Unusual IRS refund delay - need advice on contacting them directly

8 This sounds like you need to contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). They're an independent organization within the IRS specifically designed to help taxpayers with issues that haven't been resolved through normal channels. When the IRS rep mentioned an "internal advocacy group," they were likely referring to TAS. The fact that you haven't heard back suggests your case may not have been properly referred or got lost in the shuffle. You can reach TAS directly at 1-877-777-4778. Alternatively, you can find your local TAS office through the IRS website and contact them directly. Be sure to explain that you've already tried multiple times through normal IRS channels and that you were told your refund was approved but for some reason hasn't been released. The unusual part here is that the IRS determined you're entitled to more than you filed for. This sometimes happens when they catch a mistake in your favor, but it can trigger additional verification steps which might explain the hold-up.

5 I went through a similar nightmare trying to reach the IRS last year about my amended return. After weeks of that phone extension loop, I found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that was a game-changer for me. Instead of trying to decode what was happening with my return myself, I uploaded my tax documents and their AI analyzed everything and gave me a complete explanation of why my refund was held up. Turns out I had some inconsistencies between what my employer reported and what I filed, which created the delay. The system even showed me exactly what to say when I finally got through to an agent. Unlike my expensive tax preparer who disappeared after filing, this actually helped me understand what was happening and gave me clear next steps. Seriously worth checking out if you're stuck in IRS limbo.

19 Just wanted to update that I tried taxr.ai after seeing it mentioned here, and it was actually super helpful. I uploaded my tax transcript and the notice I got from the IRS, and it immediately identified that my refund was held up because of an income verification issue. The analysis showed exactly which line items were being reviewed and gave me a complete breakdown of the verification process timeline. I called the IRS using the specific department codes the tool recommended, and finally got through to someone who could actually see what was happening with my case. My refund was released last week - would've been stuck in that phone extension loop forever without this guidance. Wish I'd known about this months ago!

16 If you're still struggling to get through to someone at the IRS, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was skeptical at first, but after weeks of getting nowhere with those frustrating phone loops, I gave it a shot. The service basically holds your place in the IRS phone queue, and then calls you when an actual agent is on the line. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I had a similar situation where my refund was approved but stuck in processing limbo for months. Finally getting through to a real person made all the difference - they escalated my case and I got my refund within two weeks. Saved me hours of redial frustration and hold music torture!

10 I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment, I was desperate enough to try it the next day. I figured nothing else was working, so what did I have to lose? To my shock, I got a call back in about 45 minutes with an actual IRS agent on the line. The agent looked up my case and found that my refund had been flagged for "verification" but had actually completed that process weeks ago. It just needed someone to manually release it. The agent put in an expedite request, and I literally had my refund direct deposited 4 days later. After MONTHS of waiting and frustration. Wish I hadn't been so stubborn about trying this earlier!

15 Have you tried checking your tax transcript online? Go to the IRS website and look for "Get Transcript Online." Sometimes you can see codes there that explain why your refund is being held up. Look for a code 570 (additional account action pending) followed by a 571 (resolved). If you see 570 but no 571, that's why you're still waiting. My return was stuck for similar reasons, and the transcript showed exactly what was happening when nobody on the phone could tell me anything useful.

23 Does anybody know if the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool is actually accurate? Mine has been saying "still processing" for over 2 months now, but when I finally got through to someone on the phone, they told me something completely different about my status.

Another option to consider is contacting your congressional representative's office. Most members of Congress have constituent services staff who can make inquiries to the IRS on your behalf when you've exhausted normal channels. Since you've already been told your refund is approved but stuck in some kind of processing limbo, and the normal phone system isn't getting you anywhere, congressional intervention can sometimes break through the bureaucratic logjam. They can't change tax law or force the IRS to do anything improper, but they can get answers about what's actually happening with your case. You'll need to provide documentation showing you've already tried to resolve this through normal channels (which you clearly have), and they'll typically want proof of the financial hardship the delay is causing. Given that you're owed $6,300 that's been sitting there for months, that shouldn't be hard to demonstrate. The process usually takes a few weeks, but congressional offices often get faster responses from the IRS than individual taxpayers do. Worth a shot if the Taxpayer Advocate Service doesn't pan out quickly enough.

I've dealt with similar IRS refund delays, and here's what worked for me: First, definitely try the Taxpayer Advocate Service as others mentioned - they're your best bet for cases like this where the refund is approved but stuck in limbo. However, before you go that route, I'd strongly recommend getting your tax transcript online and looking for specific codes. The fact that the IRS calculated a higher refund than you filed for ($6,300 vs $4,200) suggests they made an adjustment, which often triggers additional verification steps even after "approval." When you call the TAS, be very specific about your timeline and the fact that you were told the refund was processed and ready for release. Use the exact phrase "my refund has been approved but is pending release without explanation" - this helps them categorize your case properly. Also, document everything: dates of calls, names of representatives you spoke with, and reference numbers if they gave you any. The TAS will want this information, and it shows you've made good faith efforts to resolve this through normal channels. One last tip: if you're experiencing any financial hardship because of this delay (can't pay bills, etc.), make sure to mention that to TAS - they can often expedite cases involving hardship.

I went through almost the exact same situation last year - refund approved but stuck in "pending release" limbo for over 4 months. The phone loop you described is infuriating and unfortunately very common. Here's what finally worked for me: Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service directly at 1-877-777-4778, but before you do, gather a few key pieces of information. Get your tax transcript online (irs.gov) and look for transaction codes - specifically any 570 codes (account freeze) and whether there's a corresponding 571 (release code). The fact that the IRS adjusted your refund upward from $4,200 to $6,300 is actually a red flag for why this is taking so long. When they make adjustments in the taxpayer's favor, it often triggers additional verification procedures even after the refund is technically "approved." When you call TAS, use these exact phrases: "My refund was approved and is pending release without explanation" and "I've exhausted normal IRS channels without resolution." This helps them categorize your case properly and shows you meet their criteria for assistance. Also document everything going forward - dates, representative names, reference numbers. TAS will want this information and it demonstrates you've made good faith efforts to resolve this. The congressional office suggestion mentioned earlier is also solid - they can make inquiries on your behalf if TAS doesn't move quickly enough. Don't give up, you'll get your money eventually but it unfortunately requires persistence with the right channels.