I understand how frustrating this situation must be, especially after your previous experiences with Missouri. Here's what I recommend based on helping others in similar situations: • E-file both returns if you haven't already submitted them • Keep digital and physical copies of EVERYTHING (confirmation numbers, acknowledgments, etc.) • For Illinois: Use MyTax Illinois portal to track your refund status • For Missouri: Use their Return Inquiry System AND save screenshots of your inquiry • Set calendar reminders to check status every 2 weeks • If no Missouri refund after 8 weeks, contact them immediately The good news is that both states have improved their electronic processing significantly since 2022. The bad news is that Missouri still struggles with proper documentation of paper returns. Your situation sounds particularly challenging given the previous issues, but with proper documentation this time, you should be able to resolve any problems much more quickly.

I've dealt with this exact situation with Missouri for the past three tax seasons. Here's what I learned the hard way: Step 1: NEVER file paper returns with Missouri if you can avoid it. Their paper processing center has a 30-40% error rate according to a DOR employee I spoke with. Step 2: If you must file paper (some situations require it), send it certified mail with return receipt AND make a complete photocopy first. Step 3: After 45 days, if no update appears online, call them directly. Don't wait longer - their system often shows "no return found" even when they have it. Step 4: If they claim they never received it, immediately send a copy with a cover letter referencing your certified mail tracking number. I'm skeptical of quick fixes, but following this process has worked for me after losing two refunds in previous years. The system is fundamentally broken, but you can navigate it with enough persistence.

Don't wait for the letter at all! I went through this exact nightmare last year. The IRS told me they sent a letter. Waited 6 weeks. Nothing came. I finally gave up waiting and called the appointment line (844-545-5640). Told them I never got my letter but needed to verify. They booked me anyway! When I went to my appointment, I just explained I never received the letter. They looked me up in their system, saw I needed verification, and proceeded normally. My refund was released 8 days later. The letters are so backed up it's ridiculous! I actually received mine TWO MONTHS after my verification was complete and refund received. What a joke.

It seems like the consensus here is that you should probably call for an appointment rather than attempting to walk in. I've heard from several colleagues that the TACs are generally quite strict about the appointment policy, though there might be some variation depending on your local office. As for documentation, it would be advisable to bring perhaps more than you think you'll need. This would likely include: your government-issued photo ID, social security card, copies of your current tax return, possibly previous years' returns, any correspondence you've received from the IRS (even if not the specific verification letter), and utility bills or other proof of address. The verification process itself is usually relatively straightforward once you're actually at your appointment, from what I understand. The real challenge appears to be securing that appointment in the first place.

I was probably in a somewhat similar situation last month. Filed on January 22nd and was getting, like, really worried after waiting almost 8 weeks with no updates. I finally got through to an agent who told me my return was essentially just sitting in a queue waiting to be processed - no issues or flags. They said it might take a few more weeks, but my refund actually showed up about 4 days after that call. Sometimes just making contact seems to possibly move things along, at least in my experience.

I reached an IRS agent on March 12th after filing on January 25th. The secret is calling at 7:00 AM Eastern precisely. Not 7:01, not 6:59. Exactly at 7:00 when their systems come online. My issue was they needed to verify my identity because I had moved since my last filing. Once verified, my refund was issued on March 22nd. If you filed with a different address than your previous return, this could be your issue. The IRS is currently processing returns from mid-February according to their latest update on April 3rd.

I was in your friend's shoes three years in a row - tax time was just disappointment time for me 😂 (not really funny when you're counting on that money though). Finally got it sorted last year and actually received my full refund this February! The key was finding out it was an old state tax debt from when I moved between states. I set up a payment plan with my former state's revenue department, made consistent payments for 6 months, and then requested they release me from the offset program. Tell your friend not to give up - it feels amazing to finally break the cycle and actually get your refund!

I've helped several family members through this exact situation. Here's my experience with the process: 1. The TOP hotline will only give basic information - which agency has the debt and how much 2. Each type of debt has different resolution options: - Federal student loans: rehabilitation programs or consolidation - Child support: must work with state child support agency - State taxes: contact that state's department of revenue - Federal taxes: IRS payment plans or Offer in Compromise 3. Some debts can be disputed if they're incorrect 4. Once arrangements are made, get written confirmation that the debt holder will remove the offset It takes persistence but is absolutely resolvable. The worst thing your friend can do is ignore it, as interest and penalties often continue to accrue.

You might want to consider FreeTaxUSA as a possible middle ground. They generally charge around $15 for state filing, but federal filing with Schedule C is completely free. Their interface is perhaps a bit more comprehensive than Cash App Tax, though admittedly not quite as polished as H&R Block. Many users find their guidance for self-employment income to be reasonably thorough, especially if you're somewhat familiar with the basic principles of business expense deductions.

I compared multiple platforms for my DoorDash income ($18K last year). Here's what I found: • Cash App Tax: Free but confusing UI for business expenses • H&R Block: $89.99 but caught all deductions • TurboTax: $119 and pushy upsells • FreeTaxUSA: $15 (state only) with decent guidance The Cash App interface literally asked me ONE question about mileage while H&R Block had a comprehensive section covering everything from hot bags to phone mounts. Ended up with $1,200 more in deductions with H&R Block.