   You are not the only one.

From this IRS website - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue

 As of June 23, 2021, we had 17.5 million unprocessed individual returns in the pipeline. Unprocessed returns include tax year 2020 returns such as those requiring correction to the Recovery Rebate Credit amount or validation of 2019 income used to figure the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). This work does not require us to correspond with taxpayers but does require special handling by an IRS employee so, in these instances, it is taking the IRS more than 21 days to issue any related refund. If, as a result, a correction is made to any RRC, EITC or ACTC claimed on the return, the IRS will send taxpayers an explanation. Taxpayers are encouraged to continue to check Where’s My Refund? for their personalized refund status and can review Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions.

How long you may have to wait: The IRS understands the importance of timely processing of tax returns and refund issuance. We have processed all error free returns received prior to 2021, and continue to work the returns that need to be manually reviewed due to errors.  We are rerouting tax returns and taxpayer correspondence from locations that are behind to locations where more staff is available, and we are taking other actions to minimize any delays. Tax returns are opened and processed in the order received. As the return is processed, it may be delayed because it has a mistake including errors concerning the Recovery Rebate Credit, is missing information, or there is suspected identity theft or fraud. If we can fix it without contacting you, we will. If we need more information or need you to verify that it was you who sent the tax return, we will write you a letter. The resolution of these issues depends on how quickly and accurately you respond, and the ability of IRS staff trained and working under social distancing requirements to complete the processing of your return.

What you should do: If you filed electronically and received an acknowledgement, you do not need to take any further action other than promptly responding to any requests for information. If you filed on paper, check Where’s my refund? If it tells you we have received your return or are processing or reviewing it, we are processing your return, but it may be under review. We’re working hard to get through the backlog. Please don’t file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.

[benjillressler]

I filed a 4361 Form (Ministers exeption) on November 17, 2020 for my 2020 taxes. I have confirmation that they received it via certified mail. I started to receive LTR 5825c (4 of them). I can't seem to get through to anyone either. I have an extension on my 2021 taxes. I am starting to get nervous. How long do I wait? Is there anything I can do while I wait?

please help.

Ben

[Demianstrouble]

The IRS and the IRS advocate are not answering the Verify Id phone line, so as to not have to resolve Millions of dollars of refunds, so as to collect interest on our money, they are holding to assist in boosting the economy.

Meanwhile, my mortgage company is on the verge of foreclosing and the IRS and our gov. doesn't give a rats ass, who they hurt, to get more of our money.

[Critter-3]

Turn your ire towards your local congress person ... they may be your only hope. 

[Demianstrouble]

I called that number and did get through to a live person, who rudely told me that wasn't, " the dept for ID verification and the number I have to call is on the letter I received. If there were other numbers to call for that dept, then they would have been in the letter and it's people like me, that can't follow simple rules, that slows the IRS down" when I asked to speak to a supervisor, she said no and hung up. 

So if anybody who needs to verify their identity, wants to piss off the IRS and never get their refund, follow the ill gotten wrong advise.

They got me by the wallet!!!

[Demianstrouble]

When calling the assistance number, the local IRS office, the advocates, or the IRS, caller gets the same response for all. "Due to the high number...please try back on the next business day."

I'm convinced that because if the high number if recovery refund payments, EIC, and CTC, along with So many  independent gig workers and no filers filing, it was going to sink the economy, so they are withholding refunds, to gain interest, so as to be able to pay out all that's owed as well as to help hold the economy steady...or it's like the 401k and pension plans all over again and they are playing the stock market with our money, trying to make more money.

On the bright side, any refunds that or late by over 45 days, from April 15, will receive a check for the accumulated interest, as well.

[Demianstrouble]

If we could create an online account, then obviously the IRS would be able to verify our ID and we wouldn't have to be trying to call them to get our refund. Are you sure you don't work for the IRS? Cuz it sounded like you do. You're sending us around in the same circle that they're sending us around in.

Somebody stopped the ride !!!I need to get off this rollercoaster  I'm starting to get dizzy!!!!

[Demianstrouble]

Can you verify my ID for the IRS? Because if so I think I probably would have gone that route months ago

[Critter-3]

TT is a DIY program and as such cannot help you with this task ...  

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayers-should-be-ready-to-verify-their-identity-when-calling-the-irs