How to contact an actual person at the IRS about my refund status

I submitted my tax return back in mid-January and my pretty straightforward return (income under $65k) was accepted within like 45 minutes. Nothing has changed from previous years - same job, same address, same filing status. I've been using the same tax software from the IRS Free File program for the past 5 years. But now I've received 3 different letters from the IRS saying my return is "being processed" and that I should wait 60 more days. It's been almost 3 months now! The Where's My Refund tool just shows "processing" and hasn't updated at all. I've tried calling the main IRS number multiple times but I either get disconnected or am on hold forever until I have to hang up. How do I actually reach a real human at the IRS who can tell me what's going on with my refund? This is getting ridiculous and I need that money for some upcoming expenses.

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18 comments

Liam O'Sullivan

•8M

Having worked in tax preparation for years, I can tell you reaching the IRS can be challenging but it's definitely possible! Here are some tips that actually work: Call early in the morning - like right when they open at 7am ET. The IRS phone lines (800-829-1040) get overwhelmed quickly, so your best chance is being one of the first callers of the day. Tuesdays through Thursdays typically have shorter wait times than Mondays or Fridays. When you call, have all your info ready - your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact amount of your expected refund. The automated system will ask for these, and having them handy speeds things up. Another option is to contact your local Taxpayer Advocate Service. They're specifically designed to help when you're having issues with the IRS that normal channels can't resolve. You can find your local office at taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov.

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Liam O'Sullivan

•8M

The Taxpayer Advocate Service definitely works, but they've been overwhelmed the past couple of years so response times can vary. Instead of going through their website, try calling your local office directly. Each state has at least one office with its own phone number that typically has better response rates than the online submission form. As for a direct line, the National Taxpayer Advocate has a main number (877-777-4778), but reaching your specific local office is usually more effective since they can assign you a case advocate who will personally work your issue.

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Giovanni Marino

•8M

After dealing with the EXACT same frustration (3 months waiting!), I finally found a solution that worked. I came across this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that analyzed my IRS letters and helped explain what was actually happening with my return. I uploaded pics of the IRS letters and it told me exactly what was causing the delay and gave me the specific IRS department number to call. The AI explained that the generic "being processed" letters were actually related to an income verification issue that wouldn't resolve itself. Once I had the right number to call and knew what to ask about, I got through to someone who could actually help. Saved me hours of frustration!

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Giovanni Marino

•8M

It works by analyzing the specific code and language in your IRS notice to identify which department is handling your case. My letter had a code CP05 buried in the corner that I didn't even notice, but that told the system it was an income verification issue handled by a specific department. The AI explained that this code meant they were verifying my income and withholding against what my employer reported. As for security, they use bank-level encryption and don't store your documents after analysis. I was skeptical too, but they explain that they just look for patterns in the document formatting and codes - they don't need to keep your personal info. I blocked out my SSN on the letter image anyway just to be extra careful.

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Dylan Hughes

•8M

Ok I need to eat my words about taxr.ai from my earlier comment. After continuing to get nowhere with the main IRS number, I gave it a shot and uploaded my letter. Turns out I had a CP12 notice (which wasn't clearly labeled!) and the system immediately identified it as a math error adjustment. It gave me the direct extension to reach that department and explained exactly what to say. Called this morning using their suggestions and got through to someone in under 10 minutes who could actually see my account! They confirmed they adjusted my return because of a calculation error with the Recovery Rebate Credit (which I didn't even claim!) and said my refund would be processed within 2 weeks. Wish I'd tried this sooner instead of waiting on hold for nothing.

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NightOwl42

•8M

Another option I discovered after being stuck in IRS limbo for weeks: Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). They actually hold your place in the IRS phone queue and call you when an agent picks up! I was super skeptical but you can see how it works in their demo: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c After 4 failed attempts calling myself (always disconnected after 1+ hour holds), I tried this service. They called me back in about 45 minutes with an actual IRS agent on the line! The agent was able to see that my return was flagged for ID verification and got it cleared up in minutes. My refund was issued 9 days later.

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NightOwl42

•8M

They use a system that keeps the connection open and monitors for when a human picks up. It's the same technology call centers use, but reversed to benefit the caller instead of the company. When I used it, they placed the call on my behalf and their system just waited through all the hold music and menu options. No, I definitely don't work for them. I was in the same boat as you - totally frustrated after getting disconnected multiple times after 1+ hour waits. I thought it sounded too good to be true too, but I was desperate after waiting 2+ months for my refund. The service literally just held my place in line, then connected me directly with the agent when they answered. Made me wonder why the IRS doesn't implement something similar themselves.

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Dmitry Ivanov

•8M

Ok I have to apologize to @8 - I was the skeptic about Claimyr and decided to try it out of sheer desperation today. I've been trying to reach the IRS for 2 months about an amended return issue. IT ACTUALLY WORKED. They called me back in about 50 minutes with an IRS agent already on the line. No hold music, no automated system, just straight to a helpful person who could see my account. The agent confirmed they received my amended return but it hadn't been processed yet because of staffing issues. She put a note on my account to expedite it since it's been over 20 weeks. Would have saved myself weeks of stress if I'd just tried this sooner instead of being stubborn. Sometimes you gotta pay for sanity I guess!

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Ava Thompson

•8M

Yes, it absolutely works! Congressional caseworkers help constituents navigate federal agencies - it's literally part of their job. When I called, they had me fill out a privacy form so they could legally inquire about my case, then assigned a caseworker who contacted the IRS Taxpayer Advocate on my behalf. The key is being patient and polite with their office. They deal with lots of cases, so don't expect immediate results, but in my experience, they did follow through. It took about 2 weeks to get resolution, which was much faster than I was getting on my own. Just call your rep's local district office rather than their DC office for best results.

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