IRS Holding My Return for 10 Weeks - Now Saying 120 More Days for Processing

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!

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.

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.

I'm going through something very similar right now - filed 12 weeks ago and just got told yesterday it could be another 16 weeks! The agent mentioned my return is in "manual review" but couldn't give me any specifics about what exactly they're reviewing. I've been checking my transcript weekly through the IRS website, and all I see is a processing date that keeps getting pushed back. The most frustrating part is that I adjusted my withholding last year specifically to avoid owing money, and now I'm being penalized with these endless delays for essentially giving them an interest-free loan. Has anyone had success with the Taxpayer Advocate Service for processing delays like this? I'm considering filing Form 911 but want to make sure I meet the hardship criteria first.

I completely understand your frustration - 10 weeks is an unreasonably long time to wait for your own money! The 120-day extension they mentioned is particularly concerning. Have you been able to access your account transcript to see what specific codes are showing up? In my experience, codes like TC 570 or TC 971 can give you much better insight into what's actually causing the delay than the generic responses you get from phone agents. Also, you mentioned verifying through ID.me - did they specifically request that verification, or did you do it proactively? Sometimes the ID verification process itself can add additional processing time. The interest accrual you referenced under IRC 6611 should definitely kick in after 45 days, so at least you'll get something for this ridiculous wait. I'd strongly recommend documenting every interaction you have with them (dates, times, agent reference numbers) in case you need to escalate this further through TAS or your congressional representative.

This is absolutely unacceptable! I filed my return 8 weeks ago and just got off the phone with an agent who told me the same thing - another 120 days for "additional processing." When I asked what specifically was being reviewed, they gave me the runaround about "manual verification" without any real explanation. The worst part is that I e-filed everything correctly, have simple W-2 income, and claimed standard deduction - nothing complicated that should trigger these massive delays! I'm seriously considering filing a complaint with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) because this feels like a systematic failure in their processing system. We shouldn't have to become tax code experts just to get our own money back in a reasonable timeframe. The fact that they're holding thousands of returns for 3-4 months with zero transparency is completely unacceptable. Has anyone had success escalating through TIGTA, or is that just another bureaucratic dead end?

I'm dealing with the exact same nightmare right now! Filed 9 weeks ago and just got the dreaded "120 additional days" notice when I called yesterday. What's really getting to me is how they act like this is totally normal - the agent literally said "we appreciate your patience" like I have a choice in the matter! I've been checking my transcript obsessively and all I see are these cryptic codes that don't make any sense. The most infuriating part is that I have the simplest return possible - single filer, one W-2, standard deduction, no dependents. How does THAT require 4+ months to process?! At this point I'm convinced they're using our refunds as an interest-free loan while we struggle to pay bills. The IRC section 6611 interest you mentioned better actually kick in because this is beyond ridiculous. I'm seriously considering documenting everything and filing complaints with both TAS and my congressman's office. We shouldn't have to become activists just to get our own money back! 😤