This is a really common issue that many former international students face! I went through something very similar with Wells Fargo a few years ago. The key thing to understand is that banks often don't have staff who are well-trained on the distinction between different tax forms for non-residents. When you call back, be very clear and persistent: "I am a non-resident alien living permanently outside the United States. I need to complete form W-8BEN, not W-9. The W-9 is only for US persons, which I am not." You might need to escalate to a supervisor or their international banking department. Also, keep in mind that once you submit the correct W-8BEN form, the bank will likely withhold 30% tax on any interest earned (unless your home country has a tax treaty with the US that reduces this rate). This is normal for non-resident accounts and much better than accidentally being classified as a US person for tax purposes. Don't let them pressure you into the wrong form just because it's easier for their system!

I've been dealing with a very similar situation with my TD Bank account after moving back to the UK. The confusion around W-9 vs W-8BEN is incredibly common, and banks often default to requesting W-9s because it's what they're most familiar with. Here's what worked for me: I called and specifically asked to speak with someone in their "international accounts" or "non-resident banking" department. Regular customer service reps often aren't trained on these distinctions. When I explained that I was a non-resident alien who needed to file W-8BEN instead of W-9, they knew exactly what I was talking about and sent me the correct form immediately. Also worth noting - make sure you have documentation of your current foreign address ready when you call. They'll need to verify your non-resident status, and having utility bills or bank statements from your home country can help speed up the process. The W-8BEN will properly classify you as a non-resident alien and allow you to claim any applicable tax treaty benefits between your home country and the US. Much better than accidentally being classified as a US person who needs to file annual returns!

I'm experiencing the exact same thing! Filed on January 31st and my account shows that identical "INFO" status with the "Your Information Is Not Available at This Time" message for 2024. It's actually really comforting to read through all these comments and see that literally everyone who filed in the last few days is seeing this same thing. I was starting to worry that there was an issue with my return or that I had accidentally triggered some kind of review process. But it sounds like this is just their new way of displaying returns that are still in the initial processing queue. The fact that your 2022 and 2023 years show clean $0.00 balances is definitely a good sign - shows you're current with the IRS. I'm going to try to be patient and stop checking my account every few hours (easier said than done!). Thanks for posting this question because it really helped calm my nerves knowing we're all in the same boat waiting for our accounts to update!

I filed on January 30th and I'm seeing the exact same "INFO" status! Was getting really anxious about it until I found this thread - so relieving to know literally everyone who filed early is experiencing this. I've been checking my account obsessively (probably not helping my stress levels lol) but it sounds like this is just their standard processing message now. The batch processing explanation makes total sense - explains why we're all seeing identical delays. My previous years also show $0.00 like yours, so at least we know we're in good standing. Going to try to resist the urge to keep refreshing and just wait it out. Thanks for asking this question - this community is seriously the best for peace of mind during tax season!

Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation with some insurance settlement checks coming in, and I was having the same concerns about "looking suspicious" for perfectly legitimate transactions. What really stands out to me from everyone's experiences is how routine these large check deposits actually are for banks, even when they feel like a big deal to us personally. The distinction between cash reporting requirements and check deposits that several people explained was particularly enlightening - I had always assumed any deposit over $10k automatically triggered reports. The consensus seems clear: if you have legitimate sources and proper documentation (which you do), splitting the deposits between accounts based on your financial needs is just good money management, not suspicious activity. The fact that multiple people have done exactly what you're planning with zero issues is very reassuring. Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences here - it's so much more valuable than trying to interpret banking regulations online!

Great question! I dealt with something very similar when I received a large inheritance last year - two checks over $15k each. I was worried about the same "flagging" concerns you mentioned. Here's what I learned: your original plan is actually perfect. Depositing one check in checking for immediate expenses and the other directly into your brokerage account is smart financial management, not suspicious activity. Banks see this type of money movement all the time. A few things that helped ease my mind: - The $10k reporting threshold applies to cash transactions (Currency Transaction Reports), not regular checks - Banks file Suspicious Activity Reports based on unusual patterns, not just dollar amounts - Having legitimate sources with documentation (which you clearly do) means you're in great shape I ended up doing exactly what you're planning with zero issues. No questions asked, no holds, completely routine. The key was having my documentation ready (estate papers, etc.) even though I never needed to show it. Don't overthink this! ACH transfers between your own accounts are completely normal too. Focus on managing your money efficiently rather than worrying about imaginary red flags. Your plan makes perfect financial sense.

LPT: Check your credit karma money account if you have one. Sometimes it shows up there before the TT account for sum reason

Same issue here! Filed on the 16th, got IRS acceptance within hours, but it's been 6 days with zero communication from TurboTax about the advance status. Not even a denial email. Starting to think they oversold their advance capacity this year and are just hoping people forget about it 😤 Anyone know if there's a way to check advance status without calling their useless support line?

idk why everyone's obsessed w these advance loans when they take like half ur money in fees. just wait for the real refund imo

Had the exact same thing happen to me last year! Got the acceptance screen but didn't receive the email until the next morning. TurboTax's email system can be pretty delayed especially during busy periods. I'd give it until tomorrow before worrying - the acceptance screen is usually a good indicator that you're approved. Just keep checking your spam folder too just in case!