Has anyone dealt with state taxes on sports betting? I'm in New Jersey and my state treats gambling losses differently than the federal government. Just wondering how others handle this.

Just wanted to add something that helped me last year - make sure you're keeping detailed records throughout the year, not just at tax time! I learned this the hard way when I got audited. The IRS wanted to see: - Date and time of each bet - Type of bet (spread, moneyline, over/under, etc.) - Amount wagered - Amount won or lost - Which platform/sportsbook Most betting apps will let you export this data, but it's much easier to stay organized as you go rather than trying to reconstruct everything in March. I started using a simple spreadsheet to track my sessions weekly, and it made tax prep so much smoother this year. Also, don't forget that if you had any promotional bets or bonus winnings, those count as taxable income too! The sportsbooks usually include these in your annual statements, but it's good to be aware of it.

As a newcomer to this community, I have to say this thread has been absolutely invaluable! I've been procrastinating on filing my 2020 taxes for years now, and reading through everyone's experiences has finally given me the clarity and motivation I needed. The way this community has broken down the difference between unfiled returns (3 years from original due date) versus amended returns (3yr/2yr rule) is so much clearer than anything I found on the IRS website. It's honestly embarrassing how long I've been putting this off because I was confused about the deadlines. Unfortunately, I think I may have missed the May 17, 2024 deadline for my 2020 taxes by just a few days. I was traveling for work and didn't realize how close the deadline was until it was too late. Does anyone know if there are any exceptions or if I'm completely out of luck for claiming that refund? @Glen Riddle - your multi-year strategy is fascinating, and the success you had with the IRS callback system gives me hope that they're more helpful than their reputation suggests. @Javier Cruz - I'm so glad you got your 2020 return in on time via certified mail! The certified mail advice throughout this thread is definitely something I'll remember for future filings. Better late than never for learning these lessons, I suppose. Has anyone dealt with missing the 3-year deadline by just a few days, or is that a hard cutoff with no flexibility? Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed experiences - this community is an amazing resource!

As a newcomer to this community, I want to thank everyone for such a comprehensive discussion! I'm currently dealing with unfiled 2022 taxes and was completely overwhelmed by the conflicting information online until I found this thread. The clarity everyone has provided about the 3-year rule for unfiled returns versus the 3yr/2yr rule for amended returns has been a game-changer. I've been procrastinating partly because I couldn't figure out which deadline applied to my situation, but now I understand I have until April 2026 for my 2022 return. @Ethan Wilson - I'm really sorry to hear you may have missed the May 17, 2024 deadline for your 2020 taxes. Your situation is a perfect example of why the certified mail approach that everyone recommends is so crucial. It's also a reminder for those of us with later years to not put this off any longer. @Glen Riddle - your multi-year strategy and positive experience with the IRS callback system gives me confidence that even complex situations can be resolved successfully when you understand the rules properly. What strikes me most about this thread is how the community has turned confusing IRS documentation into clear, actionable guidance through real experiences. The unanimous advice about certified mail, the importance of understanding which specific rule applies to your situation, and the reassurance that there are no penalties when you're owed a refund - all of this is gold. I'm definitely filing my 2022 return well before the deadline and using certified mail. Thanks to everyone for sharing your wisdom!

Has anyone run into Zelle transfer limits when doing larger amounts? I tried to move $8k once and my bank limited me to $3500 per day.

One thing to keep in mind is that while these transfers aren't taxable, you should still keep good records of them. I learned this the hard way when the IRS questioned some large deposits in my account during an audit a few years back. Even though they were just transfers from my other bank, I had to provide documentation proving both accounts were mine and that the money wasn't new income. I'd recommend keeping screenshots of both accounts showing your name, and maybe even a simple spreadsheet tracking the transfer dates and amounts. It's probably overkill, but it'll save you headaches if anyone ever questions where that money came from. The IRS agent told me that clear documentation makes these situations resolve much faster.

This is exactly why I always tell people to be super careful about who they trust with their taxes! A few years ago my neighbor got burned by one of these scammers who took nearly $800 in "fees" from her $4,200 refund. She thought she was getting professional help but the guy was just running a scheme out of a strip mall office that disappeared after tax season. The worst part is these predators specifically target people who really need their refunds - folks with kids claiming EITC, people who are struggling financially and can't afford to lose a single dollar. It's disgusting how they take advantage when people are most vulnerable. Everyone should know: legitimate tax preparers will NEVER require your refund to go through their accounts first. If they're saying they need to "process" it through their system, that's your cue to walk out immediately. Your refund should go straight from the IRS to YOUR bank account, period.

This hits close to home for me. My elderly father got scammed by one of these "tax professionals" last year who charged him $450 in fees for what should have been a simple return - just his Social Security and a small pension. The worst part? They made him think he was getting some kind of "premium service" when really they were just padding their pockets. What really bothers me is how these scammers specifically target vulnerable populations - seniors, immigrants, people with language barriers, and low-income families. They set up in communities where people might not know their rights or how the system is supposed to work. For anyone reading this: if you're unsure about a tax preparer, ask them to show you their PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) and look it up on the IRS website. Also, never let them rush you through signing documents. A legitimate preparer will be happy to explain every fee and give you time to review everything. Your gut instinct is usually right - if something feels off, find someone else!

Did you have any credits like EIC or CTC? Those usually take longer to process and get more scrutiny.

EIC claims definitely get extra scrutiny and can add weeks to processing time. The good news is once you see those 571/290/971 codes, it usually means they've finished their review and you're in the final stages. Based on your transcript showing movement on 12-10-2024 with the 570 code still there, I'd expect to see an 846 code (refund issued) within the next 1-2 weeks. The -$42 balance is actually your refund amount after interest calculations. Keep checking your transcript updates on Thursdays/Fridays - that's when they typically post new cycles.