Best Number to Reach a Live IRS Person? Transcript Not Updated, WMR Still Says 'Accepted'

The main IRS number (800-829-1040) is basically useless compared to what you could get with the right extension. I've been trying for 3 weeks and keep getting the "high call volume" message before they hang up. Try 800-829-0582 and when prompted enter extension 652. Call exactly at 7am EST when they open - any later and you'll be waiting for hours if you get through at all. The transcript not updating after 6+ weeks is concerning though - when I filed in February, mine updated within 21 days even with the backlog.

OMG the IRS phone system is the WORST. Spent like 3 hrs on hold last wk only to get disconnected. FYI - if ur transcript isn't showing up yet, try https://taxr.ai - it helped me understand my situation. I was freaking bc I needed my refund ASAP for rent. The site explained what my "N/A" transcript actually meant and predicted when it would update. Saved me tons of anxiety and another useless call to IRS. They analyze ur transcript codes and tell u what's actually happening w/ ur return.

I was in a similar situation last year after my divorce. My return was accepted on February 15th, but my transcript didn't update until April 28th! I'm an obsessive planner so I called the IRS 14 times before I got through. What worked for me was calling 800-829-0582 with extension 652, but only on Tuesdays between 8:15-9:00am Eastern. For some reason, that timing had shorter wait times. I also made sure to have my prior year AGI, filing status, and a copy of my return ready before calling. The agent told me my return was just in normal processing and wasn't flagged for any issues - it just took forever because of the change in filing status from joint to head of household.

Have you considered how much time you might waste trying to get through to the IRS on your own? I've been wondering the same thing myself. After trying for days, I discovered Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) which got me connected to an IRS agent in about 15 minutes when I'd been unable to get through for weeks. What would happen if your return is stuck in processing and you never find out why? The agent confirmed my return was just delayed due to identity verification and helped resolve it immediately.

Whatever you do, DON'T use the general customer service line without an extension! I waited on hold for 2.5 hours last month only to have someone tell me they couldn't help with my specific issue and needed to transfer me... then I got disconnected! I was so upset because I really need that money for bills. Has anyone had luck getting specific information about their return when they finally reach someone? Like do they actually tell you what's causing the delay?

I'm wondering if you might have better luck with the Taxpayer Advocate Service instead of the main IRS line? It appears they sometimes can help with refund delays, though they generally prefer cases with financial hardship. Have you perhaps tried checking the transcript by mail request rather than online?

I filed on exactly March 18th this year with a similar situation (new head of household status) and had the same issue with WMR stuck on accepted. Called the IRS at 800-829-0582 ext 652 on April 12th at 7:03am EST, waited 47 minutes, and spoke with an agent who confirmed my return was in manual review due to the filing status change. She released the hold while I was on the phone, and my transcript updated 3 days later. Refund deposited exactly 5 days after that. Don't panic - the 45-day mark is when you should start actively pursuing it, and you're just about there.