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Yes, I have the paid license for 3 computers, well worth it. Also the free edition of Super Anti Spyware, sometimes one catches something the other did not. It was recommended by PC Mag to use both.

MalWareBytes - it's free (upgrades to paid licenses also available and pretty cheap too). Different from anti-virus software and CCleaner. Searches for deep rootkit issues. Belt, suspenders, duct tape, and staples... one would hope that would be enough!

I have a policy where I don't answer any number I don't recognize, or open any emails I don't know sender, and never open a link that I am not sure of its source. They are just relentless. I have so much anti spyware and malware, and anti virus, plus CCleaner on my computers, but I still wonder what else I could do to protect everything.

Well, at least one thing hasn't been tried - form 3911. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f3911.pdf This will put a trace on the refund. I have had, on more than one occasion, returns that were assigned to someone who either was moved to another location, resigned, or died. In every instance, the returns were lost including 12 of one client's 941's. I'm assuming that you got the transcripts confirming the refund. At least you can show these to the client so they don't think you are doing nothing. One thing I would have done after the second stall, is to ask to speak to their supervisor. The supe of the guy who said he couldn't do anything might have been able to do something as they have access to more info, and have much more experience than the phone people.

MalWareBytes - it's free (upgrades to paid licenses also available and pretty cheap too). Different from anti-virus software and CCleaner. Searches for deep rootkit issues.

The issues that cause the delay are NOT MY DOING! I have a huge disclaimer that is part of my engagement letter stating that the amount of time to receive refunds is TOTALLY up to the IRS and I cannot change that. Edsel, be wise and choose your battles. You will LOSE on this one on several fronts. Your actions WILL NOT change the processes of the IRS and will only cause your client (and yourself) more trouble and heartaches. There is more of a chance that, your proposed course of action will cause delays in subsequent year refunds as well. I choose not to portray myself as the SuperHero taking on the entire infrastructure of the IRS due to something that I did not cause. And, you put yourself right in the crosshairs for accuracy penalties on yourself. How much of a gambler are you with your clients' money and your ability to prepare taxes.

Judy, I agree with the policy of banning political posts from this board, but I agree with Edsel, I think you pulled the trigger a bit too soon.

They just never stop, do they?!

I googled that phone number and got many hits where people have reported receiving the same robocall. Another scam.

Did your number match to what they have on file?

You (or someone) could try to get the alternative media to do an expose. Breitbart, Project Veritas, newsy bloggers, that ilk. What used to be known as the press (see, Judy, I am avoiding giving the name I actually use for those ... well, I'll stop here, too) will likely have little to no interest as their agenda is elsewhere - but the smaller outfits might, as it would be the type of exposure that would do them quite a bit of good. P.S. - my notes to Judy are intended to be funny! Hard to tell intent in print; there's no emoji for tongue in cheek.

If you cant beat them, join them. How about having a disclaimer for your clients like most audit representation engagement letter have: NO PREDICTION OF RESULTS ALTHOUGH WE WILL USE OUR BEST EFFORTS AS CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FOR THE CLIENT TO REPRESENT THE CLIENT IN ACHIEVING THE MOST FAVORABLE POSSIBLE RESULT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES, WE MAKE NO REPRESENTATION OR PREDICTION THAT ANY GIVEN RESULT WILL OCCUR AS A RESULT OF SUCH EFFORTS. One can add, I am not responsible for the time it takes to resolve/close the case due how the IRS/Taxpayer Adovcate works..... Client signs the engagement letter and the wait game begins.

" But I can't think of anything that hasn't been tried." Edsel, it would be helpful for us if you told us what HAS been tried, so we don't cover the same ground twice.

I did the download today. No real issues at all. Looks like the software works. I rolled a return and then had to go carve the turkey. I did not even pay attention to how many forms are missing. But the download went very smooth. Tom Modesto, CA

Here's your chocolate moose. Now you just need to get him in a pie crust and then into the oven.

Happy Thanksgiving to all and may you & yours be Blessed all year.

I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Will enjoy not going to class or the office for 4 days. Just enjoy my family. Now if I could just find where they hid the chocolate moose pie?

Thankful here as well for everyone on this forum. Happy Thanksgiving, and remember to set you scales back 10 lbs tonight at 2 am..