IRS refund delay since April - anyone know how to reach them while surviving on NY unemployment?

I had the same problem back in May waiting for my $1780 refund. The trick that worked for me was calling exactly at 7:01am when they open. I got through after only 20 minutes on hold that way. Don't call midday - it's impossible.

After struggling with the IRS for weeks, I finally found a solution that worked! I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to government agencies. They called and stayed on hold for me, then connected me with a live agent when someone finally answered. Talking to an agent got my refund processed in days after waiting for months! Check out this video too: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

I'm going through the exact same thing. Filed in February, still waiting on $2100. This system is completely broken. Between this and the NY unemployment website constantly crashing, I'm about ready to lose my mind.

The key is persistence and knowing EXACTLY when to call. I'm a tax preparer and these are my tips for getting through: 1. Call 1-800-829-1040 2. Call Tuesday-Thursday (avoid Mondays and Fridays) 3. Either call right at 7am when they open OR between 1-2pm when lunch shifts change 4. When prompted, select options: 1 (English) → 2 (tax questions) → 1 (personal taxes) → 3 (other questions) → 2 (all other questions) 5. DO NOT enter your SSN when asked - just wait 6. When they ask for an extension, press 0 several times Also, have you tried checking your refund status online through the "Where's My Refund" tool? Sometimes there's a specific issue they're waiting on you to resolve.

Contact your congressional representative! No joke. Their office has special channels to the IRS. I waited 7 months last year, called my rep, and had my refund within 3 weeks after they inquired.

This happened to me and turned out I had an ID verification hold that they never told me about! Go to idverify.irs.gov and see if they need you to verify your identity. That might be the holdup.

It's all a mess right now with covid backlogs. My cousin works for the IRS and says they're still processing returns from LAST YEAR. Sux but might be waiting a while longer.

Not sure if this is helpful, but I found this comprehensive guide from a tax professional on how to navigate IRS hold times and actually reach a human. It's been circulating in some tax forums: The absolute best way to reach the IRS is to call their Taxpayer Advocate Service at 1-877-777-4778. This is different than the regular IRS number. They can often help even when the main IRS line cannot. If that doesn't work, try calling the regular IRS number (1-800-829-1040) but use these specific timing strategies: - Call at 7:00 AM ET exactly when their system comes online - Alternatively, call between 6:30-7:00 PM as hold times decrease before closing - Thursdays have been statistically shown to have the shortest hold times - NEVER call on Monday or the day after a holiday While dealing with the wait, I highly recommend using claimyr.com which will navigate the hold systems for you and call you when a human actually answers. It's been a lifesaver for many people dealing with government agencies right now. Don't give up - persistence is key with the IRS backlog situation!

this isn't really a NY unemployment question but i feel ur pain man. the whole system is rigged against regular ppl 🤬

Check ur bank account details on the IRS website. My friend's refund was delayed because she had changed banks and they tried to deposit to the old account. You can update direct deposit info online.

Not to freak you out but you should check if someone filed a fraudulent return using your info. With all the unemployment fraud lately, tax identity theft is up like 400%. If someone beat you to filing, your legitimate return will be held up.

I knw this sounds weird but try calling your local IRS office instead of the main number. They sometimes have appointments available and can look up your refund status right there.

Had a similar issue with my ny unemployment and federal taxes. What worked for me was going thru my state senator's office. The IRS has liaisons with congressional offices. Google your state senator, call their district office, ask for constituent services.