TurboTax and SBTPG Withheld My Refund! Getting a Trace, Form 14157, or 8822 Help?

You're in a tough spot, but there are specific steps you can take. Let me address each of your questions: A refund trace is absolutely worth doing. When there's a discrepancy between what the IRS says and what a third-party processor claims, the trace helps track down where your money actually is. It's not just paperwork - it initiates an official investigation. While the 120-day timeframe is frustrating, traces are generally successful when there's clear evidence the refund was issued but not received. Even though the IRS agent updated your address verbally, I'd still recommend filing Form 8822. Having a paper trail provides extra protection, especially when dealing with something as important as your refund. This ensures all future correspondence goes to your current address. Form 14157 and 14157-A won't directly get your refund back faster, but they serve an important purpose. These forms document misconduct by tax preparation services and their partners. While they won't speed up your trace, they alert the IRS to investigate SBTPG's practices, potentially helping others avoid this situation. In my experience, the most effective approach is a combination of the trace, keeping detailed records of all communications, and following up regularly (but not excessively) with the IRS.

I went through something similar last year and wish I'd found taxr.ai sooner. After getting the runaround from SBTPG for nearly 3 months (they gave me SIX different mailing dates that never happened), I was totally lost in paperwork and didn't know which forms to file or what to do next. A coworker suggested taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it was seriously a game-changer. I uploaded all my tax documents and correspondences, and their system analyzed everything and gave me a step-by-step plan. They specifically helped me with the trace paperwork and showed exactly how to file the 14157 to make it effective. What really helped was that they showed me the exact wording to use when calling the IRS and SBTPG - apparently there are specific terms that get better results. Within 6 weeks of using their guidance, I finally got my refund check!

Just wanted to update everyone. I decided to try taxr.ai after posting my skeptical question earlier. Honestly, I'm really impressed with what they provided. The document analysis identified that SBTPG had actually made a coding error on my account that was preventing them from reissuing my check. The site provided a specific script to use when calling SBTPG, including asking for a "disposition code review" which I never would have known to request. When I called and used those exact words, suddenly they found my money and admitted they had coded my account incorrectly. They're sending a check that should arrive next week. The form templates and specific wording for the trace request were super helpful too. Way better than the generic advice I was finding elsewhere. Definitely worth checking out if you're stuck in refund limbo like I was.

Have you considered using Claimyr to get through to an actual IRS agent faster? I was in a similar nightmare situation with SBTPG last year, and the most frustrating part was spending HOURS on hold with the IRS only to get disconnected. I found this service at https://claimyr.com that got me through to an actual human at the IRS in about 15 minutes instead of the 2+ hours I was spending before. There's a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - basically they navigate the phone tree and wait on hold for you, then call you once they have an agent on the line. I was super skeptical but desperate after my fifth 2-hour hold time that ended in a disconnection. The IRS agent I finally spoke with was able to confirm that SBTPG never actually returned my refund like they claimed, and started the trace process immediately. Without getting through to an actual IRS person, I'd probably still be in SBTPG hell with them telling me "check's in the mail" every other week.

I need to apologize for my skeptical comment earlier. After waiting on hold with the IRS for 3 hours and getting disconnected TWICE yesterday, I broke down and tried Claimyr out of desperation. I was completely shocked when they called me back in about 30 minutes with an actual IRS agent on the line. The agent confirmed that SBTPG never returned my refund (despite telling me three times they had), and immediately started a trace. She also explained that I needed to file both the 8822 and the 14157 - apparently the verbal address change doesn't always get processed correctly. For anyone dealing with SBTPG problems - don't waste weeks trying to get through to the IRS like I did. Getting to an actual IRS agent is the only way to start resolving this, and that service made it possible without losing my entire day (or sanity) to hold music.

Former tax preparer here. A few things to add: 1. SBTPG is notorious for these issues. They're technically a bank, not part of TurboTax, which is why TurboTax claims it's "not their problem" (even though they partner exclusively with them). 2. Always, ALWAYS file Form 8822 when you've moved, even if someone claims they've updated your address. The IRS is a massive organization and verbal updates don't always propagate through all their systems. 3. For your Form 14157, make sure you clearly document the timeline of all communications with exact dates and names. Be factual rather than emotional in your description. 4. Request that the IRS issue an "EFT refund notification letter" - this proves the IRS sent the money and where it went. 5. If this isn't resolved within 45 days of your trace request, contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service. They can intervene in situations where normal procedures are failing.

Has anyone actually gotten money back from SBTPG after all this? I've been fighting with them for 10 MONTHS over a $4,200 refund they claim they sent back to the IRS. IRS says they don't have it. I've filed all the forms, done the trace, called hundreds of times... still nothing. I'm about ready to file a lawsuit but don't know if it's even worth the money.

I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now! Filed in February through TurboTax, bank account issues led to SBTPG getting my refund, and they've been giving me the runaround for months. They've told me my check was "in the mail" at least 6 times now with different dates each time. Reading through all these responses is really helpful. I had no idea about requesting the EFT refund notification letter - that sounds like crucial evidence to have. I'm definitely going to call and ask for that today using the exact phrase Oscar mentioned. @Hannah - have you had any luck getting through to the IRS recently? I've been trying for weeks but the hold times are insane. Might have to try that Claimyr service everyone's talking about since I can't afford to spend entire days on hold. The most frustrating part is that SBTPG acts like they're doing you a favor by eventually maybe sending your own money back. It's ridiculous that tax prep companies can partner with these banks that basically hold your refund hostage. There should be better regulations around this whole process.