How to verify if my taxes have actually been filed with the IRS?

The IRS has a few ways you can check if your return was actually filed, though some work better than others: First, try creating an account on the IRS website (irs.gov) and access your tax records through their "Get Transcript" service. This should show if they've received a return under your Social Security number for 2024. The transcript usually updates within 3-4 weeks of filing. Another option is to use the "Where's My Refund" tool on the IRS website, even though you owe money. Sometimes it will at least confirm they received your return. I know the phone lines are frustrating, but if you call early in the morning (right when they open) and select the option for "payment questions" rather than filing status, you'll often get through to a person faster who can check your account. As a last resort, you could visit a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in person, but you'll need to schedule an appointment first. Keep all documentation from this tax company as proof you attempted to file on time if this turns into an issue later.

After dealing with a similar situation last year, I found an amazing service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that saved me so much hassle. I was also worried my returns hadn't been properly filed by a service I used, and was getting nowhere with the IRS phone system. The taxr.ai tool analyzed my documentation and tax situation and confirmed that my return wasn't actually showing up in the IRS system. They have some kind of system that helps verify filing status by analyzing your tax documents and comparing them with IRS records. Their AI checks for discrepancies and can flag potential issues before they become problems. I was able to get clear answers about my filing status without spending hours on hold with the IRS. They also helped me understand what steps to take next to make sure my taxes got properly filed.

I actually tried taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here last week. Initially I was skeptical that it would work better than just waiting to hear from the IRS, but I was desperate because I suspected my accountant hadn't filed my taxes even though they swore they did. The tool quickly analyzed my situation and confirmed my suspicions - nothing had been filed! I was able to see this within minutes rather than waiting weeks for the IRS to tell me the same thing. The AI even flagged some potential issues with my W-2 that might have caused problems later. The best part was how it walked me through exactly what to do next. I ended up filing myself using their recommended steps and already got confirmation that the IRS received everything correctly. Seriously saved me from what could have been a nightmare of penalties. Wish I'd known about this sooner!

I had a similar experience last year and wasted WEEKS trying to get through to someone at the IRS. After 20+ calls and hours on hold, I found a service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that actually got me through to a real IRS agent who confirmed my return status. Their service basically holds your place in the IRS phone queue and calls you when an agent is about to pick up. I was super skeptical at first, but you can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The IRS agent I spoke with was able to tell me instantly whether my return had been received and processed. This was WAY faster than waiting for the "Get Transcript" to update or trying to guess from the refund tool. The agent also helped me understand what to do since my taxes hadn't actually been filed by the "professional" I hired.

Ok I need to eat my words and apologize. After seeing your post I was 100% convinced Claimyr was just another tax scam, but I was so desperate after three days of trying to reach the IRS that I gave it a shot anyway. Unbelievably, it actually worked exactly as described. After signing up, I got a call about 35 minutes later connecting me directly to an IRS agent. The agent confirmed that nothing had been filed under my SSN for 2024 yet, which means the tax prep place I used was lying to me. Having actual confirmation from the IRS gave me the confidence to confront the tax prep company with proof they hadn't filed anything. They suddenly "found the error" and are now rushing to file my return properly. If I hadn't gotten through to confirm this, I might have missed the filing deadline completely while believing everything was handled. So yeah, I was wrong and this service is legit.

Don't overlook the simplest option - check your bank account! If the tax preparer said money would be withdrawn "very shortly" but it's been more than a week with no withdrawal, that's a pretty strong indicator nothing was filed. The IRS is actually quite efficient at taking money they're owed once a return is processed. Also, did you receive any kind of e-file acceptance notification from the tax preparer? Legitimate services always get a confirmation when the IRS accepts an e-filed return, and they should forward that to you.

Has anyone had success requesting a Tax Return Transcript through the mail option? I can't create an online account because I don't have a credit card or loan for the verification process. Would the transcript show if a return was filed even if it hasn't been fully processed yet?

I went through something very similar last year and understand how stressful this is! A few additional things that might help: If you have your Social Security number and the exact amount you expect to owe, you can sometimes get through to the IRS automated payment system (1-888-PAY-1040) which will tell you if there's a balance due on your account. If nothing was filed, there won't be a balance showing. Also, check if your state has a separate way to verify state tax filing - sometimes this can give you clues about whether your federal return was actually submitted since many preparers file both together. One more red flag to watch for: legitimate tax preparers are required to give you a copy of your complete tax return before or at the time of filing. If they only gave you a summary or said they'd send it later, that's another bad sign. Given what you've described (no bank withdrawal, no e-file confirmation, avoiding your calls), I'd honestly assume nothing was filed and start preparing to file yourself immediately. Better to be safe and potentially file twice than miss the deadline entirely. You can always amend later if needed. Document everything about this company - their name, address, the representative you worked with, all communications. You may want to report them to your state's consumer protection agency and the IRS if they're operating fraudulently.