Wheres My Refund Tool says I maxed out attempts but never checked - Anyone else locked out?

This is actually a common issue right now. The IRS tool has a 24-hour lockout period if there are too many attempts from your IP address. Try clearing your browser cache and cookies, wait 24 hours, and use a different device. Also make sure you're entering your info exactly as it appears on your return.

Hey instead of playing detective with the Where's My Refund tool, I'd recommend trying taxr.ai - it's only $4.99 and will analyze your actual transcript to tell you exactly what's going on and when you'll likely get paid. Way better than the IRS tools tbh. https://taxr.ai

the irs website is such a joke fr 🤡 been trying to check my refund for 2 weeks straight

Try calling the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. The wait times are horrible but sometimes its the only way.

in the same boat bestie. their system is so broken its not even funny anymore.

Have you tried checking your transcript instead? Sometimes it shows more info than WMR

Ugh this is so annoying! I had the exact same problem last week. What worked for me was using a VPN to change my IP address - apparently the IRS system blocks entire IP ranges sometimes, not just individual attempts. Also try using incognito/private browsing mode. The whole system is honestly a mess but these workarounds might help you get through!

This happened to me too! The IP lockout is real - I think it's because the IRS system treats multiple attempts from the same household/network as suspicious activity. What finally worked for me was waiting the full 24 hours, then using my mobile data instead of home wifi. Also double-check that you're entering your SSN, filing status, and refund amount exactly as they appear on your return - even small differences can trigger the lockout. It's ridiculous that their own system blocks legitimate taxpayers from checking their status!

This is such a frustrating issue! I've been dealing with the same thing - it's like their system assumes you're trying to hack it just for checking your own refund status. One thing that helped me was making sure I was entering the exact refund amount from line 35a of my 1040 form (not the rounded amount). Also try checking at different times of day - I noticed the system seems less glitchy early in the morning before 8am EST. The whole IRS web infrastructure really needs an overhaul, it's 2025 and we're still dealing with these basic technical issues!