Initially my tax return was compromised by

a scammer.

Once that got sorted, I had a much larger balance than I expected. I made a payment, then entered into a payment arrangement -- hence the delayed payment.

The only thing I have as proof is my online receipt printout, which shows my payment, my name, the amount, and that it was applied towards 2017. What I do not have is the transcript from the IRS stating a balance of $0.

I connected with someone I know who is a former IRS employee, and they said that the reason my payments aren't showing is that transcripts are not updated from Dec 24th until the final week of January while the IRS prepares the computers for new tax laws and filing season. He said my updated transcript showing the balance should be available next week.

Until then, it sounds like they are going to hold $3K in escrow until I can "prove" I paid my balance.