2023 Tax Return Stuck on "Return Received" for Weeks - How to Speak With an Actual IRS Agent?

The screenshot shows you're in the earliest stage of IRS processing for your 2023 tax return, with only the "Return Received" status confirmed. Your filing status is listed as Single, and you're viewing this on the official IRS website (sa.www4.irs.gov) at 10:28. The three-stage progress indicator shows where you are in the process: 1. Return Received ✓ (Currently here) 2. Return Approved ? (Not yet) 3. Refund Sent ? (Not yet) This status display is from the "Where's My Refund" (WMR) tool, and the message "We have received your tax return and it is being processed" is standard for the initial stage. While waiting can be stressful, this status actually confirms your return is in the system and being worked on. For fastest updates, follow the IRS's recommendation to check either this website or the IRS2Go app once per day - checking more frequently won't show new information as updates only happen daily. If you need to speak with someone directly, you can call 1-800-829-1040 between 7am-7pm your local time, though wait times are typically long during tax season.

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lol good luck getting anyone on the phone rn. Tax season is a 🤡 show

Im in the same boat. Been processing since January 29th with no movement 😤

Taxpayer Advocate Service might be able to help if its been more than 21 days

Have you checked your transcript? Sometimes it shows more info than WMR

I feel your frustration! I went through the same thing last year - stuck on "Return Received" for almost a month. Turns out my return got flagged for additional review (nothing wrong, just random selection). The key is patience, even though it's maddening. A few tips that helped me: - Don't check more than once a day, it really doesn't update more frequently - If it hits 21 days from your filing date, then you can legitimately escalate - Keep records of when you filed and when you started checking status The automated phone system is brutal, but if you do call, try calling right at 7am when they open - slightly better chance of getting through. Also, your transcript on irs.gov might show more detailed codes that explain what's happening, though they're cryptic without knowing what they mean. Hang in there - most "stuck" returns do eventually process, it's just the IRS being overwhelmed as usual.

I'm in exactly the same situation! Filed my 2023 return three weeks ago and it's been stuck on "Return Received" ever since. The waiting is driving me crazy, especially when you need that refund money. From what I've researched, the IRS is really backed up this year. A lot of people are experiencing longer processing times than the usual 21 days they advertise. I've been trying to stay patient but it's hard when you see the same status message day after day. One thing that's helped my anxiety a bit is remembering that "Return Received" means they actually have it in their system and it's not lost somewhere. I know it doesn't feel like progress, but at least we're in the queue. Has anyone here actually had success getting useful information from calling the IRS line? I'm debating whether it's worth the hours on hold just to hear "your return is being processed" which is what the website already tells us.

Same exact situation here! Filed my 2023 return on January 28th and it's been stuck on "Return Received" for over two weeks now. The daily checking is becoming obsessive but I can't help myself 😅 What's really getting to me is that friends who filed after me have already gotten their refunds approved. Makes you wonder if there's something specific triggering the delays this year. I've triple-checked my return and everything looks correct. I did try calling that 1-800-829-1040 number last week but gave up after being on hold for 3 hours. Might try the early morning strategy someone mentioned. The uncertainty is the worst part - at least if they gave us a rough timeline we could plan accordingly. Thanks for posting this, it's oddly comforting to know so many of us are in the same boat right now!