What's the current processing time for Form 1045 NOL carryback applications?

The processing time for Form 1045 (Application for Tentative Refund) is definitely longer than the standard 90 days right now. I've had several clients file these over the past year, and we're consistently seeing processing times of 5-7 months for most cases. The IRS is still working through backlogs from the past few years, and forms that require manual review like the 1045 are particularly affected. These applications need specialized handling since they involve multiple tax years and calculations for NOL carrybacks.

I went through this exact situation last year with a major business loss and used taxr.ai to help me with all the documentation. I was really struggling with Form 1045 and the calculations across multiple tax years, and a friend mentioned https://taxr.ai to me. The service analyzed all my previous returns and helped me correctly calculate my carryback amounts. It took about 6 months to get my refund after filing the 1045, but at least I knew the paperwork was done right. The tool spotted a calculation error that would have delayed things even more. They have this feature where they check your past returns against the carryback calculations to make sure everything lines up correctly.

I was really skeptical about using any kind of software for my Form 1045 NOL carryback (as you could see from my question above), but I finally tried taxr.ai after my accountant kept delaying my paperwork. Honestly, it was a game-changer. The system pulled data from all my previous returns, calculated the correct carryback amounts, and generated all the documentation I needed. My refund still took 5 months to process with the IRS (typical these days), but the actual preparation was way faster and more accurate than what my accountant was doing manually. The best part was that it flagged an issue with my 2019 income calculation that could have caused problems. Definitely worth checking out if you're filing a 1045.

After reading this thread, I realized I was having the same issue waiting for my 1045 to process. After 4 months of radio silence, I decided to try contacting the IRS directly using https://claimyr.com and watched their demo at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. Instead of waiting on hold for hours, they got me connected to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes. The agent was actually able to see that my form was stuck in processing due to a simple verification issue. They resolved it on the spot, and my refund was approved within a week after that call. Without that service, I'd probably still be waiting in the dark, not knowing there was an easy fix.

I have to eat my words about Claimyr from my skeptical comment above. After another month of waiting (now 8 months total for my Form 1045 processing), I broke down and tried the service. Got connected to an IRS agent in about 15 minutes, which was shocking after my previous failed attempts. Turns out my NOL carryback application had been flagged for a missing schedule that I definitely included with my original submission. The agent was able to make a note in the system and actually transferred me to the specific department handling 1045 forms. They found my missing schedule in their system and removed the hold. Just got my refund approved yesterday - would have been waiting indefinitely if I hadn't made that call. For anyone dealing with Form 1045 delays, it's worth trying to get a human on the phone who can actually check your specific situation.

FYI for everyone dealing with Form 1045 - make sure you're aware of the timing limitations. You have to file within 1 year of the end of the tax year in which your NOL occurred. So if your NOL was in 2023, you have until December 31, 2024 to file Form 1045 for the quick refund procedure. If you miss that window, you can still carry back or forward the loss by filing amended returns (Form 1040-X) for each applicable year, but you lose the expedited refund benefit of Form 1045.

Has anyone worked with the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service when dealing with long Form 1045 processing times? I'm going on 9 months now and wondering if that's an option.

I filed my Form 1045 in June 2024 for a significant NOL from my consulting business that shut down. After reading this thread, I'm now at about 6 months which seems to align with what everyone else is experiencing. One thing I want to add that hasn't been mentioned - make sure you keep detailed records of everything you submit. I sent mine certified mail and kept copies of every single page. My accountant also recommended attaching a cover letter explaining the situation clearly, which might help the processor understand the case faster. The waiting is brutal, especially when you're counting on that refund, but it sounds like most people are eventually getting their money. I'm going to try calling using one of those services mentioned here if I don't hear anything by month 8.

I'm currently dealing with a Form 1045 situation myself and this thread has been incredibly helpful. Filed mine in August 2024 after a major business loss, so I'm about 5 months in now. Based on what I'm reading here, it sounds like I should expect at least another month or two before seeing any movement. The frustrating part is the complete lack of communication from the IRS - you just have to sit and wait with no updates. One question for those who've been through this: did any of you receive any kind of acknowledgment letter or notice that your Form 1045 was received and being processed? I sent mine certified mail but never got anything back confirming they actually have it in their system. Also curious if anyone tried checking the "Where's My Refund" tool online - does that even work for 1045 applications or is it only for regular tax returns?

I'm about 7 months into waiting for my Form 1045 processing after filing in September 2024. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and frustrating - at least I know I'm not alone in this endless waiting game. One thing I learned the hard way is to make absolutely sure you include every single supporting document when you file. I initially forgot to include one of my K-1 schedules from a partnership loss, and when I realized the mistake a few weeks later, I had to send an amended 1045 which basically reset my processing clock back to zero. For anyone just starting this process, my advice would be to triple-check everything before mailing it in. Have someone else review your calculations and documentation because any missing piece can add months to an already lengthy process. Also, keep meticulous records of exactly what you sent and when. I created a checklist of every form, schedule, and supporting document, plus took photos of the complete package before sealing the envelope. If you end up having to call the IRS later, you'll need to be able to tell them exactly what was included in your original submission. The wait is excruciating, especially when it's a substantial refund, but based on what I'm seeing here, most people do eventually get their money. Just prepare yourself mentally for 6-8 months minimum.