As a newcomer to this community and someone still learning to decode IRS transcripts, this thread has been absolutely invaluable! I'm pretty new to understanding these codes, but from what I've gathered from everyone's detailed explanations, your situation looks really promising. The consistent message that a negative account balance like -$6,595 actually means the IRS owes YOU that money was a huge revelation for me - I would have assumed the opposite! I've been struggling with my own transcript codes and feeling overwhelmed by all the numbers, but seeing how this community breaks everything down step by step makes it so much less intimidating. The way multiple people explained that the 767 code was just an error correction from your amended return rather than them taking away money you deserved really helped me understand how the process works. It's frustrating how the IRS makes these codes so cryptic when they could just use plain English, but having knowledgeable community members like everyone here makes such a difference for those of us still learning. Hope you see that direct deposit hit your account soon! 🙏

As someone who's also new to understanding these IRS transcript codes, I just wanted to chime in and say how incredibly helpful this entire thread has been! I've been lurking and learning from all the detailed explanations everyone has provided. From what I've gathered reading through all the responses, your -$6,595 account balance is actually fantastic news - that's exactly what the IRS owes you as a refund! The way multiple community members have broken down how the 767 code was just correcting an error from your amended return (rather than stealing your money) really helped me understand how this whole process works. I was honestly intimidated when I first tried to read my own transcript - all those codes and numbers seemed like a foreign language. But seeing how knowledgeable and patient everyone here is with explaining things has given me so much confidence. It's amazing how this community comes together to help newcomers like us navigate the confusing IRS system. Based on everyone's consistent explanations, it sounds like you're basically at the finish line now with processing complete. Hoping you see that direct deposit hit your account within the next week or two! Thanks to everyone here for making these complex codes understandable for those of us still learning. 🙏

I've been dealing with this same frustration for years! My current employer always waits until the absolute last minute with W2s, and it drives me crazy because I prefer to file early and get my refund quickly. From what I've researched, employers can legally send W2s as soon as they have all their year-end payroll information processed - there's no minimum waiting period required. The January 31st date is just the deadline, not the earliest they can distribute them. What I've found really varies the timing is the company's payroll system and internal processes. Companies using modern payroll services like ADP or Paychex can often have W2s ready much faster than those doing manual processing. The size of the company and complexity of their payroll (multiple states, various benefits, bonuses, etc.) can also impact timing. For your new job, I'd definitely recommend asking HR during your onboarding about their typical W2 timeline and whether they offer electronic delivery. Electronic W2s are almost always available earlier than mailed copies, and you'll get immediate notification when they're ready instead of wondering when they'll show up in your mailbox. One thing that's helped me prepare for potential delays is keeping my final December paystub - it has all the year-to-date earnings and withholding information, so you can actually start preparing your tax return while waiting for the official W2. Since your previous employer was consistently slow, there's a good chance your new company will be a huge improvement! Companies that are organized with their hiring process usually have their other operations running efficiently too. Best of luck with the new position - hopefully this will be the year you finally get to file early!

Great question! I'm in a similar boat - just landed a new position after dealing with an employer who consistently sent W2s on January 31st like clockwork. It was so frustrating when you want to file early and get your refund quickly! From what I've learned, there's absolutely no minimum wait period for W2s. Companies can send them out as soon as they finalize their year-end payroll processing, which for efficient employers can be as early as the first week of January. The January 31st deadline is just the latest they can send them, not the earliest. What really makes the difference is the company's payroll infrastructure. During my job search, I started asking about their payroll system during interviews - companies using modern services like ADP, Workday, or Paychex tend to be much faster than those doing manual processing. Here's what I plan to do at my new job: ask HR about their typical W2 timeline during my first week and immediately sign up for electronic delivery if they offer it. Electronic W2s are almost always available days or weeks before mailed copies arrive. Also, definitely keep your final December paystub from your current job before you leave - it has all your year-to-date info so you can prep your return while waiting for the official W2. Since your previous employer was so consistently slow, I'm betting your new company will be a pleasant surprise! Companies that run efficient hiring processes usually have their payroll operations dialed in too. Here's hoping we both finally get to file early this year!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my Michigan return on February 1st and have been seeing that same confusing "completed" but "under manual review" status for about a week now. What's really getting to me is how Michigan's eServices portal is so much less informative than the IRS website. At least with federal returns you get some kind of processing timeline or more specific status codes. But Michigan just gives you this vague "we appreciate your patience" message that basically tells you nothing useful about when you might actually see your refund. I also claimed the home heating credit on my return, so that's probably what triggered the review for me too. From reading through this thread and other forums, it seems like Michigan has been really backed up this tax season and those heating credits almost always get flagged for additional review. The waiting is honestly the worst part - especially when you're counting on that refund money! I've been trying to follow the advice about only checking once a week instead of obsessively checking daily, but it's easier said than done. At least it sounds like most people eventually get approved without having to send in additional paperwork. Thanks for posting this - it's oddly comforting to know I'm not the only one stuck in this frustrating limbo! 🤞

I'm in the exact same situation - filed my Michigan return on February 5th and have been seeing that identical "completed" but "under manual review" message for the past few days. It's so frustrating how contradictory their system is! After reading through everyone's experiences here, it sounds like the home heating credit is definitely a common trigger for these manual reviews. I claimed it too, which probably explains why I'm stuck in this limbo. What's really bothering me is how Michigan's eServices portal gives you absolutely zero useful information compared to other states. Just that generic "we appreciate your patience" message that tells you nothing about actual timelines. At least the IRS gives you some kind of processing updates! Based on what others are sharing, it seems like we're looking at anywhere from 4-6 weeks for these manual reviews to complete, which is honestly longer than I was hoping for. But I guess there's nothing to do except wait it out and try not to check the portal obsessively (easier said than done when you're counting on that refund!). Thanks for posting this thread - it's actually really reassuring to see so many others dealing with the same issue. At least we know we're not alone in this Michigan tax processing nightmare! 😅

I'm shocked that a CPA would give such dangerous advice! As someone who's dealt with the IRS before, I can tell you that "no 1099 means no tax obligation" is completely false and could get you into serious trouble. The $600 threshold that people mention is ONLY about when companies are required to send YOU a 1099 - it has absolutely nothing to do with whether that income is taxable. Even $1 of income is technically taxable and should be reported. For your specific situations: - Rakuten referral bonuses: Definitely taxable (you're being paid to market their service) - Chase referral bonuses: Taxable for the same reason - Credit card welcome bonus: This one depends - if it required spending to earn, it might be a non-taxable rebate. If it was just for opening the account, likely taxable. - AdSense income: 100% taxable as self-employment income on Schedule C, regardless of amount The IRS has gotten much better at tracking unreported income through data matching and bank account monitoring. Even if they don't catch it immediately, discovery during a future audit (which can happen for completely unrelated reasons) can result in penalties and interest that far exceed the original tax owed. Please find a new CPA who understands basic tax law. The small amount of tax you'd pay on these income sources is nothing compared to the potential consequences of following this advice. When in doubt, always err on the side of reporting income rather than risking IRS penalties.

I can't believe a licensed CPA would give such reckless advice! This is exactly the kind of misinformation that gets people into serious trouble with the IRS. Let me be crystal clear: **ALL income is taxable when received, regardless of whether you get a 1099 or any other tax document.** The $600 threshold is purely about when companies are *required* to send you documentation - it has nothing to do with your tax obligations. Here's the reality for your specific income sources: **Rakuten & Chase referral bonuses**: 100% taxable. You're essentially being paid for marketing services, which is clearly income. **Credit card welcome bonus**: This depends on the terms. If it required spending to earn (like "spend $500, get $150"), it's likely a non-taxable rebate. If it was just for opening the account, it's taxable income. **AdSense income**: Absolutely taxable as self-employment income on Schedule C, even if it's only $1. The IRS has sophisticated data matching systems and can discover unreported income years later through bank records, payment processor reports, or during audits triggered by other issues. When they do find unreported income, you'll face penalties and interest that often exceed the original tax owed. Please find a new CPA immediately - one who understands that tax compliance isn't optional just because documentation wasn't provided. The small amount of tax you'd pay now is nothing compared to the potential consequences of following this dangerous advice.

Anyone know if theres a way to request this online? Seems ridiculous we have to call in 2023...

I actually just went through this process last month! Here's what I learned that might help: 1. Call the Practitioner Priority Service line (1-866-860-4259) if you're working with a tax professional - much shorter wait times 2. Have your Form 8821 or 2848 ready if someone else is helping you 3. Be very specific about WHY you need the letter - they'll ask for details about the situation requiring indemnification 4. If they say they can't issue one over the phone, ask them to mail Form 4442 (inquiry referral) to the appropriate department The key is knowing the exact IRS code section you're dealing with. Without that info, they might bounce you around. Also, don't give up after one call - different agents have different levels of knowledge about these letters. Hope this helps! The whole process took me about 3 weeks total, but I got it sorted out eventually.