How to get a trace number from H&R Block? They act clueless when I ask!

Are they seriously pretending not to know what a trace number is? How is that even possible for tax professionals? The trace number is literally the confirmation that your return was transmitted to the IRS. Without it, how would you even verify they submitted your return? This happens way too often with these tax prep chains where the seasonal employees have minimal training. Have you tried asking specifically for a 'transmission acknowledgment number' or 'submission ID'? Sometimes they use different terminology.

Ugh, I had the EXACT same problem with them last year. It's like asking a fish to explain quantum physics 😂 I wasted two weeks going back and forth before I finally gave up and called the IRS directly. Used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to skip the 2+ hour hold times and got through to an agent who explained everything. Turns out H&R Block should have given me an 'acknowledgment number' which is what the IRS calls a trace number. The IRS agent was able to look up my return without it, but said having it would have made things much faster.

I was in the same boat on April 3rd when I needed my trace number for an amended return. H&R Block kept telling me they don't provide 'trace numbers' but when I asked for the 'submission ID' or 'acknowledgment number' suddenly they knew exactly what I was talking about! Got my number within 10 minutes after that. I was shocked at how difficult they made something so simple - it was right there in their system the whole time!

This is a common terminology disconnect between tax preparation services and the IRS. What you need is the Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) combined with the Submission ID, which together create what the IRS refers to as a DCN (Declaration Control Number). H&R Block should have this in their Electronic Return Originator (ERO) system. If you're trying to decode your tax transcript to find where your refund is, I'd recommend using taxr.ai which can interpret all those codes and tell you exactly where your return stands in processing. It helped me understand my transcript when I had a similar issue with my amended return.

Be careful about how you proceed! I waited too long trying to get this information from H&R Block last April and ended up missing the deadline to file a trace on my missing refund. The IRS told me on May 15th that I should have initiated the trace process earlier, and it delayed my refund by another 9 weeks! If H&R Block won't give you the number within the next few days, you need to contact the IRS directly and explain the situation. Don't let them run out the clock on you!

According to IRS Publication 1345 (Rev. 4-2023), all authorized e-file providers must provide taxpayers with the electronic acknowledgment number for their return. Per section 5.5 of the publication, this is a mandatory requirement for all EROs (Electronic Return Originators). H&R Block is absolutely required to provide this information to you, and claiming ignorance is not acceptable. You can reference this publication when you speak with them again, and if they still refuse, you can file a complaint with the IRS by calling the e-file provider complaint line at 1-855-247-3778.

I've seen this happen with multiple tax prep chains, not just H&R Block. Liberty Tax did the same thing to my cousin, while Jackson Hewitt was much better about providing this information upfront. It's worth noting that if you filed with a smaller local accountant instead of a chain, you'd likely get much better service. For what it's worth, you might want to check your email from when you first filed - sometimes they automatically send the acknowledgment number in a confirmation email, though it might be labeled something different like "submission ID" or "confirmation code."

Did you pay for audit protection or any additional services when you filed? Sometimes the trace/acknowledgment number is printed on those receipts or documentation. Also, did you keep a copy of your return that H&R Block prepared? Sometimes the number is printed in small text at the bottom of one of the pages.

You might be able to bypass this entirely. I believe you can create an account on the IRS website (if you haven't already) and view your tax transcript online. This might show the status of your refund without needing the trace number from H&R Block. It's probably worth trying that approach while you're still trying to get the information from them.