Transcript finally updated after verifying identity over the phone - no letter received

I wasted like 4 hours on hold trying to do this. Is there a better way to actually reach them? I keep getting disconnected.

Unfortunately the IRS phone systems are notoriously overloaded. Try calling first thing in the morning when they open (7am EST) or try the lesser-known extended hours on Saturdays.

I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) last week after getting disconnected 3 times. They got me a callback from the IRS within 45 minutes and I finally got my verification done. Refund hit my account yesterday after 2 months of waiting!

Really? That actually works? I've been trying to reach them for almost a month now

100% works. Best money I've ever spent considering I was owed a $3700 refund that was just sitting there. My sanity was worth it after all those busy signals and disconnects 😅

I've been trying to reach the IRS for 2 weeks straight. Gonna check this out, thx for the tip!

Sounds interesting. How exactly does it work? Does it just read your transcript or does it do more?

It does way more than just reading the transcript! You upload your transcript and it identifies all your codes, explains them in normal human language, and tells you exactly what's happening with your refund. It even forecasts possible dates and explains what actions you might need to take. Totally changed my tax season experience!

Just tried it - HOLY COW!! Why isnt this more widely known?? I've been staring at my transcript for weeks with no clue what any of it meant. The tool explained everything, including why my refund was delayed and even estimated when I'll get it. Absolute game changer!

does it cost anything? worth it?

Considering the peace of mind it gives and how much time it saves vs trying to decode everything yourself, it's insanely good value. I was losing my mind before using it!

This seems sketchy. Does it actually work or is it just taking advantage of desperate people?

I was super skeptical too but honestly it was the only thing that worked after weeks of trying to get through. They basically hold your place in line so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. Got my $4,200 refund released after that call, so definitely saved my sanity.

Tried it this morning and got a call back in about an hour. Solved my issue in 10 minutes. After spending DAYS trying to reach someone, this was a lifesaver.

do they connect u directly with IRS? or is it some third party thing?

They connect you directly with the IRS. It's not some third-party answering service - it's literally just a tool to get you through the IRS phone system without the endless holds and disconnects.

They asked me to confirm my full name, SSN, DOB, filing status, and mailing address. Then they asked about specific info from my most recent tax return like exact AGI amount, and some questions about previous years' returns. Nothing too crazy but definitely have your tax papers in front of you!

Thanks! Appreciate the quick reply. I've got my appointment tomorrow so this helps me prepare.

Have you tried reaching out to your local Taxpayer Advocate Service? They can sometimes help with severely delayed returns.

Yeah the TAS in my area isn't taking new cases because they're so backlogged 🙃 Feels like I'm trapped in a tax nightmare

You should try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned above (claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation with my 2022 return and finally got through to an agent who resolved it. It was the only way I could actually talk to someone after 9 months of nothing.

I used that same number but you have to navigate the menu carefully. Press 1 for English, then 2 for questions about your tax return or refund, then 1 for questions about a return you already filed, then 3 for all other questions, then 2 for all other questions. DONT enter your SSN when prompted, just wait. After it asks 2-3 times it should transfer you to a person. Good luck!

Ugh hate to say it but sometimes you just need to hang up and call again to get a different agent. I had to call 3 times before I got someone willing to help me.

Might try again tomorrow. So tired of this whole process tho 😩

Congress has been cutting their budget for decades. Not defending the awful service but they're operating with 1990s technology and not enough staff. The people picking up the phones aren't the ones making these decisions.

Fair point but that doesn't make it any less frustrating when it's YOUR money sitting in limbo

Good luck! Be persistent and don't let them brush you off. Ask specifically about identity verification if they try to just tell you to keep waiting.

Will do! I'll update here if it works for me too.

What's this taxr thing? another paid service?

Yeah it's a tool that explains your transcript in plain english at taxr.ai - tells you exactly what's going on and what to do about it. Way better than trying to google every code and piece together what's happening. Saved me hours of frustration!

Never attribute to malice what can be explained by incompetence. Their systems are just outdated and underfunded.

That's what they want you to think 👀 Wake up sheeple!

lol ok conspiracy theorist 🙄 I worked as a tax preparer for 7 years. Trust me, it's just a broken system, not some grand scheme.

So glad it worked for you too! Crazy how such a simple call can unlock everything when nothing else was working.

Nearest TAC to me is 87 miles away... rural america problems 🙃

Oof that's rough. In that case, definitely try the Claimyr route others mentioned. Seems like it's helping people get through the phone maze.

Seriously, check out Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it's the only way I finally got through after weeks of trying. They reserve your spot in line and call you when an agent is available. Talking to an agent got my refund released after being stuck for almost 2 months.

I called at 7:02am eastern time, literally 2 minutes after they opened. Still waited about 35 minutes but at least got through. Apparently Thursdays are less busy too.