Same situation here! Filed in January, amended in March, and just got the 810 freeze code last week. It's so frustrating not knowing exactly where we stand in the process. I've been checking my transcript obsessively but it's hard to decode all these codes. The waiting is definitely the hardest part - especially when you're expecting a refund and have bills to pay. Hang in there, hopefully we'll both get some movement soon! 🤞

I'm in almost the exact same timeline as you! Filed in January, amended in April, and just saw the 810 freeze code appear on my transcript this week. The not knowing is driving me crazy - like you said, the anxiety about the wait time is real. I've been reading that some people's amended returns get processed faster than the 20-week estimate, but it seems pretty hit or miss. Really hoping we both get some movement on our accounts soon! Keep us posted if you see any changes on your transcript 🤞

Has anybody tried the IRS Direct File beta this year? I heard they're testing a completely free filing system directly through the IRS, but I'm not sure if it handles education forms like 1098-T. Anybody have experience with it?

Just wanted to add another free option that worked well for me - FreeTaxUSA. I used it through the IRS Free File portal and it handled my 1098-T without any upgrade fees. The interface isn't as polished as TurboTax, but it walked me through the American Opportunity Credit step-by-step and I got my full refund. One tip: make sure you have your 1098-T handy because you'll need to enter the amounts manually, but it's pretty straightforward. They also have good customer support if you get stuck on the education credit calculations. Definitely worth trying if the other options don't work out for you!

Did you check if they applied your refund to any past-due federal debts? They can take your tax refund to offset things like back taxes, child support, student loans, or even some state debts without much notice. Check your transcript for a code 898 which would indicate an offset.

I went through almost the exact same thing last year - got the initial letter saying I had an adjustment coming, then a second letter saying it was reduced to zero. Super frustrating! In my case, what helped was calling the Practitioner Priority Service line (866-860-4259) even though I'm not a tax professional. They sometimes have shorter wait times than the main taxpayer line. When I finally got through, the agent explained that they had initially missed a 1099-K from a side gig I did, and when they caught it during their secondary review, it wiped out the refund I was supposed to get. The key is getting your account transcript like others mentioned, but also ask specifically about any "subsequent adjustments" when you talk to someone. Sometimes there are multiple adjustments happening at once and the notices don't always explain the full picture. Don't give up - you have the right to understand exactly what happened to your money!

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago and completely understand the anxiety! Here's what I learned from my experience: First, don't panic - adjustment letters are actually pretty routine. The IRS processes millions of these each year. In my case, they had adjusted my refund because I accidentally claimed the wrong filing status (put single instead of head of household). The most important thing is to read through the letter carefully - there should be a section that explains exactly what they changed and why. Look for terms like "CP12" or "CP11" at the top - these are common adjustment notice codes. The letter should also have a phone number specific to your case and a timeframe for responding if you disagree. My advice: if the math looks right and you can see their reasoning, just accept it. If something seems off or you don't understand the adjustment, definitely call that number on the letter. Yes, you'll be on hold for a while, but it's worth getting clarity directly from them rather than guessing. Also, keep that letter safe - you'll need it for your records and if you ever get audited in the future, it shows the IRS already reviewed and adjusted that return.

I've been dealing with IRS adjustment letters for years as a tax preparer, and I want to emphasize something really important that hasn't been mentioned yet - timing is crucial with these letters. Most adjustment letters give you either 30 or 60 days to respond if you disagree with their changes. This deadline is NOT negotiable, so don't let the letter sit around while you're trying to figure out what to do. Even if you're still gathering documentation or trying to reach them by phone, you should send a written response by the deadline stating that you're disputing the adjustment and working on providing supporting documents. Also, a practical tip: when you do call the IRS, have your Social Security number, the tax year in question, and the exact notice number from your letter ready before you even dial. The automated system will ask for all of this information before connecting you to an agent, and having it ready speeds up the process significantly. One more thing - if you end up owing money due to the adjustment, you can usually set up a payment plan even for smaller amounts. Don't stress too much about having to pay everything at once if that's the case.

FYI - Make sure you're aware of the pro-rata rule if you have existing Traditional IRA balances!! This seems to be missed often. If you have any pre-tax money in ANY traditional IRA (including SEP or SIMPLE IRAs), you can't just convert your new non-deductible contribution tax-free. It gets prorated across all your IRA balances.

Just to add some clarity from my experience - I was in a similar situation last year and successfully completed a 2024 backdoor Roth in early 2025. The key is understanding that you have two separate deadlines: 1) You can make your 2024 non-deductible traditional IRA contribution until April 15, 2025, and 2) The conversion can happen anytime after that (it will just be reported on your 2025 taxes). The Vanguard rep was mixing up the deadlines. While it's true that many people prefer to keep both steps in the same calendar year for simpler record-keeping, it's absolutely not required. You're still well within the window to make your 2024 contribution and then convert it. Just make sure to properly document everything on Form 8606 for both tax years. One tip: If you do have existing pre-tax IRA money, consider the reverse rollover strategy mentioned by others to avoid pro-rata complications. And yes, plan for that 7-day Vanguard holding period if you're using them!