IRS Late Refund and can't contact them

[bucolic_frolic]

I filed the EIC where you ask the IRS to compute it for you. I can't get a status on my tax return because I don't know the amount. You get the same response online or if you call them up. They have a general phone line, and a tax refund line. Both have the same menus, same information, and arrive at the same point. "We can give you no information about your refund." No live people, just electronic menus. What do I do now? Write them a letter? Where do I send it? That information is not available either. They are almost 2 months late. Any ideas?

[More_Cowbell]

1. You might try the Taxpayer Advocate or your local office

Taxpayer Advocate: https://www.irs.gov/advocate/local-taxpayer-advocate

Local IRS office: https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office


It IS so frustrating trying to get a real person on the phone at the IRS. A few websites purport to tell you how to do it, but I imagine that things change all the time. You can google "live person" and IRS

Here's one: https://removeandreplace.com/2016/09/12/irs-1800-phone-numbers-how-to-speak-with-a-live-irs-person-fast/

ETA: I forgot to say, I've had luck calling my local office first thing in the morning (as in, as soon as the office opens, to the minute)

[bucolic_frolic]

2. Thanks More_Cowbell

Form 3911 might help, it basically asks "where's my refund?"

and I'll try Advocate, i can send in a "911" form.

I really don't know how the IRS gets away with this slow-walking refunds. My taxes are the same year after year, no changes. There is nothing to examine or investigate. This is as slow a refund as I've ever received, though I am surprised to see them state refunds are expected within 3 weeks of filing because 3 months is my usual experience. I have no idea why.

[k8conant]

3. Do you file on paper?

That always takes longer.

And...by all means, go to the local office.


( I used to work for IRS.)

[bucolic_frolic]

4. Yes I paper file

but I do print them from computer.
I see I gave them banking info even though they were computing the refund, and didn't check 'savings' or 'checking' account. Missed it.

Taking half a day and 60 miles round trip to chase down the IRS seems a bit overtaxing to me.