I don't know about paying for a service just to talk to the IRS. Here's what I did last year when I was in the same position and desperately needed my refund: Step 1: Wait at least 6 weeks from when you mailed Form 8379 Step 2: Call the IRS early morning (right when they open) Step 3: If they haven't received it, fax another copy with a cover letter Step 4: Request they add notes to your account It's stressful when you're counting on that money, but paying extra fees when you're already waiting for your refund seems counterproductive.

Think of the injured spouse process like trying to untangle Christmas lights - it takes time and patience. Using Claimyr is like having someone hold the other end of the lights while you work - it doesn't make the process inherently faster, but it can prevent additional frustration. I've used it twice this year when I absolutely needed to speak with an agent about complex issues. It's like paying for a fast pass at an amusement park - the ride is the same length, but you skip the line to get on it.

I just went through this! Got a 12C in January about my home office deduction. I was freaking out, but it turned out to be super straightforward. I sent them photos of my workspace, utility bills, and a floor plan showing the percentage used exclusively for business. They processed everything and approved my refund within 3 weeks of receiving my documentation. The letter is actually pretty specific about what they need - I was surprised how clear the instructions were compared to other IRS communications. Are 12C letters always this straightforward? I was expecting something much more intimidating!

Just to clarify something important: Letter 12C is different from CP12 notices. A CP12 is about math errors and automatic adjustments, while 12C requests specific documentation. Make sure you're looking for the right letter when it arrives. The letter will have the exact notice number in the upper right corner. Also, if you haven't received it within 7-10 business days of the IRS telling you it was sent, you can request a copy by calling the number listed on the IRS notice line. Don't delay your response waiting for the original if it got lost in the mail.

Back in 2021, I had a similar situation with a processing delay. What worked for me then (and might work now) was contacting my local Taxpayer Advocate Service office. They have more direct channels to research these systemic issues than regular IRS phone reps. In my case, they were able to identify that my return was stuck in a processing queue and needed manual intervention to move forward. If you're approaching the 60-day mark with no movement, I'd recommend giving them a call.

Is anyone seeing their tax transcript update and then go back to N/A again? Mine briefly showed some codes last week, then disappeared completely. When I called, they said this could indicate my return was pulled for additional review. Has anyone experienced this happening? Does it mean I'm going to be waiting even longer? I'm really worried because the last time this happened to my brother, he ended up waiting until August to get his refund.

I work in payroll and see this question all the time. The most common mistake I see is people with two incomes (either multiple jobs or married couples) not checking the box in Step 2(c) or completing the multiple jobs worksheet. This almost always results in underwithholding. Are you single or married? Do you have any other income sources? Will you be itemizing deductions?

Just to clarify what others have said - the new W-4 doesn't have allowances anymore. The IRS redesigned it in 2020 to be more straightforward, but it's definitely confusing if you haven't filled one out in years. The safest approach for withholding is completing Step 1, checking the box in Step 2(c) if you have multiple jobs or a working spouse, and adding a specific dollar amount in Step 4(c) if you want extra withholding. That's the AGI-based withholding method rather than the allowance-based system.

Based on the current tax season processing timeline, transcript updates follow a predictable cycle. The Account Transcript will remain in N/A status until your return completes the initial verification process. For Tax Year 2023 returns filed in the 2024 season, we're seeing average processing delays of 17-24 days before transcript visibility. The Account Transcript will update first, followed by the Record of Account and finally the Return Transcript. Check the Transaction Code section - if you see any codes at all (even just a 150), your return has entered active processing.

I had my transcript stuck on N/A for almost 3 weeks this filing season. Have you checked if you can access any of the other transcript types? Sometimes the Return Transcript shows N/A but the Account Transcript has information. Also, did you file with any special credits or deductions? What about your filing method - was it e-file or paper?

URGENT UPDATE: The IRS just implemented a new callback feature on some of their service lines as of March 18, 2024. When utilizing the main 800-829-1040 number, after navigating through the Initial Contact Recording (ICR) and reaching the queue status, eligible callers may now receive the option for a Virtual Hold callback rather than remaining on the line. This feature is currently being rolled out in phases and may not be available for all call types or during peak hours. The system will estimate your wait time and offer the callback option if it exceeds 15 minutes. This information comes directly from the IRS Strategic Operating Plan FY2023-2031.

Been there. Done that. Got the t-shirt. Called 27 times last month. Finally got through on a Thursday afternoon. Around 2pm Eastern. Wait was only 25 minutes. Much better than mornings. Everyone calls in the morning. Try afternoon instead. Counterintuitive but works. Also helps to have all your docs ready. They'll ask for verification. SSN. Filing status. Address. Previous year AGI. Have it all handy.

I don't think there's any "glitch" fixing things automatically!! The IRS doesn't work that way! I've been dealing with this EXACT issue for weeks and it's driving me CRAZY! They sent me a letter, told me to verify online, but then the option wasn't there. Called the number on the letter and got disconnected FOUR TIMES after waiting over an hour each time! This is absolutely ridiculous - why send a verification letter if the system can't even handle the verification process?! Something is definitely broken in their system but it's NOT fixing itself!

Let me provide some clarity on what's happening: • The IRS implemented enhanced verification measures for 2024 filing season • Using an IP PIN validates your identity at submission but doesn't exempt you from secondary reviews • When online verification isn't available after receiving a letter, it indicates your case requires phone verification • This isn't a system malfunction but an intentional security feature • The process typically adds 3-5 weeks to refund processing The best course of action is to call the specific number on your verification letter during non-peak hours (typically before 9am or after 4pm local time). Have your letter, tax return information, and previous year's AGI ready when you call.

I've seen this happen to several clients this year (I'm not a tax pro, just the designated "tax person" among friends and family). There seems to be a weird bug in the WMR system where dates suddenly shift by exactly 30 days. I've jokingly started calling it the "IRS Month-Long Vacation Glitch" 😂 Seriously though, I've tracked 4 cases where this happened, and in 3 of them, the refund came on or near the original date. The 4th one did take longer, but that was because they had an actual verification issue. If your transcript isn't showing any hold codes (like 570/971), you're probably fine.

Have you tried checking your account transcript instead of just your return transcript? Sometimes the account transcript will show pending refund transactions that don't appear elsewhere. Also, did you check both the mobile app and website versions of WMR? I've found that sometimes they display different information during system updates. Could you also check if your bank shows any pending deposits? Some banks will show incoming ACH transfers a few days before they post.

You might find it helpful to know that the IRS typically sends the CP05A approximately 15-20 days after the initial CP05 in most cases. The verification process is generally focusing on one of three areas: income verification, withholding verification, or credit verification (particularly for refundable credits). The static "as of" date on your transcript actually suggests that your case hasn't been assigned to a reviewer yet, which is fairly common given the current backlog. Once a reviewer picks up your case, that date will likely update. The fact that you've received a second notice probably means your return has been flagged for the next stage of verification rather than being related to your TAS contact attempt.

URGENT: When you receive the CP05A, respond within 15 CALENDAR DAYS (not business days) to prevent further delays! Use Form 911 (Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order) with your response if you're experiencing financial hardship due to the delay. Military families with deployed spouses qualify for expedited handling under IRM 21.5.6.4.7. Include a copy of deployment orders with your response. The RIVO department (who handles these verifications) is currently processing February responses, so if you reply promptly to the CP05A, you could see resolution within 30-45 days based on current timelines.

I verified exactly 13 days ago and got my refund this morning! My timeline was: verified on April 2nd, WMR updated to approved on April 12th, and deposit hit my account at 3:27am today. My refund was $14,382 due to a large business loss carryover, so I was worried the size might cause additional delays, but it processed right on schedule once verification was complete.

The collective wisdom here is that verification adds 10-21 days to processing, but there are outliers in both directions. 😂 I've seen people get deposits 5 days after verification and others who waited 6+ weeks. The key factors seem to be: 1) Whether you verified online vs. by mail/phone, 2) The specific reason you were flagged for verification, and 3) Whether you have other potential review factors on your return. If you verified online and have a straightforward return, you're likely in the 2-week range.