Can't reach IRS? Claimyr connects you to a live IRS agent in minutes.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the IRS
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the IRS drops your call
If I could give 10 stars I would
If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
Really made a difference
Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
Worth not wasting your time calling for hours.
Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
An incredibly helpful service
An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls ā which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
Consistent,frustration free, quality Service.
Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
IT WORKS!! Not a scam!
I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
Join the conversation
Join the conversation
Lauren Zeb
I'm also dealing with this exact same issue! Applied for my EFIN in late January and I'm now at the 8-week mark with no movement beyond "in process" status. It's incredibly frustrating watching tax season slip away while clients are asking when they can e-file their returns. Reading through all these experiences has been both helpful and eye-opening. I had no idea this was such a widespread problem this filing season. The lack of communication from the IRS is really the worst part - even a simple "your application is progressing normally" or "there's an issue that needs attention" would help us plan better. Based on what everyone has shared here, I'm going to try several approaches: using the specific terminology about "suitability review status" when calling, checking my e-services account more thoroughly for any hidden messages, and seriously considering one of those hold services since traditional calling hasn't worked for anyone. One question for those who eventually got through - did you find out what was actually causing the delay in your case? I'm wondering if it's mostly fingerprint quality issues or if there are other common bottlenecks in the system that we should be aware of. Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions. It's reassuring to know we're not alone in this, even though it's frustrating that the system seems so broken for something this essential to our businesses.
Luca Ferrari
ā¢I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm dealing with the exact same situation - submitted my EFIN application in early February and it's been stuck on "in process" for over 6 weeks now. Like everyone else here, I've been losing clients who don't want to deal with paper filing delays. After reading through all these experiences, I'm definitely going to try the specific terminology people mentioned - asking about "suitability review status" and "quality flags" when I call. I've been making generic status inquiries, but being more targeted with my questions sounds like it could make a difference. The services that wait on hold for you sound really appealing at this point. I've probably wasted 20+ hours sitting on hold with the IRS over the past few weeks with nothing to show for it. Having someone else deal with that while I can actually work with clients seems worth whatever it costs. One thing I'm curious about - for those who eventually got through and found out what was causing their delay, was it usually something you could have prevented or addressed earlier? I'm wondering if there are any red flags I should be watching for in my e-services account that might indicate a specific issue. Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions. It's both comforting and frustrating to know this is such a common problem, but at least now I have some new strategies to try!
Nolan Carter
I'm experiencing the exact same frustrating situation! Applied for my EFIN in mid-February and have been stuck on "in process" status for over 5 weeks now. It's incredibly disheartening watching potential clients walk away because they can't wait for paper filing when e-filing would be so much faster. This thread has been incredibly valuable - I had no idea so many other preparers were dealing with identical delays this season. The specific terminology everyone has shared about asking for "suitability review status" and checking for "quality flags" is really helpful. I've been making generic status inquiries when calling, but being more targeted with my language sounds like it could make a real difference. I'm definitely going to try some of the solutions people have mentioned here, especially those services that wait on hold for you. After spending countless hours in IRS phone queues with nothing to show for it, having someone else handle that while I can focus on serving existing clients seems like it would be worth the cost. The documentation approach several people mentioned is smart too - I'm going to start keeping detailed records of all my contact attempts in case I need to escalate this to the Taxpayer Advocate Service. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and practical solutions. It's both reassuring and concerning to see how widespread this problem is, but at least now I have some concrete strategies to try beyond just hoping the status magically changes!
Join the conversation
Amina Toure
This discussion has been incredibly helpful! I'm also working with a non-profit that's launching a rental assistance program, and I was getting confused by all the different rules I was reading about online. One question I haven't seen addressed yet - what happens if we provide rental assistance to someone who later in the year receives other forms of government assistance like SNAP or Medicaid? Could our rental assistance somehow affect their eligibility for those programs, or create complications when they're reporting income for those applications? I want to make sure we're not inadvertently creating problems for the people we're trying to help by having them appear to have higher income than they actually do when applying for other assistance programs.
That's a really thoughtful question! Generally speaking, rental assistance that goes directly to landlords shouldn't affect eligibility for other government programs like SNAP or Medicaid because it's not considered income to the recipient. These programs typically look at actual cash income that flows through the person's hands. However, I'd recommend being proactive about this - when you provide the assistance, give recipients a letter clearly stating that the rental assistance was paid directly to their landlord and is not considered taxable income or countable income for most benefit programs. This documentation can be really helpful when they're applying for or recertifying other assistance. It's also worth noting that different assistance programs have different rules about what counts as "income," so having that documentation from your organization helps caseworkers at other agencies understand the nature of the assistance. Most experienced benefits caseworkers are familiar with these types of third-party housing payments and know they don't count against income limits.
Ethan Taylor
This has been such a valuable discussion! I'm working with a community action agency that provides emergency rental assistance, and this thread has clarified so much for me. One additional point I'd like to add based on our experience - if your non-profit works with multiple landlords regularly, consider creating a simple one-page fact sheet explaining the program and its tax implications. We found that landlords sometimes had questions about whether they needed to handle these payments differently from regular rent, and having a standardized explanation saved everyone time. Also, for organizations just starting out, consider reaching out to other local non-profits who already run similar programs. Most are happy to share their policies and procedures, which can save you from reinventing the wheel. We based our initial documentation on templates from a more established organization in our area, then customized them for our specific program. The key takeaway for anyone reading this is that direct-to-landlord payments from qualified non-profits are generally not taxable income for tenants, but proper documentation and consistent procedures are absolutely critical. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of practical guidance our sector needs!
This is such great advice about creating fact sheets for landlords! I'm new to this community and just starting to help with our local food bank's housing assistance program. One thing I'm wondering about - do you have any tips for small organizations that might not have the resources to create formal policies right away? We're mostly volunteers and want to make sure we do this right, but some of the documentation requirements mentioned earlier seem pretty extensive for our current capacity. Also, has anyone dealt with situations where tenants are behind on multiple months of rent? Does it matter tax-wise if we're paying current rent versus back rent, or is the treatment the same as long as it goes directly to the landlord?
Join the conversation
I've been dealing with this exact same dilemma! Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly eye-opening. I've been paying for TurboTax Audit Defense for the past two years, mostly out of fear and anxiety about dealing with the IRS. What really struck me was the combination of the low audit statistics (less than 1% for most taxpayers) and the real-world experiences from people who actually used the service. It sounds like you're often paying premium prices for what amounts to basic document forwarding rather than actual advocacy or representation. I think the marketing really preys on our fears about the IRS being this scary, unreachable entity. But hearing from people who've successfully handled tax issues on their own with good documentation, and even those who've used services like Claimyr to actually get through to IRS agents, makes me realize there are better ways to handle potential issues if they arise. I'm definitely going to skip the Audit Defense for my 2025 return and follow the smart advice here about putting that money into a dedicated savings account instead. That way I'm still being responsible and preparing for the unlikely scenario, but the money stays under my control and can earn interest while it sits there. My tax situation is relatively straightforward - W-2 income with some investments and modest deductions. Based on everything I've read here, I'm better off focusing on good record-keeping and saving the money for actual professional help if I ever truly need it. Thanks everyone for sharing your honest experiences and helping cut through the fear-based marketing!
This whole discussion has been such a wake-up call! I'm a newcomer here and was actually researching whether to buy TurboTax Audit Defense for the first time when I found this thread. Reading everyone's real experiences has completely changed my mind. What really convinced me was seeing the actual audit statistics - less than 1% chance for most taxpayers - combined with the stories from people who used the service and found it underwhelming. It sounds like you're paying premium prices for what's essentially administrative support rather than true advocacy. I love the idea that several people mentioned about creating a "tax emergency fund" with that money instead. That way you're still being responsible about potential issues, but the money stays in your control and actually grows with interest. If something ever does come up, you can hire a specialist who knows your specific situation rather than getting assigned to whoever happens to be available. As someone just starting to navigate these decisions, I really appreciate how everyone here shared honest experiences instead of just repeating marketing talking points. It's clear that good record-keeping and organization are your real best defense, not expensive insurance premiums for something that's statistically very unlikely to happen. Thanks for helping a newcomer make a much more informed decision!
Daryl Bright
As someone who's been using TurboTax for several years, this discussion has been incredibly valuable! I was on the fence about purchasing Audit Defense for my upcoming 2025 return, but reading through all these real experiences has definitely helped me make a decision. What really stands out to me is how the actual audit rate statistics (less than 1% for most individual taxpayers) contrast so sharply with the fear-based marketing we get hit with every tax season. TurboTax makes it sound like audits are this common, terrifying thing that could happen to anyone, but the reality seems much different. The accounts from people who actually used the service are particularly enlightening. It sounds like you're often paying for document collection and forwarding rather than true advocacy or representation. For the premium prices they charge, I'd expect someone to actually fight for my position, not just act as a middleman with the IRS. My situation is pretty straightforward - W-2 income, some basic investment accounts, and I already keep organized records of my expenses and receipts. Based on everything I've read here, it seems like good documentation and record-keeping are my best defense anyway, not expensive insurance premiums. I think I'm going to follow the smart approach several people mentioned - skip the Audit Defense and put that money into a dedicated savings account instead. That way I'm still being responsible about potential tax issues, but the money stays under my control and can actually earn interest. If I ever do need professional help, I can use those saved funds to hire a CPA who specializes in audit representation rather than paying premiums year after year for something I'll statistically never need. Thanks to everyone who shared their honest experiences - this kind of real-world insight is so much more helpful than any marketing brochure!
This thread has been such an education for me as well! I'm relatively new to doing my own taxes and was almost convinced by TurboTax's marketing that I absolutely needed Audit Defense to protect myself. Reading everyone's real experiences here has saved me from what would have been an unnecessary expense. What really opened my eyes was learning that the audit rate is so incredibly low for regular taxpayers like us. When you put it in perspective - paying annual premiums for something with less than a 1% chance of happening - it really doesn't make financial sense. It's like buying expensive insurance for getting struck by lightning! The stories from people who actually went through audits were especially helpful. It sounds like good record-keeping and documentation are what actually matter, not having some expensive service that mostly just forwards your paperwork to the IRS. I'm going to focus my energy on getting better organized with my tax documents rather than paying for "protection" I probably don't need. I'm definitely taking the advice about creating a tax emergency savings account with that money instead. At least that way I'm building up my own financial cushion that I can use for any purpose, not just potential IRS issues. Thanks everyone for sharing such honest and practical advice - this community is amazing!
Join the conversation
Ashley Adams
This is really helpful information! I had a similar confusion when I first started using a DCFSA. One thing I learned that might help others - when you're looking at your paystub throughout the year, you should see the DCFSA contributions being deducted as "pre-tax" deductions, which is how you know the tax benefit is working. Also, don't forget that you can use DCFSA funds for more than just daycare - things like before/after school care, summer day camps, and even care for elderly dependents can qualify. I initially thought it was only for traditional daycare but there are actually quite a few qualifying expenses. Just make sure to keep all your receipts and get proper documentation from providers like Felix mentioned - the IRS definitely checks this stuff!
That's a great point about the pre-tax deductions showing up on your paystub! I wish I had known to look for that earlier in the year - it would have given me confidence that the DCFSA was actually working as intended. Quick question about the qualifying expenses you mentioned - do you know if there's an age limit for the before/after school care? My oldest is 12 and I'm wondering if those expenses would still qualify or if there's a cutoff age where the IRS considers them old enough to not need "care.
Good question about the age limit! For dependent care FSA purposes, the IRS generally allows expenses for children under 13, so unfortunately your 12-year-old would qualify but once they turn 13, those before/after school care expenses wouldn't be eligible anymore. The idea is that by age 13, kids are considered capable of self-care. There are some exceptions though - if your child has special needs or disabilities that require care regardless of age, those expenses can still qualify even after 13. You'd need documentation from a healthcare provider confirming the need for care. Also worth noting that the age is determined at the time the care is provided, so if your child turns 13 mid-year, you can still use DCFSA funds for expenses incurred before their 13th birthday.
Avery Saint
This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation with my first DCFSA and was panicking when I saw that $5k in Box 10. Reading through all the explanations here really cleared things up. One thing I want to add for other newcomers - when you're setting up your DCFSA contribution amount for next year, make sure you have a realistic estimate of your actual qualifying expenses. As Kevin mentioned, it's "use it or lose it" so you don't want to contribute more than you'll actually spend on eligible care. I'm planning to be more conservative with my 2025 contribution and maybe start with $4k instead of the full $5k limit, just to make sure I don't forfeit any money. You can always adjust during open enrollment if your childcare situation changes. Better to leave a little tax benefit on the table than lose hundreds of dollars you already contributed!
Emma Wilson
ā¢That's really smart advice about being conservative with the contribution amount! I made the same mistake in my first year - got excited about the tax savings and maxed out at $5k without really calculating my actual expenses carefully. One tip that might help others: try tracking your childcare expenses for a few months before open enrollment to get a realistic baseline. I started doing this and realized my actual qualifying expenses were closer to $4,200 annually, not the $5k I initially assumed. Now I contribute $4k to be safe and still get most of the tax benefit without the risk of forfeiting money. Also, some employers allow you to change your DCFSA contribution mid-year if you have a qualifying life event (new child, change in childcare provider, etc.), so it's worth checking your plan documents to see what flexibility you might have if your situation changes.
Avery Saint
I went through this exact situation with Amazon Flex last year! Here's what fixed it for me: 1. Clear your browser cache completely 2. Try using a different browser altogether (Firefox worked when Chrome failed) 3. Disable any ad blockers or privacy extensions 4. Make sure you're using the exact same email address as your Flex account 5. If all else fails, contact Amazon Flex support through the app Such a relief when I finally got in! If you're really stuck, you can also request your wage and income transcript directly from the IRS which will show what Amazon reported for you.
0 coins
Demi Hall
Hey Zoe! I totally feel your stress about this - tax deadline anxiety is real! I've been doing gig work for a few years and ran into similar issues. A few things that might help: First, definitely try Ryan's suggestion about the Stripe portal - that's actually how I accessed mine last year when the main Amazon portal was being glitchy. Also, Benjamin's tip about using the mobile app instead of the website is spot on - I've noticed the app tends to be more reliable. If you still can't access it, don't panic! You can absolutely file your taxes without the official 1099 form. Just gather all your payment records from the Amazon Flex app (go to Earnings > Payment History) and add up your total for 2023. The IRS cares more about you reporting the income accurately than having the physical form. One more thing since you mentioned caring for your mom - make sure to look into the Credit for Caring if she qualifies as your dependent. And if you're using your car for deliveries, don't forget to track those business miles for deductions! You've got this! šŖ
0 coins
Salim Nasir
ā¢Thanks for this helpful breakdown, Demi! I'm actually in a similar situation with my elderly father, so the Credit for Caring tip is really valuable. Quick question - do you know if there's a specific income threshold for that credit? I've been doing some research but the IRS website can be pretty confusing to navigate. Also, for the business mile tracking, is it better to use an app or just keep a manual log? I've been pretty inconsistent with tracking this year and worried I might be missing out on significant deductions.
0 coins