I couldn't get into my IRS account to opt out (kept getting verification errors), and after wasting 3 days trying to call the IRS directly, I used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get through to an agent. They helped me opt out over the phone in about 10 minutes. The service got me past the endless hold times - totally worth it since I was about to miss the deadline.

Sometimes the IRS mail just gets lost too. The USPS in my area has been terrible lately. I'd proceed as if you're enrolled and take steps to opt out rather than waiting for a letter that might never come.

I'm... hesitant to recommend this because I generally avoid paying for things I should be able to get for free, but after three weeks of trying to reach someone at the IRS about my similar situation, I finally tried Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c). They got me connected to an actual IRS agent who could help with my offset issue. I probably could have eventually gotten through myself, but I was losing more money in missed work hours trying to stay on hold than the service cost. The agent explained exactly what forms I needed and where to send them. Such a relief after weeks of frustration.

Have you verified your current status in the Automated Levy Protection program? Sometimes there are specific conditions that can trigger automatic removal: • Missing an installment payment by more than 15 days • Failing to file a required return on time • Defaulting on another tax obligation • Exceeding income thresholds during verification periods Did any of these happen in the past 12 months? This could explain why the protection failed despite you thinking you were still enrolled.

States are overwhelmed this year. Budget cuts. Staff shortages. New systems. I called my state four times. Got different answers each time. One rep told me they're prioritizing returns by filing date. Another mentioned they batch process certain types of returns. Very confusing.

Here's what's happening with state returns this year based on my research: States are implementing additional identity verification steps that weren't used in previous years. For example, if you have investment income like you mentioned, many states are now cross-referencing those amounts with third-party reporting which adds 2-3 weeks to processing. When you called, check exactly what department you reached - if it was collections saying "you don't owe anything," that's different from the refund department confirming your return is processing. Try this specific approach: call early morning (8:00-8:30am) and specifically ask for the "refund status department" rather than general inquiries. Ask them to check if your return is in the regular processing queue or if it's been flagged for additional review.

On April 2nd, I was trying to figure out why my refund was delayed and couldn't reach anyone at the IRS. I tried using taxr.ai to analyze my transcript and it immediately showed me there was a hold code that was causing the delay. Saved me hours of phone time since I knew exactly what to discuss when I finally reached an agent on April 5th. They have a free version that covers basic transcript analysis.

The phone number you need depends on your specific situation. Are you calling about a refund? A notice you received? An audit? Each has different departments and numbers. The main customer service line is 800-829-1040, but there are specialized numbers for different issues. Do you have a letter or notice with a reference number? Have you checked your online account at irs.gov/account?

I understand how stressful this waiting game can be. Here's what I'd recommend: Step 1: Check your tax transcript at IRS.gov to confirm the 2/26 date is still showing. Step 2: Look for any TC846 code which indicates the refund was sent. Step 3: Check for any TC971 codes which might indicate an issue. I used taxr.ai to analyze my transcript when I was in your situation. It decoded all the transaction codes and explained exactly what was happening with my refund. It also predicted when I'd actually receive my money, which was spot on. Might save you some headache trying to decipher all those codes yourself.

Direct deposits can fail. Banks reject them sometimes. Account numbers matter. Check your return. DD date plus 5 business days is standard wait time. After that, call IRS. Request a trace if needed. They'll tell you next steps. Keep checking WMR daily.