Just went through this same nightmare last year! Took exactly 11 weeks from when I faxed my Form 8962 and 1095-A until I saw the 846 refund code on my transcript. The IRS is super backed up with these marketplace verifications. Here's what helped me stay sane during the wait: - Set up IRS online account ASAP if you haven't already - checking transcript weekly becomes addictive but at least you'll see movement before any letters arrive - Document everything - dates you faxed, confirmation numbers, screenshots of your transcript - Don't call until week 10 unless you see weird codes - they'll just tell you to wait longer anyway The good news is once they finally process it, the refund hits your account within 2-3 business days. The reconciliation process is actually protecting you from owing money back next year, so even though it sucks right now, it's better to get it sorted properly. Stay strong! The 6-12 week range everyone's mentioning is unfortunately pretty accurate. Your refund will come, just later than expected 😤

Its been 6 weeks and thats a ridiculous length of time not knowing if they received your fax.

I've been dealing with 1042-S reporting for several years now and wanted to share a few additional tips that might help: If you're using FreeTaxUSA and reporting your fellowship under "Other Income," make sure to check Box 3 on your 1042-S as well - this shows the chapter designation which can affect how the income is treated. Most fellowship income will show Chapter 3 status. One thing that tripped me up initially was state tax treatment. Some states don't tax fellowship income at all, while others tax it fully. Make sure to check your state's specific rules since they often differ significantly from federal treatment. For your situation with joint filing and multiple income sources, I'd also recommend keeping detailed records of exactly how you reported everything. The IRS sometimes sends notices asking for clarification on 1042-S income, especially when it's combined with other income types on a joint return. If you decide to switch software, I found that H&R Block's online version also handles 1042-S forms well and has good customer support if you get stuck. They have a specific "Foreign Income" section that makes the process more intuitive than trying to figure out where it goes in "Other Income." Good luck with your filing! The 1042-S situation is definitely frustrating but very manageable once you know the right steps.

I went through this exact same struggle last year! After trying multiple approaches, I found that FreeTaxUSA can definitely handle 1042-S income, but it's not immediately obvious how to do it. Here's what worked for me: Go to the Income section and look for "Other Income" or "Miscellaneous Income." Enter the amount from Box 2 of your 1042-S there, and in the description field, write something like "Fellowship income - Form 1042-S." Make sure you also claim credit for any federal taxes withheld (shown in Box 10) in the tax payments section. For your joint filing situation, this approach works fine - the software will properly combine your fellowship income with your spouse's income and handle all the standard deductions and credits. Regarding alternatives, I actually had better luck with FreeTaxUSA than some of the other free options once I figured out the right approach. TaxAct does have a more obvious 1042-S section, but FreeTaxUSA's method works just as well and might save you from having to learn a new interface. One tip: double-check that your fellowship income isn't being treated as earned income for things like IRA contribution limits. Fellowship income typically doesn't count as earned income even though it's taxable. You're definitely on the right track avoiding Glacier for your complex situation - it really is designed more for straightforward nonresident returns.

I went through this exact same confusion two years ago and it drove me crazy! You're absolutely right that the form used to be clearer about extension payments. Line 26 is definitely the correct place for your $2,800 extension payment. What helped me understand it was realizing that from the IRS's perspective, both quarterly estimated payments and extension payments serve the same purpose - they're advance payments toward your tax liability. That's why they combined them on one line. Make sure you have your Form 4868 confirmation handy when you file, just in case there are any questions later. The IRS should automatically match your payment to your return using your SSN, but having that backup documentation gives you peace of mind. One tip: if you're using tax software, some programs will actually ask you specifically if you made an extension payment and then automatically add it to line 26 for you. But if you're doing it by hand, just enter the $2,800 on line 26 and you're good to go!

I'm looking at the 2025 1040, and it seems that if you use Schedule 3 ("Additional Credits and Payments"), there you will find, on Line 10, the "Amount paid with request for extension to file" item that you remember. (So, no, you're not crazy.) The Line 10 on Schedule 3 gets summed into Line 15, which then goes onto your main 1040 Form on Line 31. Hope this helps - I was wondering the same thing!

I went through the 5071C verification process about 6 months ago, and I completely understand the anxiety you're feeling as a first-time filer! The good news is that once you've completed the ID.me verification, you're officially in the system and the process will move forward - it's just a matter of time. Based on my experience and what I've observed with other community members, here are a few key things to keep in mind: 1) The timeline really does vary between 9-21 business days after verification, with most cases resolving around the 14-16 day mark. 2) Your transcript will update before WMR shows any changes, so definitely focus on checking that weekly rather than obsessing over WMR. 3) As a first-time filer, your case might take slightly longer due to additional system checks, but that's completely normal. Since you verified last week, you're still very much in the early part of the expected timeframe. Try to be patient with the process - I know it's frustrating coming from a different tax system, but the IRS verification system does work, even if it feels slow! Keep us updated on your progress!

Current Scenario: I filed my taxes Jan 27th Online.....i recieved the 5071 verification and control number letter from IRS on Feb 17th.....submitted it that same night... feb 17/18th.....it is now April 20th.....this would be the 9th week of waiting...i havent heard anyting or gotten updates on wmr....and i as well get different answers when i contact irs ...stating "wait 9 weeks then it will be sent ".....anyone have any info or suggestions or going through same scenario....or maybe refund was sent to your bank without it even being updated on wmr

I'm so sorry for your family's loss and the difficult situation you're navigating. Losing someone who handled all the finances can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially during such an emotional time. From everything you've described, FreeTaxUSA is absolutely correct in how it's handling the IRA distribution reporting. For traditional IRA distributions that are fully taxable (which is typical unless there were non-deductible contributions made over the years), both line 4a (total IRA distributions) and line 4b (taxable amount) should show the same amount that matches boxes 1 and 2a on the 1099-R. The previous accountant's practice of leaving line 4a blank while only filling line 4b was actually incorrect according to current IRS instructions. This could have been an outdated method that just kept getting repeated year after year, or possibly a simple oversight that never got caught. What's wonderful is that you're not only helping your mom save $550, but you're also ensuring her taxes are filed more accurately than they have been. The confidence she's gaining in understanding her own finances during this transition is invaluable and will serve her well moving forward. You should feel completely confident proceeding with FreeTaxUSA. The amounts matching between the software and the 1099-R is exactly what you want to see, and you're following proper IRS guidelines. Your mom is fortunate to have such caring support during this challenging time.

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Going through tax preparation for the first time after losing someone who always handled the finances is incredibly stressful, and you're being such a wonderful support to your mom during this difficult time. You're absolutely doing the right thing with FreeTaxUSA. Based on your description, the software is correctly reporting the IRA distributions. For traditional IRA distributions that are fully taxable (which is typical), both line 4a (total IRA distributions) and line 4b (taxable amount) should indeed show the same number that matches boxes 1 and 2a on the 1099-R. The previous accountant's practice of leaving line 4a blank while only filling line 4b was actually incorrect according to IRS instructions. This might have been an outdated method or simply an error that got repeated year after year. While it probably didn't change the actual tax owed, it's not the proper way to complete the form. What's encouraging is that your mom is not only saving over $500, but she's also getting more accurate tax preparation than she has been receiving. The fact that she's gaining confidence in understanding her own finances during this transition is wonderful - that knowledge and independence will serve her well going forward. Trust FreeTaxUSA on this one. You have the 1099-R documentation to support the amounts, and you're following current IRS guidelines correctly.