How can I verify if my S-corp election has been processed by the IRS?

The IRS typically sends an acceptance letter for S-corp elections within 60 days of receiving your Form 2553, so not having heard anything after 3 months is concerning but not unusual with current IRS backlogs. Your best option is to call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. When you call, specifically ask for the "Entity Department" as they handle S-corp elections. Regular customer service reps often aren't familiar with business entity issues. Another option is to use the IRS "Where's My Amended Return" tool if you filed your S-corp election with your initial 1120S tax return. However, this won't work if you only submitted Form 2553 by itself. You could also try contacting the IRS office where you would file your business return - they might be able to check their systems for your election status.

After dealing with the exact same headache last year, I finally found a solution with taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai). I spent weeks trying to track down my S-corp election status through regular IRS channels with zero luck. Someone recommended taxr.ai to me, and it was seriously a game-changer. Their system can analyze your Form 2553 submission details and help determine if there were any issues that might have caused processing delays. They also guided me through the proper channels to verify my election status - turns out I had a minor error on my form that would have caused rejection, but I was able to correct and resubmit before it was too late. The best part was they helped me draft a follow-up letter to the IRS that actually got a response! Saved me countless hours of frustration.

Just wanted to update that I tried taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here. I was really impressed! I uploaded my Form 2553 and business details, and they immediately flagged that I had checked one box incorrectly in Part II that would have caused issues. They also provided me with the direct fax number for the IRS department that processes S-corp elections (different than the general one I had used) and a template letter to include explaining my situation. I called the specific number they recommended for the Entity Department, and on my first try, I got through to someone who confirmed they had received my original submission but it was pending review due to the error. I submitted the corrected form using their instructions, and just got my acceptance letter yesterday! Definitely worth checking out if you're still stuck.

If you're still struggling to get through to the IRS, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was in the same situation with my S-corp election last year and couldn't get anyone on the phone who knew what they were talking about. After multiple failed attempts, I used Claimyr's service, and they got me connected to an actual IRS agent who could help with business tax issues in about 20 minutes - skipping the ridiculous hold times. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The agent I spoke with was able to look up my S-corp election in their system and confirm it was received but had been flagged for a signature issue. I wouldn't have known that otherwise and could have been waiting forever!

I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I decided to try it myself since I've been trying to reach the IRS about my business taxes for weeks. The service actually worked exactly as described. Their system navigated through all the IRS prompts and waited on hold for about 40 minutes. Then I got a call connecting me directly to an IRS agent who was able to check on my S-corp election status right away. Turns out my election was actually processed two months ago, but they sent the acceptance letter to an old address! The agent was able to update my information and resend the letter to the correct address. Would have never known this without finally getting through to someone who could actually access my records. Definitely saved me from filing incorrectly and potentially facing penalties. Sorry for being so skeptical before!

Something people don't realize - you can also check if your S election was successful by looking at your account transcript. You'll need to create an account on the IRS website if you don't already have one, but the business transcript will usually show if the election was processed through transaction codes. Look for Transaction Code 594 with an S-corp election reference. If that's there, your election was received and processed!

Just a heads up, if you're in this situation and did file Form 2553 late (more than 2 months and 15 days after your incorporation date), include a reasonable cause statement explaining why it was late. The IRS can provide automatic relief in many cases as long as you file within 3 years of your intended effective date.

One more option that worked for me - if you have a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) near you, they can sometimes help with S-corp election status inquiries in person. You'll need to make an appointment first through the IRS website or by calling 844-545-5640. I went this route when I couldn't get through on the phone lines, and the agent was able to look up my election immediately and confirm it had been processed but there was a clerical error preventing the acceptance letter from being sent. They were able to correct it on the spot and I got my confirmation letter within a week. The downside is that many TACs have limited hours and you might have to wait a few weeks for an appointment, but if you're really stuck and need definitive answers, it's worth considering as a backup option.

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! What finally worked for me was calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 early in the morning (around 7-8 AM) when they first open. The hold times are usually much shorter then. When you get through, immediately ask to be transferred to the "Entity Classification Department" - they're the specialists who handle S-corp elections. Regular customer service reps often don't have access to the systems that show election status. Have your EIN, exact business name, incorporation date, and the date you submitted Form 2553 ready. They can tell you right away if it was received and processed, or if there were any issues. If they can't find your submission, don't panic - you can request "late election relief" under Revenue Procedure 2013-30 as long as you're within 3 years and 75 days of your intended effective date. I had to do this when my original fax got lost, and they approved it without any issues. The key is persistence and calling at the right time. Good luck!

This is such a frustrating situation! I went through something similar with my LLC election to be taxed as an S-corp. One thing that helped me was keeping detailed records of every interaction attempt - dates, times, who you spoke to, what they said. This becomes really important if you need to demonstrate reasonable cause for any delays later. Also, make sure you're calling the right number. I wasted weeks calling the general taxpayer assistance line before learning about the Business & Specialty Tax Line that others have mentioned. The Entity Classification Department is definitely the way to go. One tip I learned the hard way - if you do end up having to resubmit, send it via certified mail AND fax. The certified mail gives you proof of delivery, but fax is often processed faster. Include a cover letter explaining this is a duplicate submission to ensure your election is processed. The IRS processing delays are brutal right now, but don't give up! Your S-corp status is too important for your tax situation to let this slide.

I've been following this thread as someone who went through S-corp election verification issues myself about 6 months ago. The suggestions here are spot-on, especially about calling early and asking for the Entity Classification Department. One additional tip that really helped me: if you get through to someone who seems unsure or gives you conflicting information, politely ask to speak with their supervisor or a specialist. I had one rep tell me my election "probably got lost" and I'd need to refile everything, but when I asked for a supervisor, they were able to find my submission in the system within minutes. Also, don't be discouraged if your first few calls don't yield results. The IRS phone system and staff knowledge can be inconsistent. I had to call three different times before getting someone who could actually help, but once I reached the right person, they resolved everything quickly. The transcript checking method mentioned by Sean is also really valuable - Transaction Code 594 is exactly what you want to see. Even if you have to request it by mail, it gives you definitive proof of your election status that you can reference in future calls or correspondence. Hang in there - I know how stressful this uncertainty is, especially when tax filing deadlines are approaching!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Filed my S-corp election in February and it's been radio silence from the IRS ever since. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea there was a specific Entity Classification Department I should be asking for. I'm definitely going to try the early morning call strategy that several people mentioned. The idea of calling right when they open at 7-8 AM makes so much sense to avoid the worst of the hold times. One question for those who have been through this - if the IRS confirms they received and processed my election, but I never got an acceptance letter, is there a way to get a duplicate copy sent? I'm worried about not having official documentation for my records, especially if I get audited down the road. Also, has anyone had experience with the situation where your election was processed but you need to make corrections to your business address or other details? I'm wondering if that requires a whole new submission or if there's a simpler amendment process. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this thread is a goldmine of practical advice that you just can't find in the official IRS publications!

I've been dealing with S-corp election verification issues myself and wanted to add one more resource that helped me. If you're still having trouble getting through to the IRS by phone, you can also try reaching out to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) at 877-777-4778. TAS is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems when normal IRS channels aren't working. They were incredibly helpful when I was stuck in a similar situation - they can actually research your case internally and communicate directly with the processing departments on your behalf. You'll need to demonstrate that you've already tried to resolve the issue through normal channels (which it sounds like you definitely have), but they can often get answers and resolution much faster than going through regular customer service. The key is to document all your previous attempts to contact the IRS - dates, times, who you spoke with, what they told you. TAS really values this kind of documentation when they take on your case. It took about 2 weeks from when I contacted TAS to getting a definitive answer about my S-corp election status. They even helped me get the acceptance letter reissued when it turned out the original was sent to an incorrect address in their system. Worth considering as another option if the direct IRS calls don't pan out!

I went through this exact same frustration with my S-corp election last year! After reading through all these great suggestions, I want to add one more approach that worked for me when everything else failed. If you're still not getting anywhere with phone calls or the other methods mentioned, try sending a written inquiry directly to the IRS processing center that handles your state's business returns. You can find the specific address in the Form 2553 instructions based on your state. Include a cover letter with your EIN, business name, incorporation date, the date you submitted Form 2553, and a clear request for verification of your election status. Also include a copy of your submitted Form 2553 if you kept one. Mark the envelope "S Corporation Election Inquiry - Urgent" to help it get routed to the right department. I sent mine via certified mail with return receipt, and got a response within 3 weeks confirming my election had been processed but there was a clerical error preventing the acceptance letter from being sent. They corrected it and sent the official acceptance letter right away. Sometimes the written approach works when phone calls don't, especially if there are system issues preventing phone reps from accessing your records. Plus you'll have documentation of your inquiry attempt for your records. The early morning call strategy mentioned by others is definitely worth trying first since it's faster, but don't overlook the power of a well-written letter if you need a backup plan!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now - submitted my Form 2553 in May and it's been complete silence from the IRS. This thread has been incredibly helpful! I had no idea about the Entity Classification Department or calling early in the morning. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - I found out from my CPA that if you're unsure about your S-corp election status and tax filing season is approaching, you should err on the side of caution and file as if your election was NOT approved (i.e., file Form 1120 as a C-corp) rather than risk filing incorrectly as an S-corp. If it turns out your election was actually processed, you can always amend your return later. But filing as an S-corp when your election wasn't approved can create much bigger problems with the IRS. Obviously the goal is to get definitive confirmation before filing, but I thought this backup strategy might help anyone facing tight deadlines while still trying to verify their election status. Has anyone else heard this advice from their tax professional?

I'm also dealing with S-corp election uncertainty right now! This thread has been a lifesaver - I had no idea there were so many specific strategies for getting through to the right IRS departments. One thing I wanted to share that might help others: if you're working with a tax professional (CPA, enrolled agent, etc.), they often have better access to IRS systems and can check your election status more efficiently than individual taxpayers. My CPA was able to call the Practitioner Priority Service line and get an answer about my client's S-corp election in about 20 minutes, whereas I had been struggling for weeks on my own. If you don't currently work with a tax professional but are considering it given the complexity of S-corp taxation anyway, it might be worth consulting with one specifically for this issue. Many will do a one-time consultation to help verify your election status and advise on next steps. The early morning calling strategy and Entity Classification Department tips mentioned here are gold though - I'm definitely trying those approaches first before potentially hiring professional help. It's just good to know that's another option if the DIY methods don't work out. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences. It's reassuring to know this is a common issue and that there are multiple paths to resolution!

I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now! Filed my S-corp election back in June and have heard absolutely nothing from the IRS. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly eye-opening - I had no idea there were so many specific strategies and departments to target. The early morning calling strategy sounds like a game-changer. I've been calling in the afternoons and getting stuck in 2+ hour hold queues that usually end in disconnection. Calling right at 7-8 AM when they open makes perfect sense to avoid the rush. I'm also really intrigued by the Entity Classification Department recommendation. Every time I've called, I just get transferred to general customer service who clearly don't understand business entity elections. Having a specific department name to request should help cut through that confusion. One thing I'm wondering about - for those who successfully got through and confirmed their election status, did the IRS representatives ask for any specific documentation beyond just your EIN and business name? I want to make sure I have everything ready when I finally get someone knowledgeable on the phone. The transcript checking method with Transaction Code 594 also sounds promising as a backup verification method. Even if I have to request it by mail, having official documentation would give me peace of mind. Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences here. It's both frustrating and reassuring to know this is such a common issue, but at least now I have a clear action plan to finally get some answers!