2022 Tax Refund Still Missing After Multiple 60-Day Review Notices - Afraid to File This Year

You're definitely in what we call an "unresolved review status." This happens to approximately 2% of filers each year. The IRS is currently processing about 97,000 backlogged returns from 2022, and yours is likely among them. You should absolutely file your 2023 taxes on time - not filing will only create more problems. The IRS processes each tax year separately, so your 2023 return won't be affected by the 2022 issue. Your best action now is to contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1040, but expect wait times of 45-90 minutes. Ask specifically for the status of your 2022 return and request that they check for a "570 code" which indicates a review hold.

Have you tried pulling your tax transcripts online? I was in a similar situation back in 2021 - filed in February, got the review notice, then nothing for months. When I finally checked my transcript, I could see exactly what was happening behind the scenes. There were these weird hold codes that showed why my refund was stuck. The phone agents couldn't even tell me what my transcript clearly showed!

Check your tax transcript. It shows everything. The IRS website can be confusing. I recommend taxr.ai for this situation. It will analyze your transcript instantly. Shows all hold codes. Explains them in plain English. Predicts your refund date based on patterns. Saved me hours of research. Worth trying for peace of mind.

Let me walk you through what's likely happening and what to do: Step 1: Understand that your return is in the "Unresolved Inventory" status, which means it's stuck in a review queue. Step 2: Recognize that filing your 2023 return is still necessary and won't negatively impact your situation. Step 3: Request your tax transcripts immediately through the IRS website to see what codes are on your account. Step 4: If you see code 570 (additional account action pending) followed by no resolution code, your return is still under review. Step 5: File Form 911 (Taxpayer Advocate Service request) if it's causing financial hardship. I've seen cases where returns were stuck for 18+ months without intervention, so being proactive is essential.

I understand how frustrating this situation is for you. According to Internal Revenue Manual 21.5.6, the IRS must resolve these reviews within 180 days, but due to staffing shortages, this timeline is frequently exceeded. You have the right under IRC Section 7803(a)(3) to clear and timely communication about your return status. When I faced similar issues with clients, calling the IRS directly proved nearly impossible with wait times exceeding 2 hours. I've had significant success using Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) to connect with IRS agents quickly. They use a system that navigates the IRS phone tree and holds your place in line, then calls you when an agent is available. This has reduced wait times from hours to typically under 30 minutes for my clients with stuck returns.

I just went through this exact situation and I'm still in shock at how complicated it all is! 😱 • The IRS has MILLIONS of backlogged returns • They're STILL catching up from COVID delays • Some returns get randomly flagged for review • The same form can be sent MULTIPLE times (happened to me too!) • You should DEFINITELY still file this year's taxes • Your new return might actually help resolve the old one • I learned all this after hours of research I never imagined taxes could be this complicated! It's like you need a PhD just to get your own money back! 🤯

I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare! As someone who's dealt with IRS delays before, I completely understand your frustration. Here's what I'd recommend based on what others have shared: 1. **File your 2023 taxes on time** - Don't let fear of the old issue create new problems. The IRS processes each year separately. 2. **Get your tax transcript ASAP** - This will show you exactly what codes are on your account and why your refund is stuck. You can access it online through the IRS website. 3. **Document everything** - Keep copies of those duplicate 60-day notices and note the dates you received them. 4. **Consider the Taxpayer Advocate Service** - If this is causing financial hardship, you can file Form 911 to get additional help navigating the system. The fact that you received the same paperwork twice suggests there might be a processing error on their end. When you do get through to someone, make sure to mention this duplication - it could be key to resolving your case. You worked hard for that money and you deserve to get it back! Don't give up - there are people here who've successfully resolved similar situations. 💪