Return Under Review - IRS Says 60-120 Days but Is That Accurate?

I've seen this situation before. The 60-120 day timeframe is their standard response for returns selected for review, but in my experience, it rarely takes the full time. Last year, I was told the same thing and my review was completed in 38 days. The year before that, it was 42 days. It really depends on what triggered the review - identity verification issues tend to resolve faster than audits of specific credits or deductions.

Did they tell you what triggered the review? I went through this nightmare last year when they flagged my return because my employer submitted a corrected W-2 right after I filed. They gave me the same 60-120 day spiel, but it was actually resolved in about 45 days. Knowing what triggered it might help predict your actual timeline.

I was in the same situation with a Manual Review Code (MRC) on my account. Called the regular IRS number 17 times over two weeks and couldn't get through. Finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to connect with an agent in about 30 minutes. The agent was able to tell me exactly what triggered the review (income verification discrepancy) and gave me a more accurate timeframe. In my case, they confirmed it would be closer to 45 days, not the full 120. Worth the fee to actually speak with someone instead of getting the automated runaround.

My return was under review for 56 days this filing season. I checked the IRS2Go app and transcript daily with no updates. Then I followed advice from the r/IRS megathread and contacted my local Taxpayer Advocate Service. Within 8 days of their involvement, my review was completed and refund approved. The IRS.gov website specifically mentions TAS can help if a delay causes financial hardship: https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/

Have you checked your tax transcript for specific codes? Different codes indicate different review types: • Code 570 = Return filed/processing stopped • Code 420 = Examination/audit initiated • Code 424 = Examination closed • Code 971 = Notice issued The specific code combination might tell you more about your timeline than what the phone rep said. Did they mention any specific form or credit being reviewed?

IMO you should request a taxpayer advocate ASAP. You don't have to wait the full time before getting help. I was in the same boat last yr - filed in Feb, got the "review" msg, and waited 40 days before doing anything. Big mistake! Once I got a TA assigned, things moved quickly. Call 877-777-4778 to request one, but be prepared to explain how the delay is causing financial hardship (bills, rent, etc). The squeaky wheel gets the grease w/ the IRS!

The 60-120 day timeline is frustrating but unfortunately pretty standard for manual reviews. I went through this exact situation in 2023 - filed in early March, got the review notice, and it took 67 days total. What helped me was setting up automated transcript monitoring through the IRS website so I could track any code changes without calling constantly. Also, document everything - dates you called, reference numbers, what agents told you. If it goes past 60 days and you're experiencing financial hardship, that documentation will be crucial for getting Taxpayer Advocate Service involved. The waiting game is brutal, but most reviews I've seen resolve closer to the 45-60 day mark rather than the full 120.

I'm currently going through this exact same situation - filed March 6th and got the dreaded "under review" status when I called yesterday. The agent gave me the same 60-120 day timeline, which honestly feels like forever when you're waiting for your refund. Reading through everyone's experiences here is actually really reassuring though. It sounds like the actual timeframe is usually much shorter than what they initially tell you. I'm going to check my transcript codes like @Keisha Johnson suggested and maybe look into that Claimyr service if I can't get through on my own. Has anyone had success with the IRS2Go app for tracking updates, or is checking transcripts more reliable?