The height of my 2020 27" iMac hurts my neck

The stand can not be removed.

You will need to adjust your work space by getting a lower desk or a taller chair.

see > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK61YEBYUH0

and > https://www.ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/Documents/Computer%20Workstation%20Ergonomics

This new iMac is killing my neck. I am so disappointed the stand doesn't allow the monitor to move up and down. My chair is set as high as possible. The keyboard is fine. I am literally going to have to cut a hole in my desk and sit the monitor on the drawer under it. Hope it helps. I can't believe it can't be removed in order to possibly mount it.

You may need a desk that has adjustable heights or consider a new chair that can adjust easily too. I'm currently working at my dining room table as our home office is being remodeled and my iMac sits too high. My neck is getting strained while this is going on so I can appreciate your problem.

You were advised correctly, the stands on iMacs have not been removeable since the 2012 models were released. Apple sells new iMacs with VESA mounts, however you need to order when you are buying the iMac as they cannot be retrofitted.

Perchance do you wear bifocal glasses? When I did, I had fits with feeling that the monitor of several computer models was too high. Then I bought computer glasses that eliminated unavoidable head tilt that bifocals create.

You do not want to let the bottom of the iMac case be any closer to the desk than it is now. The cooling air intake are on the bottom edge and reducing the current 3-inch clearance can result in overheated that could damage you computer.

If it's less than two weeks old, you can return it and get the VESA Mount version.

https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/imac-vesa/27-inch

FWIW, my solution is a high back desk chair that provides head support

which works for me with a slightly leaning backward position and tilting the

screen for proper viewing.

iMacs stands have been non removable for 8 years, since the 2012 models were released.