IRS Website Keeps Crashing - 'Can't Be Completed' Error Message

I was having the same issue last week! Had to try at like 2am to finally get through. I think their servers get overwhelmed during peak hours. When I was trying to save money on tax prep software, I spent hours researching options, but ended up wasting more time just trying to access the IRS site to check my refund than I saved on the software lol. Anyone know if it's better to try really early morning or late night?

Is this happening on the main IRS.gov site or specifically on the Where's My Refund tool? I've been trying to use the transcript service and it's worse than trying to book a campsite during summer vacation. At least with recreation.gov you get put in a queue!

It's system overload. Millions of taxpayers are checking refund status simultaneously. The IRS infrastructure wasn't designed for this volume. Try accessing between 3-5am Eastern time. The site performs maintenance around 1am, so avoid that hour. Mobile app sometimes works when website doesn't. Clear your cache and cookies before attempting.

I've had the same issue and found a workaround. Here's what to do: 1. First, try a different browser - sometimes Safari works when others don't 2. Clear your cache completely 3. Use incognito/private browsing mode 4. Try during off-peak hours (before 8am or after 10pm) 5. If all else fails and you need to speak with someone at the IRS, I used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through to an agent in about 15 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They were able to confirm my refund status over the phone when the website wouldn't work for me.

Am I the only one who thinks it's ridiculous that the agency responsible for collecting trillions in tax revenue can't maintain a functioning website? What happens if you need information by a deadline and can't access it? Doesn't this create problems for people who need to make time-sensitive decisions based on their tax information? I've been trying for days and wonder if it's just me or a widespread issue.

The IRS is actually operating with approximately 20% less funding for IT infrastructure than they had a decade ago, which likely contributes to these issues. Their systems are handling perhaps 300-400% more traffic during peak filing season than they were designed for. While frustrating, it's somewhat understandable given the constraints they're working under.

I ran into this same problem last year and ended up using the IRS2Go mobile app instead of the website. Back when I was dealing with my mother's estate taxes, I discovered the mobile app often works when the website is down. Surprised me that such an old-school agency actually has a decent app!

I've been tracking these outages for the past 3 tax seasons. The IRS website typically experiences 42% more downtime during the 14 days before and after April 15th compared to other periods. Last year, there were exactly 17 reported major outages between March 1st and April 30th. I understand your frustration - many of us are waiting on refunds that represent significant portions of our annual budget. The system limitations affect millions of taxpayers every year.

It's a server capacity issue. Happens every year. Try different times. Early morning works best. Late night too. Avoid lunch hours. Weekend mornings are worst. System can't handle peak volume. They never upgrade enough.