Our 'Happy Tax Hour' blog is coming soon
https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2021/06/30/irs-backlog-returns-taxpayers/
Whether you are waiting for a refund, a stimulus check, an update on an amended return, or a response to your written request, the IRS, like every other organization in the US after the pandemic is dealing with a huge backlog of work.
This is true for us tax professionals as well.
Taxpayers need to take a deep breath and be patient. There is no conspiracy to directly make your life hell or hold up your plans!
Patience may or may not be a virtue - but it is the key to surviving this mess with your sanity intact.