Update: just tried again and it's working now! Seems like the maintenance window is over. For anyone still having issues, try incognito/private browsing mode - sometimes cached login tokens can cause problems even after clearing cookies.

Just want to echo what others have said - had the same issue yesterday but it's working fine today. If you're still stuck, try these in order: 1) clear browser cache/cookies, 2) try incognito mode, 3) different browser entirely, 4) wait a few hours and try again. The IRS systems seem to be stabilizing after whatever maintenance they were doing. Good luck!

Another important consideration that hasn't been mentioned is the alternate valuation date option. The IRS allows estates to elect to use the fair market value six months after the date of death instead of the date of death value, but only if it would result in a lower total estate value. This typically only applies to larger estates that might owe federal estate tax, but it's worth knowing about. Also, make sure you understand the difference between probate value and tax basis value. Sometimes the probate court might accept a different valuation than what you'll ultimately use for tax purposes. The stepped-up basis for capital gains is specifically tied to fair market value at date of death (or alternate valuation date if elected), regardless of what value is used in probate proceedings. One more practical tip - when you do get that appraisal, ask the appraiser to specifically state in their report that they're determining the value "as of [date of death]" for estate tax purposes. This makes it crystal clear what the appraisal is for and helps avoid any confusion later if the IRS reviews your tax return.

I'm sorry for your loss, and I understand how overwhelming all the tax implications can feel during an already difficult time. You're absolutely on the right track getting a new appraisal - this is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself. One thing I'd add to the excellent advice already given is to consider getting quotes from multiple appraisers before choosing one. Since this appraisal will be crucial for your stepped-up basis documentation, you want someone who really understands estate valuations and can clearly explain their methodology. When you call them, specifically mention that you need an estate appraisal to establish fair market value as of the date of death for tax purposes. Also, don't stress too much about the 12-year gap since the last appraisal. Property values have indeed changed significantly in most areas, and that's actually going to work in your favor with stepped-up basis. The whole point of this tax provision is to prevent heirs from being penalized for appreciation that happened during the original owner's lifetime. Keep all your documentation organized - the appraisal, any receipts for improvements your father made, property tax records, and notes about the property's condition. This will make everything much smoother when you eventually file your taxes after selling the property.

Has anyone considered the possibility of a 1031 exchange if the trust wants to sell the house but avoid capital gains? Would an IDGT be eligible for that?

This is a great question that highlights the complexity of IDGT planning. One additional consideration I haven't seen mentioned is the potential for valuation discounts when the property was transferred into the trust in 2022. If your father retained a life estate but transferred the remainder interest, the value of that remainder interest for gift tax purposes would have been discounted based on his life expectancy at the time. However, for income tax basis purposes after his death, the entire property value (not just the remainder interest) should receive a stepped-up basis since the retained life estate causes inclusion under Section 2036. This creates a beneficial mismatch where the gift tax value was discounted but the step-up applies to the full property value. I'd also recommend documenting the property's condition and any improvements made while it's in the trust, as these could affect the basis calculation. If your father makes significant improvements to the property while living there, those improvements should also receive stepped-up basis treatment since they're part of the property included in his estate.

I'm having the exact same issue with Chase! My deposit date was 3/15 and still nothing as of this morning. I called Chase customer service and they said they don't see any pending ACH deposits from the Treasury Department, which is weird because my Where's My Refund tool shows it was sent yesterday. I'm starting to wonder if there's something wrong with my account info or if Chase is just being slow this year. Going to try calling their ACH department directly like someone suggested above. This waiting game is so stressful!

I'm going through the exact same thing with Chase right now! My deposit date was 3/15 and it's been radio silence from my account all day. What's really frustrating is that I've banked with them for years and this has never happened before - my refunds usually hit early in the morning like clockwork. I called Chase this morning and they said they don't see any pending deposits, but my WMR clearly shows it was sent yesterday. Reading through everyone's experiences here is actually making me feel a lot better though. Sounds like this is just a really common issue this year with multiple banks, not just Chase. I'm going to follow the advice about waiting until tomorrow morning before I really start worrying. The tax professional's explanation about banks processing deposits in batches throughout the day makes total sense. Has anyone else noticed if Chase specifically has been slower this tax season compared to previous years? I'm wondering if I should consider switching banks after this whole ordeal is over.

This is a common area of confusion for traveling consultants! The key principle is that per diem covers YOUR personal meals only. Here's how I handle it based on my CPA's guidance: When traveling and using per diem: - Per diem covers all YOUR meals for that travel day - If you buy meals for CLIENTS/CONTRACTORS as part of business discussions, their portion can be a separate business expense (not your portion) - Document who attended, business purpose, and keep receipts For your crew meals where you don't eat with them - if it's truly for business purposes (team meetings, morale for productivity, etc.), this could qualify as a separate business expense since it's not covering your personal meal. Local client meetings when not traveling are indeed 50% deductible business meals. The IRS looks at substance over form - are you legitimately incurring business expenses beyond your personal sustenance? Document everything with dates, attendees, business purpose, and amounts. When in doubt, separate your personal meal costs (covered by per diem) from costs incurred for business purposes with others. I'd recommend getting this reviewed by a tax professional familiar with your specific situation to ensure compliance.

Great question! I've dealt with similar confusion as a traveling consultant. Based on my experience and discussions with my tax preparer, here's what I've learned: When you're on travel status using per diem, that rate covers ALL of your personal meals for that day - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can't also deduct your portion of business meals on those same days. However, if you're paying for CLIENT meals during business discussions while traveling, the clients' portions can potentially be deducted as separate business expenses. The key is documentation - you need to clearly show the business purpose, who attended, and ideally break down costs so it's clear you're not double-dipping on your own meal. For buying food for your crew when you don't eat with them - this could qualify as a business expense if there's a legitimate business purpose (team meetings, boosting morale for productivity, etc.). Again, documentation is crucial. Your understanding about local client meetings is correct - when you're not traveling, those are typically 50% deductible business meals. One thing that's helped me is keeping a simple spreadsheet tracking: - Travel days (per diem only) - Client entertainment expenses (separate from per diem) - Local business meals (when not traveling) This makes it much easier come tax time and helps ensure you're not accidentally claiming the same expense twice. Definitely worth having a tax pro review your specific situation!