I'm dealing with something very similar right now with my Canadian RRSP account. Filed both 3520 and 3520-A forms on time for three years running, but just got a penalty notice for my 2022 filing claiming I never submitted the 3520-A. The really frustrating part is that I have the e-filing confirmation from my tax software showing both forms were transmitted successfully. When I called the IRS (after waiting 3 hours on hold), the agent could see my 3520 in the system but said there was no record of the 3520-A, even though they were filed together electronically. Has anyone else experienced this issue where one form gets "lost" in their system while the other one processes normally? I'm wondering if this is a systemic problem with how they handle these foreign trust forms or if it's just random bad luck. I'm planning to file an appeal with all my documentation, but seeing all these similar stories makes me think there's something seriously wrong with how the IRS processes international filings.

I'm going through this exact nightmare right now! Filed my 3520 and 3520-A for my UK pension on time through my tax software, have all the e-filing confirmations, but just got slammed with a $10,000 penalty for "failure to file the 3520-A." What's really maddening is that when I called the IRS, they confirmed they have my 3520 in their system but claim no record of the 3520-A, even though both forms show the same transmission confirmation number in my tax software. The agent basically shrugged and said "if we don't have it, you didn't file it." I'm starting to think there's a serious bug in their processing system for international forms. Too many people are reporting the same issue - forms filed together electronically but only one showing up in their records. This can't all be coincidence. Has anyone had success getting the IRS to actually investigate their own processing errors rather than just rubber-stamping these penalties? I'm wondering if we need to escalate this to the Taxpayer Advocate Service since it seems like a systemic problem affecting multiple taxpayers.

I went through this exact situation 6 months ago when I purchased a tech startup from California. The process definitely requires patience, but here's what I learned that might help speed things up: **ITIN Application Strategy:** - Submit your W-7 with a comprehensive business justification letter - Include copies of your business acquisition documents (purchase agreement, operating agreement, etc.) - Attach a projected tax return showing estimated business income to strengthen your case for needing an ITIN **Critical Timing Tip:** Don't wait for your ITIN to arrive before preparing your 8822-B. You can fill out everything except the ITIN field, so when your number arrives, you can immediately submit the form. This saved me about 2 weeks. **Follow-up Strategy:** Around week 6 of your W-7 processing, start calling the IRS International line (267-941-1000) weekly to check status. They can often tell you if additional documentation is needed before you receive a formal notice. The entire process took me about 11 weeks total, but the business was fully transferred without any compliance issues. It's definitely worth doing properly rather than trying workarounds that could create problems later. One last note - make sure your business continues filing any required returns during this transition period using the existing responsible party information until the change is officially processed.

I went through this exact same process when I acquired a logistics company in Florida about 8 months ago. The ITIN route that everyone mentioned is definitely the correct path, but I wanted to add a few practical tips that helped me avoid some common pitfalls: **Document Authentication Tip:** If you're outside the US, consider getting your passport and other identity documents authenticated at a US consulate rather than just using a local notary. While both are technically acceptable, consulate authentication seemed to process faster in my experience - got my ITIN in about 7 weeks instead of the typical 9-11. **Business Justification Letter:** Make your letter as specific as possible. I included the exact EIN, purchase date, purchase price, and even referenced specific IRS regulations that require responsible party updates. The more official and detailed your justification, the less likely they are to request additional information. **Backup Plan:** While waiting for your ITIN, consider having a US-based attorney or accountant submit Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) on your behalf. This allows them to communicate with the IRS about your applications and can help resolve any issues that arise during processing. The whole process was definitely tedious, but once completed, managing the US tax obligations became much more straightforward. Don't rush it - doing it properly the first time saves months of headaches later.

Have you verified whether your refund was processed through a third-party facilitator like SBTPG or Republic Bank? If you used tax preparation software with fees deducted from your refund, this introduces an additional processing layer that can delay deposits by 24-72 hours beyond your DDD. What payment method did you select when filing, and did you receive confirmation that your banking information was accurately transmitted to the IRS?

@Theodore Nelson, I had the exact same situation last year with Chime and a 3/13 DDD. Mine didn't show up until 3/15, which had me panicking. Turned out there was a weekend processing delay that pushed it back. Since 3/13 fell on a Wednesday this year, you should definitely have it by now if everything processed normally. I'd recommend checking your Chime account for any pending transactions first, then calling their customer service line. They can see incoming ACH transfers before they post to your account. If Chime shows nothing incoming, then you'll want to contact the IRS to verify the refund was actually sent to the correct account. Also double-check your transcript shows TC 846 with your correct account number - sometimes there are routing errors that cause delays.

I went through almost the exact same situation a few years ago and want to share what worked for me. My employer was doing the same "temporary 1099 until onboarding is complete" nonsense, and like you, I was clearly functioning as an employee with set hours and controlled work processes. What finally got their attention was when I calculated and presented them with the potential penalties they were facing. The IRS can assess penalties of up to $50 per W-2 form that should have been filed, plus 1.5% of wages for failure to withhold income taxes, plus the full employer portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes they should have been paying. For even a few months of misclassification, this can add up to thousands of dollars. I also discovered that my state (California) has even stricter penalties for misclassification - up to $25,000 per violation. When I mentioned this to my employer along with the IRS penalties, they immediately changed my classification and cut me a check for the difference in self-employment taxes I had overpaid. The key is approaching this professionally with facts rather than accusations. Frame it as helping them avoid potential liability rather than threatening them. Most employers will do the right thing once they understand the serious financial consequences of misclassification. Don't let them drag this out with vague promises about "eventual" proper classification. Every pay period they delay is another pay period of potential penalties and tax issues for both of you.

This situation is unfortunately more common than it should be, and you're absolutely right to be concerned. What your employer is doing appears to violate both IRS guidelines and basic employment law principles. The biggest red flag here is that they're now withholding taxes while still labeling you as "1099" on your paystub. This creates a contradictory situation where they're treating you as an employee for tax purposes but denying you employee protections like overtime pay. There's no such thing as a "1099 employee" - you're either a W-2 employee or a 1099 independent contractor, period. Based on your description (controlled schedule, set hours, using their processes), you clearly meet the IRS criteria for employee status. The "temporary" classification excuse holds no legal weight - your status should be determined by your actual work relationship from day one. Here's what I'd recommend as immediate steps: 1. Save every document - paystubs, emails, timesheets, your W-4 form 2. Calculate how much extra you're paying in self-employment taxes (about 7.65% more than you should) 3. Present this information to your employer professionally, explaining the potential penalties they face for misclassification If they continue to stall, you can file Form SS-8 with the IRS for an official determination, though that process takes many months. Many employers will correct the situation quickly once they understand the serious financial penalties they're risking. Don't let them drag this out indefinitely - every pay period this continues is another period of potential violations and tax overpayment on your part.

As a fellow service member who's been through this exact situation, I can confirm what everyone else is saying - you're absolutely fine with Tricare coverage! I've filed my taxes for the past 6 years with Tricare and have never had a single issue or delay related to health insurance reporting. Here's my simple approach: When TurboTax asks about health coverage, I select "Yes, I had qualifying coverage" and choose the government/military option. That's literally it. No forms to attach, no additional documentation needed. Your return will be accepted and processed normally. The Form 1095-B situation is honestly a non-issue. I think I've received mine on time maybe once in the past several years, and it has never impacted my ability to file or receive my refund. The IRS already has records showing military personnel have qualifying Tricare coverage. Given that you mentioned your small business needs this refund, I'd focus your energy on double-checking your business deductions and expenses rather than worrying about the health insurance checkbox. That's where you'll maximize your refund and where accuracy really matters for avoiding delays. You've got this - the health insurance part is honestly the easiest question on your entire tax return when you have Tricare!

I'm active duty and have dealt with this exact situation multiple times. The short answer is: don't stress about it! Tricare absolutely qualifies as minimum essential coverage, and you won't have any issues filing your taxes. Here's what I do every year: When TurboTax asks about health insurance, I simply select that I had qualifying coverage through a government/military program for the full year. No need to attach any forms or provide additional documentation. Your return will process normally. The Form 1095-B from DEERS is notoriously late (I rarely get mine before filing), but it doesn't matter - you don't need to attach it to your return anyway. The IRS already knows military members have qualifying Tricare coverage in their system. Since you mentioned your small business had a rough year and you're counting on this refund, I'd recommend filing as soon as you have all your business documentation ready. Don't wait around for that 1095-B form. Early filers often see faster processing times before the IRS gets backed up later in the season. Focus your energy on making sure you've captured all your eligible business deductions and expenses - that's where you'll see the real impact on your refund amount. The health insurance question is honestly one of the easiest parts of your return when you have Tricare!