I just went through this process a few weeks ago! The key is to call early in the morning (like 7-8 AM) when they first open - the wait times are much shorter. Make sure you have your Social Security card, photo ID, and the exact tax return they're asking about. They'll ask you to verify basic info like your address, filing status, and some line items from your return. The whole call took about 20 minutes once I got through to someone. Don't worry, the agents are actually pretty helpful and patient!

I've been through this too! One thing that really helped me was making a simple checklist beforehand with all my key info written down - SSN, address history for the past few years, employer info, and the main numbers from my tax return (AGI, total tax, refund amount, etc.). When you're nervous on the phone, it's easy to blank out on stuff you normally know by heart. The agents are actually pretty understanding - they deal with anxious people all day. Just breathe, take your time, and don't be afraid to ask them to repeat a question if you didn't catch it the first time!

Pro tip: call early in the morning right when they open. You'll have a better chance of getting through quickly.

Dylan, I've been through this exact same situation! Here's what worked for me: First, make sure you're calling from a strong signal area - I actually drove to a different location after my first dropped call. Second, have everything organized in front of you before dialing: your Social Security card, driver's license, last year's tax return, and any IRS correspondence. Third, when you do get through, immediately ask the agent for a direct callback number in case you get disconnected - they can usually provide one. The whole process took about 45 minutes for me, but it was worth it to finally get everything sorted. The agents are actually pretty helpful once you reach them. Good luck! 🤞

Quick tip: When you mail a late return, write the tax year in BIG, BOLD numbers on the top of the 1040. I filed some late returns and the IRS agent I spoke to said they sometimes get misprocessed as current year returns if the year isn't super obvious, which causes all kinds of problems.

Just wanted to add that you should also make copies of EVERYTHING before you mail it - your return, your check, any supporting documents. Keep these copies in a safe place along with your certified mail receipt. I learned this the hard way when the IRS claimed they never received my late 2019 return even though I had proof I mailed it. Having those copies saved me because I could prove exactly what I had filed and when. The IRS processing centers are still dealing with backlogs and things do occasionally get lost in the system. Also, if you're including a check for $740, consider using a money order instead. Personal checks can bounce if there are any delays in processing (which is common with late returns), and bounced payment fees from the IRS are brutal. A money order gives you the same paper trail but eliminates that risk. Good luck with your filing - better late than never!

New Orleans here - filed Jan 15th and just got my refund last week! Hang in there everyone, they're definitely working through the backlog. My transcript showed movement about 2 weeks before the actual deposit hit my account. The wait is brutal but at least we know it's not just us dealing with this mess.

I'm also in Louisiana (Lake Charles area) and filed February 3rd - still showing "processing" with no updates. It's frustrating seeing the inconsistency in timing even within our state. Some people who filed after me are getting theirs while I'm still waiting. At least now I know it's a statewide issue and not something wrong with my return specifically. Thanks for posting this - was starting to think I was the only one!

FYI - there's also the National Taxpayer Advocate office that handles more systemic issues. Different from the local TAS offices that handle individual cases. Prob not what you need rn, but good to know the diff. Also, TAS has been super backed up since COVID started and they never fully recovered their staffing. Might be worth trying to reach a regular IRS agent first to check your amended return status before escalating to TAS.

I actually got through to TAS about 6 weeks ago using that 1-877-777-4778 number. Here's what worked for me: I called at exactly 7:00 AM EST on a Tuesday and got connected after about 25 minutes on hold. The agent was really helpful once I explained that my amended return had been sitting for 5 months with no movement despite multiple calls to regular IRS lines. One thing that helped my case was that I had documentation showing the delay was affecting my ability to get a mortgage pre-approval. TAS seems to prioritize cases where you can show concrete financial impact from the delay, not just general frustration (though trust me, I was plenty frustrated too). Also, make sure you have your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or SSN, the tax year in question, and your most recent contact with the IRS documented before you call. They'll ask for all of this upfront to verify your case qualifies for their assistance. Good luck - the wait times are brutal but once you get through, they're actually pretty effective at cutting through the red tape!