Pay nothing until a live IRS agent is on the phone with you.
Can't reach IRS? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.
$0 upfront. We only hold your card.
No live agent, no charge.
$9.99 is charged only once a live IRS agent is on the phone with you.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the IRS
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the IRS drops your call
If I could give 10 stars I would
If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
Really made a difference
Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
Worth not wasting your time calling for hours.
Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
An incredibly helpful service
An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
Consistent,frustration free, quality Service.
Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
IT WORKS!! Not a scam!
I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
Join the conversation
Join the conversation
This is exactly why I tell everyone to avoid those refund advance products! The same thing happened to my neighbor - Emerald Card froze her account right after approval and she waited over a month for a check that never came. What finally worked for her was escalating through multiple channels at once: she filed complaints with both the CFPB and her state's banking regulator, posted on H&R Block's social media pages, AND kept calling that fraud line daily. Within 72 hours of filing those complaints, they magically found her "lost" check and expedited a new one via overnight mail. The lesson? Don't just wait around hoping they'll fix it - these companies respond to pressure, not patience. Document everything and use every escalation tool available!
This is exactly the kind of aggressive multi-channel approach that works! I love how your neighbor didn't just pick one complaint avenue - she hit them from all sides simultaneously. The combination of CFPB complaint, state regulator, social media pressure, AND daily phone calls is brilliant. It's frustrating that it takes this level of effort to get companies to do what they should have done in the first place, but at least it shows there ARE ways to force action when they're dragging their feet. The 72-hour turnaround after filing those complaints really proves that they CAN resolve these issues quickly when there's real pressure involved. Definitely saving this strategy for anyone else dealing with similar runarounds!
This whole situation is a perfect example of why these tax prep companies need better oversight! The fact that so many people are dealing with identical Emerald Card fraud freezes suggests this is a systemic problem, not isolated incidents. For anyone reading this thread who's in a similar situation, here's my takeaway from all the excellent advice shared: hit them from multiple angles simultaneously - don't just rely on phone calls. File that CFPB complaint, check your IRS transcript, document everything, and don't accept vague answers about "processing." Three weeks for a check is absolutely ridiculous, and you shouldn't have to become a customer service warrior just to access your own refund. The silver lining is this thread shows there ARE ways to get results when you apply the right pressure!
Join the conversation
Just a heads up that if you have foreign bank accounts, make sure whoever you work with knows about FBAR requirements (FinCEN Form 114). Those have a different deadline than your tax return - technically due April 15 but automatically extended to October 15 if you miss the April date. Unlike tax returns where you file an extension form, the FBAR extension is automatic, but the October deadline is firm. If your current CPA is handling those for you and doesn't complete them, you'll need to make sure a new preparer addresses them or you do them yourself. The penalties for missing FBAR filings can be really steep compared to regular tax return penalties.
I file my FBARs myself online through the FinCEN BSA filing system even though my CPA does my taxes. It's actually pretty straightforward if your accounts are simple. Might be worth considering if you're worried about deadlines - then you only have to worry about the tax return part.
I've been through a similar situation and here's what I learned: communication is key, but so is having a backup plan. Since you don't have a signed contract, you're in a good position to make changes if needed. First, give your current CPA one more chance with a firm deadline - something like "I need my completed returns by [date 2 weeks from now] or I'll need to retrieve my documents and find alternative preparation." Be polite but direct about your concerns regarding the October deadline. If they can't commit to that timeline, don't hesitate to switch. July still gives you plenty of time to find someone new. When interviewing new CPAs, specifically ask about their experience with foreign bank accounts and FBAR filings since that seems to be part of your situation. Also ask about their current workload and realistic completion timeframes. One thing that helped me was getting organized before switching - I made copies of everything I'd given the original CPA and created a simple summary of my tax situation. This made the transition much smoother and showed the new preparer I was serious about meeting deadlines. The peace of mind from working with a responsive professional is worth the hassle of switching. Better to deal with the inconvenience now than stress about missing the October deadline later.
This is really solid advice! I especially like the idea of creating a summary of my tax situation before switching. That would probably help me feel more confident when talking to new CPAs too. One question - when you say "give them a firm deadline," did you find that actually worked? I'm worried that being too pushy might make them even less responsive, but I also don't want to keep waiting indefinitely. How did you balance being assertive without burning bridges? Also, when you switched, did your new CPA charge you the full amount or did they give you any discount since some of the preliminary work had already been done by the previous preparer?
Join the conversation
This thread has been absolutely amazing! As another first-time EPD investor, I can't thank everyone enough for sharing their real experiences and practical advice. Reading through all these responses has completely transformed my anxiety about the K-1 process into genuine confidence. I bought my first EPD units about 6 months ago and have been dreading tax season ever since. But now I have a clear action plan: upgrade to TurboTax Premier, set up my tracking spreadsheet this weekend, make sure EPD has my email for that January preliminary estimate, and download their sample K-1 to practice with. The consistency everyone reports about EPD's mid-March K-1 delivery is so reassuring. And hearing that the return of capital distributions are actually a tax advantage while holding (rather than something to worry about) finally makes sense to me now. What really resonates is the perspective that this is about building valuable investment knowledge rather than just dealing with a tax headache. Understanding MLP taxation could definitely open up other opportunities in energy infrastructure that I might have avoided due to complexity. I'm actually looking forward to my first K-1 experience now instead of dreading it. This community has turned what felt like navigating unknown territory into a manageable learning opportunity. Thank you all for being so generous with your time and insights!
I'm so glad this thread has been helpful for you too! It's really amazing how a community of people sharing their real experiences can completely change your perspective on something that initially seemed overwhelming. Your action plan sounds perfect - those are exactly the steps that have worked well for other first-time MLP investors here. Getting that tracking spreadsheet set up this weekend while your purchase details are still fresh in your mind is definitely the way to go. I love how this discussion has shifted the narrative from "dreading tax complications" to "excited about learning new investment skills." That mindset change makes such a difference! And you're absolutely right that understanding MLP taxation opens doors to other energy infrastructure opportunities that many investors avoid simply due to perceived complexity. It's been really encouraging to see so many people in similar situations come together and support each other through what can feel like intimidating territory. The collective wisdom here has been incredible, and I have a feeling we'll all be helping the next group of first-time MLP investors this time next year! Best of luck with your first K-1 experience - sounds like you're going to handle it like a pro with all this preparation!
This entire thread has been incredibly valuable for someone like me who's also facing their first EPD K-1 experience! I started buying units about 4 months ago and have been quietly worried about the tax implications ever since. What really strikes me is how EPD seems to genuinely prioritize individual investor education and support. Between the consistent mid-March K-1 delivery, the January preliminary estimates, the sample K-1s and FAQ sections on their website, the February webinars, and responsive investor relations - it's clear they understand their unitholder base includes many individual investors who need clear guidance. I'm definitely taking action on several recommendations from this discussion: - Upgrading to TurboTax Premier before tax season - Creating my tracking spreadsheet this week while all my purchase details are fresh - Ensuring EPD has my current email address for electronic notifications - Reviewing their educational materials and sample K-1 to get familiar with the format The shift in perspective from "tax burden" to "valuable investment skill" really resonates with me too. Learning MLP taxation basics could definitely make me more confident exploring other energy infrastructure opportunities down the road. It's amazing how much more manageable this feels with real experiences from people who've actually been through the process rather than just generic tax advice. Thanks to everyone who contributed - this thread should be required reading for first-time MLP investors!
Join the conversation
I experienced this exact same situation! Filed in early February and went through the identical sequence - normal processing for weeks, then that terrifying "Action Required" message appeared for about a week saying they sent me a letter, then it just vanished and went back to "refund date will be available soon." From everything I've researched and heard from others, this is happening because the IRS upgraded their fraud detection systems this year and they're being extremely cautious. What's reassuring is that when the "Action Required" message disappears and reverts to normal processing like yours did, it almost always means their automated review cleared your return successfully. I ended up checking my transcript on irs.gov which showed way more detail than the cryptic WMR messages - highly recommend doing that to see exactly what's happening behind the scenes. My refund appeared about 10 days after the status went back to normal, and I never received any letter. Since it's been 5+ days since your message disappeared and no letter has arrived, you're most likely completely fine. This seems to be the new reality for tax season 2024 - their systems are just being extra cautious but clearing most legitimate returns automatically. Keep checking WMR every few days and you should see a deposit date soon!
This is happening to so many people this year - you're definitely not alone! I went through the exact same sequence last month: normal processing, then that scary "Action Required" message for about a week, then back to "refund date will be available soon." Never got a letter and my refund showed up about 2 weeks later. What you experienced is actually really common with the IRS's new fraud detection systems being overly sensitive this season. The key thing is that your status went BACK to normal - that's a great sign! It means their automated review flagged your return initially but then cleared it without needing any action from you. I'd recommend checking your transcript at irs.gov for more detailed info about what's actually happening behind the scenes. The transcript shows specific codes that explain exactly what stage your return is in, which is way more helpful than the vague WMR messages that keep changing. Since it's been 5+ days since your "Action Required" message disappeared and you haven't received any letter, you're almost certainly fine. Keep checking WMR every few days and you should see a direct deposit date appear within the next 1-2 weeks. This exact pattern has been happening to thousands of taxpayers this season and the vast majority get their refunds without any issues once the status self-corrects like yours did. Try not to stress too much - when these messages disappear on their own like yours did, it usually means everything is processing normally and you just got caught up in their overly cautious fraud detection system!
Caleb Stark
This thread has been incredibly enlightening! I'm a dual US/Greece citizen who just moved to Athens last month and I'm already stressing about next year's tax situation. One thing I haven't seen mentioned is the complexity around Greek social security contributions. Since I'm self-employed with US clients (similar to the original poster), I'm trying to figure out if I need to pay into the Greek social security system (EFKA) on top of everything else we've discussed here. From what I've read, Greece requires self-employed residents to contribute to their social security system regardless of whether they're also paying US self-employment taxes. Has anyone dealt with this? The contribution rates seem pretty high (around 20% from what I've seen) and I'm not sure if there's any treaty relief for double social security taxation. Also, does anyone know if Greek social security contributions are deductible on your US tax return? I'm trying to budget for 2025 and between US taxes, Greek income taxes, and potentially Greek social security, I'm worried I'll be paying close to 50% of my income in various taxes and contributions! Any insights would be hugely appreciated - this community has already saved me from making some costly mistakes before I even start filing!
0 coins
Fatima Al-Qasimi
•Welcome to Athens! You're asking about one of the most complicated aspects of dual citizenship taxation. Yes, as a Greek tax resident who is self-employed, you're generally required to register with EFKA and make social security contributions regardless of what you pay to the US. The good news is that there IS a US-Greece Social Security Totalization Agreement that can help prevent double taxation on social security. Under this agreement, you typically only pay social security taxes to one country - usually the one where you're physically working. Since you're living in Greece but working with US clients, you'd likely pay Greek social security and be exempt from US self-employment tax (but you need to apply for a certificate of coverage). Greek social security contributions are NOT deductible on your US tax return - they're considered foreign taxes, not business expenses. However, they may reduce your Greek taxable income, which indirectly helps with the foreign tax credit calculations. Your 50% estimate might not be far off unfortunately. Between Greek income tax (up to 44% on higher incomes), Greek social security (around 20%), and whatever US taxes remain after foreign tax credits, it can get pretty brutal. This is why proper tax planning is so critical for dual citizens. I'd strongly recommend getting professional help before you start earning income in 2025 to structure things optimally from the beginning.
0 coins
Makayla Shoemaker
This is such a comprehensive discussion! As someone who's been dealing with dual US/Greece taxation for about 3 years now, I wanted to add a few practical tips that might help newcomers avoid some common pitfalls: **Documentation is everything** - Keep detailed records of all your US tax payments, including quarterly estimated payments. Greece will want to see proof of taxes actually paid, not just what was owed. I learned this the hard way when they initially rejected my foreign tax credit claim because I only provided my tax return, not proof of payment. **Exchange rates matter more than you think** - Use the IRS published exchange rates for converting your Greek income to USD for US filing, and use the European Central Bank rates for converting US taxes to euros for Greek filing. Consistency is key, and using "official" rates helps if either country questions your calculations. **Consider the timing of estimated payments** - Since you're paying US estimated taxes throughout the year but filing Greek taxes after the year ends, you might want to slightly overpay your US estimates. This gives you more foreign tax credits to claim in Greece and reduces the risk of owing a large lump sum to Greece at filing time. **Professional fees are worth it** - I spent about €800 last year on a dual-taxation specialist, but they saved me over €2,500 in unnecessary taxes and penalties. The complexity isn't worth trying to handle alone, especially in your first few years. Hope this helps others navigate this maze a bit more smoothly!
0 coins
Nia Davis
•This is incredibly helpful advice! I'm just starting my dual citizenship tax journey and hadn't thought about the documentation aspect. When you mention keeping proof of US tax payments, do you mean bank statements showing the actual transfers to the IRS, or are there specific forms or receipts I should be requesting? Also, regarding the exchange rates - do you convert each quarterly payment separately using the rate from that quarter, or do you use an average rate for the entire year? I'm trying to set up a system now before I get too deep into this process. One more question - when you say the professional saved you €2,500, was that mainly through better tax planning or were there specific deductions/credits you were missing? I'm trying to decide if it's worth the upfront cost in my first year or if I should attempt it myself initially. Thanks for sharing your experience - this kind of real-world insight is exactly what newcomers like me need!
0 coins