I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Got my CP12 notice three weeks ago with a $900 reduction and have been calling daily with zero success. The automated system just keeps saying "high call volumes" and hangs up. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and terrifying - reassuring that I'm not alone in this struggle, but terrifying that some of you waited weeks or months to get through! I think I'm going to try the written response route that @Molly Chambers mentioned. Has anyone else had success with the certified mail approach? I'm worried about the 60-day deadline and don't want to risk missing it while playing phone tag with the IRS. Also, for those who did get through - did they actually explain the math error in detail, or just confirm what was already on the notice? I'm trying to figure out if it's worth the hassle or if I should just accept their adjustment and move on.

I'm a newcomer here but dealing with the exact same CP12 nightmare! Just wanted to add my experience - I received my notice two weeks ago showing a $1,350 reduction in my refund. After reading through all these helpful responses, I decided to try multiple approaches simultaneously: 1. **Sent certified mail response** - Used the address on my notice, included copies of all supporting documents, and referenced specific tax code sections. Tracking shows it was delivered 3 days ago. 2. **Created online IRS account** - This was actually super helpful! I can see my account transcript and it shows the CP12 adjustment is still "pending review" which gives me hope they haven't finalized it yet. 3. **Still attempting calls** but not holding my breath based on everyone's experiences here. One thing I noticed that might help others: my notice had a specific "Response needed by" date that was exactly 60 days from the notice date (not the postmark or when I received it). Make sure you're calculating from the right date! Also, for anyone wondering about the online account - you can create one at irs.gov using your SSN, filing status, and either a credit card or mortgage info for identity verification. The transcript feature shows all adjustments and their status in real-time. Fingers crossed the written response works! Will update if I hear anything back.

Oh my goodness, I feel your anxiety! I've been through this exact situation! Here's what you need to know: 1. USPS mail delivery times have been WILDLY inconsistent in 2024 (I'm a postal worker's spouse) 2. IRS refund checks are sent from regional service centers, not all from the same location 3. The June 7th mail date means it was PROCESSED on that date, not necessarily physically mailed 4. If you don't receive it by June 21st, call 800-829-1040 5. Have your tax return, ID, and the exact refund amount ready when you call 6. Request a "refund trace" using Form 3911 (they can process this over the phone) 7. The replacement check typically takes 6-8 weeks to process The technical term for this is a "refund trace and replacement" procedure under IRC section 6402. You're definitely not alone in experiencing this frustrating wait!

This happened to me last year! My check was mailed April 12th, 2023, and I was checking my mailbox like a crazy person every day. It finally showed up on April 29th - a full 17 days later! The envelope was postmarked April 18th, so there was almost a week between the "mail date" in the system and when it actually went out. Funny story - I was so relieved when it arrived that I immediately drove to my bank to deposit it, only to realize it was after hours on Friday. Had to nervously keep it in my house all weekend! Just hang tight - it's probably making its way to you right now. I'm so glad I didn't waste time calling the IRS since it arrived just a few days after I was planning to contact them.

Check the status of your state refund too! sometimes state returns get approved while federal is still processing. at least you might get part of your money sooner.

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! That "Action Required" message is so misleading because it makes you think YOU need to do something, but really it just means they're reviewing your return internally. After 8 weeks of checking daily and getting nowhere, I finally got my transcript and used one of those transcript analysis tools (taxr.ai) to figure out what was actually happening - turns out I was under income verification review because of a discrepancy with one of my W-2s. The IRS website makes it seem like they'll send you a letter quickly, but in reality those letters can take 2-3 months to arrive, if they arrive at all. My advice: don't just wait around hoping for a letter. Get your transcript, understand what's happening, and if needed use a callback service to actually talk to someone. The anxiety of not knowing is the worst part!

Another option nobody mentioned is contacting your state's Department of Labor. What your employer is doing is likely wage theft and possibly tax fraud, both of which state labor departments take seriously. In my experience, they sometimes move faster than the IRS on these issues. When I reported my former employer for similar shenanigans, the state investigators contacted them within a week, and magically my W-2 appeared three days later. They'll also have records of unemployment insurance payments which can help verify if your employer is reporting your wages properly.

Keep in mind you can also check your Social Security earnings record online through ssa.gov. If your employer isn't properly reporting your income to the IRS, they're probably not reporting to Social Security either. This could affect your future benefits, so it's another reason to address this ASAP. I found out my employer hadn't been reporting my income for TWO YEARS and had to get it all corrected. The Social Security Administration can't directly help with your tax issue, but having documentation from them showing no reported earnings can be more evidence of your employer's wrongdoing.

Has anyone dealt with state tax residency in addition to federal? I'm moving to California with my new green card, and I've heard they have their own rules that might be different from the federal ones.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation - got my green card approved and will be entering the US in December 2024. Reading through all these responses, it's clear that the tax residency starts on the actual entry date with the green card, not during any previous visits. One question I haven't seen addressed - if I have investment income from my home country that's automatically reinvested (like dividends going back into mutual funds), do I need to report that for the period after I become a tax resident? Or only if I actually withdraw/receive the money? My investment account will continue generating returns even after I move to the US, but I won't be actively managing it or taking distributions. Also want to thank everyone who shared the resources about getting IRS help and FBAR requirements - definitely going to bookmark those for when I start preparing my first US tax return!