IRS Refund Delay: Best Way to Check Status and Tips for Calling
Hey everyone, I'm trying to get an update on my tax refund. I filed a while back and haven't heard anything. Anyone know the best way to check on this? I tried calling the IRS but keep getting stuck on hold forever. Any tips on what to say when I finally get through to someone?
40 comments
Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve IRS tax refund delay issues, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUyeV_5GmiE
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Chloe Mitchell
Pro tip: call right when they open in the morning. You're more likely to get through faster. And have all your info ready - social, filing date, etc. Good luck!
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Michael Adams
Yes, morning calls tend to get better results. Also, if you're prepared with all your information, you'll sound more credible and can facilitate a quicker resolution.
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Benjamin Johnson
Has anyone else noticed that the "Where's My Refund" tool is about as useful as a chocolate teapot? It's always "still processing" or "take action" with zero explanation. I've been waiting 3 months now. THREE MONTHS! 😤
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Zara Perez
LOL @ chocolate teapot 🍫☕ But for real, I feel your pain. I'm in the same boat, going on 4 months now.
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Daniel Rogers
Have you tried calling your local Taxpayer Advocate Service? They might be able to help if it's been that long.
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Aaliyah Reed
I hear you. In cases like prolonged delays, taxpayer rights groups could be a potential ally to push for faster resolutions.
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Natalie Wang
I found a method to get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c
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Noah Torres
Wait, what? You paid money to make a phone call? That sounds sketchy af.
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Samantha Hall
Interesting. How long did it take to get through?
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Natalie Wang
@profile 6 I know it sounds weird, but it's legit. Saved me hours of hold time. @profile 7 It took about 2 hours, but I didn't have to sit there listening to hold music. They called me when an agent was on the line.
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Ryan Young
$20 to avoid IRS hold hell? Sign me up! 🙌
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Sophia Clark
It's great there are options like Claimyr, but remember that some people might not want to spend extra money on top of taxes. Weigh the convenience against the cost before deciding.
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Katherine Harris
Here's what you need to know about checking your tax refund status: 1. Use the "Where's My Refund" tool on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go app - You'll need your SSN, filing status, and exact refund amount - Updates daily, usually overnight 2. If calling (1-800-829-1040): - Best times: early morning or just before closing - Have your tax return handy - Be prepared for long wait times 3. Reasons for delays: - Errors on your return - Incomplete information - Identity theft prevention measures - If you claimed certain credits (like Earned Income Tax Credit) 4. Timeline: - E-filed returns: allow 21 days before contacting IRS - Paper returns: can take 6-8 weeks, sometimes longer Remember, patience is key. The IRS is dealing with millions of returns. Good luck!
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Caden Nguyen
Wow, thanks for the detailed info! This is super helpful. I guess I'll give the phone another shot tomorrow morning.
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Madison Allen
This guy IRSes 👆
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Joshua Wood
Such a comprehensive breakdown. This info should be part of an IRS manual or something! Really helpful for anyone in the waiting game.
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Caden Nguyen
Update: I finally got through! For anyone curious, here's what happened: 1. Called right at 7am when they opened 2. Still waited about 30 mins 3. Agent was actually pretty nice (shocker, I know) 4. Turns out there was a small error on my return that I need to fix 5. They're sending me a letter with instructions So, progress I guess? Thanks for all the advice, everyone!
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Eleanor Foster
Congrats on making it through the gauntlet! 🎉 Glad you got some answers.
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Lucas Turner
What kind of error was it? Asking for a friend... 👀
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Caden Nguyen
@profile 21 Just a mismatch on some reported income. Double check your W-2s and 1099s, folks!
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Kai Rivera
Good to hear you got through. Fingers crossed the corrections go smoothly.
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Ashley Adams
Have you tried checking the 'Where's My Refund' tool on the IRS website? It's usually pretty accurate and updates once a day.
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Caden Nguyen
Yeah, I did. It just says 'still processing' 😩 Been that way for weeks now.
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Alexis Robinson
Ugh, that sucks. The waiting game is the worst. Hang in there!
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Aaron Lee
If it says 'still processing,' it may be worth looking at some common issues that could delay your refund. Sometimes filing with certain credits or errors might require additional checks.
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Ella Russell
Plot twist: the IRS is actually run by a bunch of sloths. That's why everything takes forever. 🦥💼
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Mohammed Khan
Hey now, don't insult sloths like that! 😂
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Gavin King
Sloths are cute tho. The IRS is more like a bunch of grumpy cats who knocked your refund off the table for fun 🐱
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Nathan Kim
Humor aside, it's an overburdened system that needs some serious streamlining.
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Avery Flores
I feel ya, buddy. The IRS is like a black hole where our refunds go to die. 😂 But seriously, when you get through, just be direct. Ask for the status of your refund and if there's anything holding it up. Maybe mention the date you filed too.
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Zoe Gonzalez
Good advice. Being direct and prepared can really help streamline the conversation. Also, sometimes showing a bit of patience with the agents can go a long way since they're dealing with a ton of frustrated callers.
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Anna Stewart
Anyone else think its weird that we have to do this complicated dance every year? Like, the IRS already has all our info. Why cant they just send us a bill or a refund automatically? works in other countries 🤷♂️
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Layla Sanders
Bc then how would TurboTax and H&R Block make their $$? It's all a racket, man.
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Morgan Washington
Preach! The whole system needs an overhaul. But good luck getting Congress to agree on anything 🙄
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Kaylee Cook
It's a valid point. A pre-filled system could save a lot of headache but changing established systems isn't simple.
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Justin Evans
am i the only 1 who thinks its ridiculous we have to jump thru hoops just to get OUR money back??? the system is broken af 🤬
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Emily Parker
Preach! 🙌 It's our money, not theirs. They should be bending over backwards to give it back.
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Ezra Collins
ikr? like, they take it out no problem but giving it back? suddenly its rocket science 🙄
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Victoria Scott
True, the process can be frustrating. It would be great if there were a more streamlined approach to refunds.
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