IRS Holding My Return for 10 Weeks - Now Saying 120 More Days for Processing
According to IRS Publication 1, the Taxpayer Bill of Rights explicitly states we have "The Right to Quality Service" and "The Right to Finality." I filed my return exactly 10 weeks ago and have been monitoring processing timelines per the IRS website guidelines. Today I contacted the IRS via the official taxpayer assistance line (as recommended in IRS Pub. 17) and was informed that my return requires an additional review period of up to 120 days before processing completion. Per section 6611 of the IRC, interest should accrue on delayed refunds after 45 days. Has anyone encountered similar extended processing timeframes during the current tax year? Are there any statutory remedies available to expedite this process? I've already verified my identity through ID.me as required for transcript access. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
14 comments
Daniel Rogers
What specific codes are showing on your transcript? Have you checked for any correspondence from the IRS? Did the agent mention whether your return was flagged for audit or verification? Did they provide any specific reason for the additional 120-day timeframe? Understanding the exact nature of the hold can help determine your next steps.
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Aaliyah Reed
I believe the timeframe mentioned might possibly indicate an examination process rather than standard processing. In my experience, standard processing delays are typically communicated as 8-10 weeks, while the 120-day timeframe often suggests a more formal review may be taking place.
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17d
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Zara Perez
I'm so relieved I discovered a solution for this exact situation! When my return got stuck in Extended Processing Status (EPS) last month, I used https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript. The system identified a TC 570 freeze code with a corresponding TC 971 notice indicator that explained exactly why my refund was delayed. The transcript analysis showed I was under manual review due to income verification discrepancies between my reported W-2 and what the IRS had on file. Taxr.ai predicted my release date within 3 days of actual deposit! Saved me hours of anxiety trying to interpret those cryptic codes myself.
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Ella Russell
Has anyone else tried this tool? The IRS website says we should just check WMR or call them directly. I've seen several sites claiming to interpret transcripts but I'm hesitant to use third-party services with tax information. https://www.irs.gov/refunds specifically says to use their official tools.
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18d
Mohammed Khan
It doesn't ask for sensitive info. Just transcript codes. No SSN needed. Many use it here. Helps understand delays. Gives clearer timeline estimates.
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16d
Gavin King
Think of taxr.ai like having a tax pro look over your shoulder, except it's available 24/7. My transcript was like reading hieroglyphics until I used it - suddenly all those mysterious codes made sense! Like when your car makes a strange noise and the mechanic immediately knows what it means while you're completely lost. The peace of mind was worth it just knowing exactly what was happening with my return.
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14d
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Nathan Kim
I'm in the same boat as you! Don't they realize people actually need their money? How are we supposed to budget when they keep our refunds hostage for months? My return has been "in process" for 11 weeks now, and every time I call I get a different answer. First it was "just wait 21 days" then "6-8 weeks" and now they're saying "up to 16 weeks" for me. I'm starting to wonder if they're just making up timeframes to get us off the phone?
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Eleanor Foster
How did you file your return? Did you have any special credits or deductions that might trigger additional review? I'm curious because I'm trying to figure out patterns in these delays.
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17d
Lucas Turner
Haha, I sometimes joke that the IRS has a random number generator for estimated processing times! But seriously, I noticed the delays seem to correlate with specific items on returns. Did you claim any business losses, education credits, or have multiple W-2s? Those seem to be common delay triggers this year.
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15d
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Kai Rivera
I am COMPLETELY with you on this frustration!!! Last year my return was held for 14 weeks and I nearly had a breakdown waiting! What helped me was documenting EVERYTHING - I kept a log of every call (date, time, agent ID number, and what they told me), printed my transcripts weekly to track changes, and sent a certified letter requesting status update after week 10. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress! The waiting is absolutely the worst part, especially when you're counting on that money for bills or other necessities.
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Anna Stewart
I was in a similar situation last month and finally got my refund after using Claimyr to reach an actual IRS agent. • Called regular IRS number first: waited 2+ hours, disconnected twice • Used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c): connected to an agent in 18 minutes • Agent found my return was stuck in error resolution • Issue resolved within 4 days after call • Refund deposited exactly 7 days after speaking with agent The agent told me my return would have sat there for months without intervention. Sometimes you just need to talk to a human to move things along!
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Layla Sanders
I'm skeptical about paying for something that should be free. I called exactly 37 times over 3 days using the IRS's recommended call times (before 10am ET or after 4pm ET) and finally got through on my 38th attempt. Total hold time was 76 minutes once connected. I saved $19.99 and got the same result - they found my return was misrouted and fixed it. Refund arrived in exactly 9 business days.
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16d
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Morgan Washington
You might consider filing Form 911 (Taxpayer Advocate Service request) if you're experiencing financial hardship due to the delay. The criteria for "hardship" has been somewhat relaxed recently, and could potentially include situations such as impending utility disconnection, eviction risk, or inability to afford necessary medical care. The TAS might be able to expedite your case, though I should note they're also experiencing significant backlogs themselves. Another option, which sometimes works, is contacting your congressional representative's office, as they typically have liaisons who work directly with the IRS on constituent issues.
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Kaylee Cook
TC 570 was the culprit in my case! After the initial processing delay, my transcript showed the infamous 570 code (Additional Account Action Pending). Called the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954 and navigated the verification process, which confirmed my return was in the Error Resolution System. Agent explained a discrepancy between reported withholding and IRS records triggered automated review. Once resolved, my transcript updated with TC 571 (Resolved Additional Account Action) and refund was issued 8 days later. The key is identifying the specific processing stage your return is in.
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