Has anyone here tried getting a tax transcript by mail as a minor? The IRS website says they'll mail it to your address on file, but I'm wondering if they'll still send it if you're under 18? My brother is in a similar situation.

Another option worth mentioning - if you filed through a tax preparer last year (like H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, etc.), they're required to keep copies of your return for at least 3 years. Even if you went to a small local office, they should have your 2022 return on file. You can call or visit the same location where you filed and request a copy. They'll need to verify your identity (usually with your SSN and some basic info), but this might be easier than dealing with the IRS systems that aren't designed for minors. Also, just to clarify something from earlier comments - even if your parents claimed you as a dependent, you would still file your own separate 1040 if you had income over $400 (or $5 if it was unearned income like interest). So at $3800 from your job, you almost certainly did file your own return last year, it just wouldn't affect your parents' ability to claim you as a dependent.

Glad to hear it's working again! I was having the same issue earlier today - couldn't get past the login screen no matter what I tried. For future reference, their customer service number (801-717-1040) is actually pretty helpful during business hours if anyone runs into account-specific issues again. They were able to confirm it was a system-wide problem when I called earlier. Hope everyone can get their taxes finished without any more technical hiccups!

Just wanted to add that if you encounter login issues like this in the future, it's worth checking if your browser has any stored passwords that might be interfering. I've noticed that sometimes when browsers auto-fill login credentials, it can conflict with session cookies if there was a recent system update or maintenance. I usually try logging in with a private/incognito browser window first when I have unexplained login problems - it bypasses all the stored data and gives you a clean slate. If that works, then you know it's a browser cache/cookie issue rather than a server problem. Also, for anyone who might be new to FreeTaxUSA, they typically send email notifications about planned maintenance, so it's worth making sure their emails aren't going to your spam folder. That way you'll get advance warning next time they need to take the system down for updates.

State offset programs exist. They're legitimate. Most states participate. They intercept tax refunds. They apply them to debts. This includes child support. Also court fines. Even utility bills sometimes. Your best option? Call directly. Ask specifically about offsets. Request a debt verification letter. Document everything. Keep all records.

As someone who's dealt with state refund offsets before, I'd recommend creating a checklist to stay organized. First, pull your credit reports from all three bureaus - sometimes old debts show up there that you forgot about. Second, make a list of any government agencies you've dealt with in the past few years (DMV, courts, utilities if they're city-owned, etc.) and call each one to ask about outstanding balances. Third, if your state has a "Where's My Refund" tool, bookmark it and check it regularly once you file - some states will show offset information there. Finally, keep detailed records of all your calls and any payment arrangements you make. It's a pain, but being proactive is way better than the surprise you got last year!

Just to add some perspective - I went through this with my grandfather's policy last year. We discovered that he had significantly OVERPAID taxes because the 1099 didn't properly account for his basis. We had to file an amended return (Form 1040X) to correct it and get about $6,000 refunded. The key was getting proper documentation from the insurance company showing all premiums paid over the life of the policy (thankfully they had good records).

This is such a common problem with life insurance surrenders! Your in-laws are definitely not alone in being caught off guard by the tax implications. One additional strategy to consider for future reference - if they have other life insurance policies, they might want to look into a 1035 exchange before surrendering. This allows them to transfer the cash value to an annuity without triggering immediate taxes. The growth would still be tax-deferred until they start taking distributions from the annuity. Also, regarding the Social Security taxation impact - while there's not much they can do for 2024 now, they should definitely work with a tax professional to plan their 2025 income more carefully. If they have any control over when they take other taxable distributions (like IRA withdrawals), spacing these out strategically can help keep them below the Social Security taxation thresholds in future years. The whole situation is frustrating because insurance companies rarely explain these tax consequences upfront when people are considering surrendering policies. Definitely get that cost basis documentation from Northwestern Mutual - it could make a huge difference in what they actually owe.

these clowns at the IRS need to get it together fr fr... been waiting since february with the same code 🤡

Code 420 can definitely be stressful! From my experience, it's usually just a routine review rather than a full audit. The IRS computer system flags returns for various reasons - could be income matching, deduction verification, or even just random selection. Most of these resolve automatically once their systems finish cross-checking your info with third-party documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.). Try not to worry too much unless you receive an actual notice requesting documentation. The waiting is the worst part but it's typically just their backlog processing through.