Can't reach IRS? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
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
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
My sister dealt with this between California and Arizona. California especially is aggressive about claiming you as a resident if you have any ties there. She ended up having to document exactly how many days she spent in each state with a calendar she kept. Just something to keep in mind if you're dealing with states that both have income tax - they both want your money!
Yara Haddad
Based on your situation, you're actually in a pretty good spot tax-wise! Since Wyoming has no state income tax, you'll only need to file a Colorado resident return for all your income. The key things to address immediately: 1. **Fix your withholding ASAP** - Contact HR to update your address and start withholding Colorado state taxes (4.4% rate). Since you've been working there without withholding, you'll likely owe money at tax time. 2. **Track your work location** - Make sure all your work is being performed in Colorado. If you ever work remotely from Wyoming, that income would still be taxable to Colorado as a resident. 3. **Consider estimated payments** - Since you haven't been having Colorado taxes withheld, you might want to make quarterly estimated payments to avoid underpayment penalties. The weekend visits to Wyoming don't create any tax obligations since you're not earning income there and Wyoming doesn't tax income anyway. Just make sure Colorado is clearly your primary residence (voter registration, driver's license, etc.) to avoid any residency questions. You got lucky with the Wyoming/Colorado combo - this would be much more complicated with two states that both have income taxes!
Sofia Peña
•Your Texas/New Mexico situation is a bit different! Since you're working remotely from Texas for a New Mexico company, you'll likely need to pay New Mexico state taxes on that income even though you're physically in Texas. New Mexico generally taxes income earned by residents regardless of where the work is performed, and since your employer is based there, they should be withholding NM taxes. You'd typically file as a New Mexico resident if that's where your employer is located and you're considered an employee there. Texas having no state income tax means you won't owe anything to Texas, but New Mexico will want their cut. I'd recommend checking with the New Mexico tax department (or using one of the services others mentioned like Claimyr to actually get through to them) to confirm your specific situation. The key question is whether New Mexico considers you a resident based on your employment there.
Your situation with Texas/New Mexico is actually the reverse of the original poster's! Since you're physically working from Texas (no state income tax) for a New Mexico employer, you'll generally only owe taxes to your state of residence - Texas. Since Texas has no income tax, you're in great shape. The key is where you're physically performing the work. If you're working remotely from Texas, that's typically considered Texas-sourced income even though your employer is in New Mexico. New Mexico can't tax you just because your employer is located there if you're not physically working in the state. However, make sure your employer isn't withholding New Mexico state taxes from your paychecks. If they are, you'd need to file a New Mexico non-resident return to get those taxes refunded. Also verify that you're clearly established as a Texas resident (address, voter registration, etc.) to avoid any potential residency disputes. You're in an even better position than the original poster since you don't have to worry about any state tax withholding or payments at all!
Join the conversation
StarSailor}
Hey Sydney! I was in a very similar situation when I first started working - the whole tax thing felt like learning a foreign language! You're absolutely right to get professional help for your first return. Just wanted to add that since you mentioned being confused about the social security benefit stuff - if anyone in your family receives Social Security disability or retirement benefits, and you're claimed as a dependent on their return (or they receive benefits partially based on your record), it can definitely complicate things. The tax software probably flagged this because it affects how your taxes are calculated. The good news is that at your income level, you'll likely qualify for some nice credits that could boost your refund beyond just getting back overpaid withholdings. Things like the Earned Income Tax Credit can be really helpful for young workers just starting out. When you meet with the tax professional this weekend, don't hesitate to ask them to explain everything step by step. A good tax preparer should be happy to educate you about how it all works - you're paying them, after all! Understanding your first return will make future years much less intimidating.
Sydney, I completely understand your confusion - I was in the exact same boat when I filed my first tax return! The whole system feels like it's designed to be as confusing as possible. Your instinct to get professional help is spot-on. I tried doing my own taxes that first year using online software and ended up more confused than when I started. The tax professional will not only get everything filed correctly, but they'll also explain how everything works so you'll be more confident next year. One thing that might help while you wait for your appointment: the IRS actually has some pretty good basic guides on their website (irs.gov) that explain what all those W-2 boxes mean in plain English. I found their "Understanding Your W-2" page really helpful for understanding the difference between refundable and non-refundable taxes. Also, don't stress too much about that Social Security benefit question - it's probably just asking whether you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return or if there's any SS income in your household. Super common question that sounds way scarier than it actually is. You're being really smart by getting help with your first return. Once you see how it all works, future years will feel much less overwhelming. Good luck with your appointment this weekend!
This is such helpful advice! I'm also a newcomer to taxes and was feeling pretty intimidated by the whole process. The tip about checking out the IRS website for basic guides is great - I hadn't thought to look there for educational resources. Sometimes the official source can actually be clearer than random articles online. It's really reassuring to hear that so many people struggle with their first tax return. I was starting to feel like I was the only one who didn't understand this stuff! The point about the Social Security question being routine is especially helpful - when software asks about things like that, it's easy to assume your situation is somehow unusual or problematic. Thanks for sharing your experience with trying to do it yourself first. I was debating whether to just push through with online software or get professional help, but hearing how much clearer everything became after working with a tax professional makes me feel good about that choice. Really appreciate the encouragement!
Join the conversation
i think my company screwed up my w4 too. is there a way to check if they entered everything correctly? I filled it out right but maybe they input it wrong in their system?
Owen Jenkins
•Yes, you can ask your HR or payroll department for a copy of the W4 they have on file for you. Most companies can provide this pretty easily. Compare it to what you remember filling out. You can also look at your pay stub - it should show your filing status and any additional withholding amounts you specified. If those don't match what you requested, then there might have been a data entry error on their end.
thanks for the tip! i just emailed HR to ask for a copy of my W4. hope they didnt mess it up but at least ill know for sure.
The zero withholding issue is really common with the new W4 form! Based on your situation (Head of Household with 2 dependents), here's what likely went wrong: Most people accidentally check the "exempt from withholding" box or mess up Step 3 where you enter dependent amounts. For your situation, you should have $4,000 in Step 3 if both kids are under 17 ($2,000 each). Quick action plan: 1. Get a new W4 from HR immediately 2. Step 1: Check "Head of household" 3. Step 3: Enter $4,000 (for 2 kids under 17) 4. Step 4(c): Add extra withholding to catch up - probably around $150-200 per paycheck depending on your income Since you've had zero withholding for several months already, you definitely need that extra amount in 4(c) to avoid owing next year. The IRS withholding calculator can help you figure out the exact catch-up amount, but don't wait - get that corrected W4 to HR this week! Your smaller refund this year was because you essentially got an interest-free loan from the government instead of having taxes withheld. Better to fix it now than get hit with a big bill next April.
Ayla Kumar
•Yes, exactly right! If your dependent is over 17 (like a college student), they go in Step 3 at $500 instead of $2,000. It doesn't matter if they're full-time or part-time students - the age 17 cutoff is what determines the amount. And the $150-200 I mentioned is per paycheck, not per month. So if you get paid biweekly, that's about $300-400 extra per month being withheld to catch up. You can always adjust it after a few paychecks if it seems like too much or too little. One tip: start with a lower amount like $100-150 per paycheck and see how your next few pay stubs look. You can always submit another W4 to increase it if needed. It's easier to add more withholding later than to get a refund if you overwithhold!
Ayla Kumar
•Great questions! Yes, for dependents over 17 (like your college student), you would put $500 in Step 3 instead of $2,000. It doesn't matter if they're full-time students - the age cutoff is what determines the amount. So if you have one child under 17 and one college student over 17, you'd put $2,500 total in Step 3 ($2,000 + $500). The $150-200 I mentioned is per paycheck, not per month. So if you get paid bi-weekly, that's every two weeks. If you get paid monthly, it would be once per month. The key is it's based on your pay frequency. To avoid overcorrecting, definitely use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator online - it will give you a more precise number based on your exact income and situation. Better to be slightly conservative than to have too much withheld and give the government an interest-free loan!
Join the conversation
Tom Maxon
To all those having trouble reaching a human at IRS. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c
Hang in there! The 151 code after ID verification is actually pretty normal - it just means they're doing their final review now that they've confirmed you are who you say you are. The fact that you got the 766 code on the same day is actually a good sign that things are moving along. From what I've seen in this community, most people with your timeline (ID verification on 3/06) are seeing their refunds release within 2-4 weeks after the 151 appears. Keep checking your transcripts for updates and try not to stress too much - you're in the final stretch!
Alfredo Lugo
This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm currently in year 2 of my F-1 program and have been putting off opening a CD because I was overwhelmed by the tax implications. Reading through everyone's experiences has given me the confidence to move forward. A couple of additional points I'd like to add based on my research: **Documentation tip**: When you submit your W-8BEN to the bank, ask for a stamped copy for your records. I learned this from my international student advisor - having proof that you submitted the form correctly can be helpful if there are any disputes later about withholding or tax form generation. **ITIN vs SSN**: Make sure you're using the correct taxpayer identification number on your W-8BEN. If you have an SSN from on-campus employment authorization, use that. If you only have an ITIN, that's fine too, but be consistent across all your tax documents. **Rate shopping**: I've been comparing rates and found that some credit unions near universities offer competitive CD rates and tend to be more experienced with international student accounts. Might be worth checking out in addition to the major banks. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences with the various services mentioned (taxr.ai, Claimyr) - those sound like they could be real time-savers come tax season. The IRS phone situation is definitely frustrating! Looking forward to finally opening my CD account with much more confidence now.
0 coins
Adrian Hughes
•This is such valuable advice, thank you! The stamped W-8BEN copy tip is brilliant - I never would have thought of that but it makes perfect sense to have documentation that you submitted it correctly. Your point about credit unions is really interesting too. I hadn't considered them, but you're right that they might be more familiar with student situations, especially if they're located near campus. Do you happen to know if credit unions typically issue the correct tax forms (1042-S) as reliably as the major banks, or should I still be prepared for potential corrections? Also, regarding the ITIN vs SSN point - I have an SSN from my on-campus work authorization, but I'm curious: if someone transitions from ITIN to SSN during the tax year, does that complicate the CD interest reporting at all? Just thinking ahead in case my situation changes. The rate comparison research you're doing sounds smart. I've been so focused on the tax implications that I almost forgot to actually shop around for the best rates! Thanks for the reminder to look at both the financial and administrative sides of this decision.
0 coins
Freya Thomsen
•Great question about credit unions! In my experience, smaller credit unions can be hit-or-miss with international tax forms. Some are excellent because they deal with a lot of international students, but others might be less familiar with the 1042-S requirements simply due to lower volume. I'd recommend asking specifically about their experience with non-resident alien tax reporting before opening an account. Regarding the ITIN to SSN transition - this shouldn't complicate CD interest reporting as long as you update your information with the bank promptly. The key is making sure your W-8BEN reflects your current TIN. If you get an SSN mid-year, you should submit a new W-8BEN to your bank with the updated information. The bank will use whatever TIN is on file when they generate tax forms in January. One thing to watch out for: if you change your TIN during the tax year, make sure all your tax documents (1042-S, W-2s, etc.) use consistent identification numbers. If there are discrepancies, it can cause processing delays with the IRS. Credit union rates can definitely be competitive, especially the university-affiliated ones. Just make sure to factor in the convenience of having experienced international banking staff when comparing rates - sometimes paying a slightly lower rate is worth it for better service!
0 coins
Noah Ali
This has been an absolutely fantastic thread! As a newcomer to this community, I'm amazed by how comprehensive and helpful everyone's responses have been. I'm also on F-1 status (just finished my second year) and have been hesitant to open any investment accounts because the tax implications seemed so confusing. Reading through all these experiences has really clarified things for me. The key points I'm taking away are: 1. **Portfolio interest exemption** applies to CD interest for non-resident aliens 2. **Form W-8BEN** is crucial - get it right from the start and keep copies 3. **Expect 1042-S, not 1099-INT** - and be prepared to get corrections if the bank messes up 4. **State taxes vary** significantly and don't always follow federal rules 5. **Bank selection matters** - look for institutions experienced with international students The recommendations for services like taxr.ai and Claimyr are really interesting too. I had no idea these specialized tools existed for international student tax situations. The traditional tax software like TurboTax really doesn't handle our unique circumstances well. One question for the group: Has anyone had experience with online-only banks (like Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Ally Bank, etc.) for CDs as an F-1 student? They often have competitive rates, but I'm wondering if their customer service and tax document handling is reliable for non-resident aliens, or if it's better to stick with traditional banks that have physical branches and international departments. Thanks again to everyone for sharing such detailed experiences - this thread should definitely be bookmarked for future F-1 students facing the same decisions!
0 coins
Roger Romero
•Welcome to the community @Noah Ali! Great question about online banks. I actually have experience with both Ally Bank and Marcus for CDs as an F-1 student, so I can share some insights. **Ally Bank**: Generally good experience. Their customer service reps were familiar with W-8BEN requirements when I called to set up my account. They issued the correct 1042-S form without any issues. The main downside is that if you need to speak with someone about tax document corrections, you're limited to phone support, which can sometimes involve longer wait times. **Marcus by Goldman Sachs**: Mixed experience. While their rates are competitive, I had to escalate twice to find a representative who understood non-resident alien tax requirements. They eventually got everything right, but the initial setup took more effort than with traditional banks. **Key considerations for online banks**: - Make sure they can accept and process W-8BEN forms electronically - Ask specifically about their 1042-S generation process - Test their customer service knowledge before committing to longer-term CDs - Consider whether you're comfortable handling any potential issues via phone/chat only The rates are often better with online banks, but you trade off the convenience of having an in-person international banking specialist to help if issues arise. For a first CD as an F-1 student, I'd personally lean toward a traditional bank with good international support, then consider online banks once you're more familiar with the process. Hope this helps with your decision!
0 coins