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Same DD date here (2/22)! I'm with a local credit union and nothing yet as of this morning, but based on what everyone's sharing, it sounds like it could hit anytime between today and Thursday. Really helpful to see the variety of experiences - some getting it exactly on the date, others a day or two later. I'll keep checking throughout the day and update if mine comes through. Thanks for asking this question, @Jayden Reed - was wondering the same thing myself!
Hey @NeonNova! I'm in the exact same boat - DD date 2/22 and also with a credit union, but still waiting as of this afternoon. It's reassuring to see I'm not the only one! Based on everyone's experiences here, it seems like credit unions can be anywhere from a day early to right on time. I'm trying not to refresh my banking app every 5 minutes but it's hard not to! š Definitely appreciate you offering to update when yours hits - I'll do the same. This thread has been super helpful for managing expectations!
I have a 2/22 DD date too and just checked - my refund hit my Chase account about 2 hours ago (around 2 PM EST)! So it looks like some banks are processing them today even though the official date is tomorrow. For what it's worth, this is my fourth year getting direct deposit and Chase has always posted it either the day before or the exact day shown in WMR. Hope this helps ease some anxiety for others waiting! @Jayden Reed - you might want to check your account if you haven't already today.
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 in the exact same boat with Chase! My deposit date was also 3/15 and I've been checking obsessively all morning. It's so frustrating when the IRS says sent but the bank says they don't see anything. I'm going to wait until tonight before I start panicking - reading through this thread made me feel better knowing it's happening to a lot of people. Chase seems to be having more delays than usual this tax season.
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.
I'm also with Chase and experiencing the same delays! My deposit date was 3/14 and still nothing as of this evening. What's really concerning me is that I spoke to a Chase representative earlier today and they insisted there were no pending ACH deposits from the Treasury Department in their system. But like you, my Where's My Refund tool clearly shows the refund was sent. I'm starting to think there might be a communication issue between the IRS and Chase's processing system this year. I've never had to wait more than a few hours in previous years either. Planning to call back tomorrow morning and specifically ask to speak with their ACH department rather than general customer service.
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.
This is really valuable information about the alternate valuation date - I had no idea that was even an option! Just to make sure I understand correctly, this would only be beneficial if the property value actually decreased in those six months after death, right? And it sounds like it's mainly for estates large enough to owe federal estate tax, which most people probably don't have to worry about. The point about making sure the appraisal specifically states it's determining value "as of date of death" is excellent advice. I can see how that language would be important if there are ever questions later. When you mention asking for this specific language, should I request this when I first contact appraisers, or is this something to bring up during the actual appraisal process? Also, regarding the difference between probate value and tax basis value - does this mean I might need two different appraisals, or can one good appraisal serve both purposes as long as it's done properly?
You're absolutely right about the alternate valuation date - it only makes sense if property values dropped in those six months, and yes, it's primarily relevant for larger estates subject to federal estate tax (currently estates over $12.92 million in 2023). For most inherited properties, you'll stick with the date of death value. Regarding the appraisal language, I'd recommend mentioning this upfront when you first contact appraisers. Tell them specifically that you need an estate appraisal to determine fair market value "as of [date of death]" for tax purposes. Most appraisers experienced with estate work will know exactly what you need, but being explicit helps ensure they include the right language in their report. For your question about one vs. two appraisals - in most cases, one properly done appraisal can serve both probate and tax purposes. The key is making sure the appraiser understands you need it for both. Sometimes probate courts are less stringent about valuation methods than the IRS might be if they ever audit, so having a thorough appraisal that meets IRS standards will typically satisfy probate requirements too. Just make sure your appraiser is certified and has experience with estate valuations - they'll know how to structure the report to meet both needs.
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?
Yes, an IDGT can do a 1031 exchange since it's treated as a grantor trust for income tax purposes. The grantor is considered the owner for tax purposes, so as long as the new property is also investment property, it should qualify. But the replacement property would also need to be held in the trust under the same terms.
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.
This is really helpful context about the valuation discount aspect that I hadn't considered. So if I understand correctly, when my dad transferred the house to the trust in 2022, he would have only used up part of his lifetime gift tax exemption based on the discounted remainder interest value, but we'd still get the full stepped-up basis on the entire property when he passes away? That seems like a significant planning advantage. Regarding improvements, should we be keeping detailed records of any maintenance or upgrades he makes to the house while living there? I'm wondering if there's a threshold for what counts as an "improvement" versus regular maintenance for basis purposes.
Javier Torres
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.
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Amara Adeyemi
ā¢Thanks for the update! Incognito mode worked for me too - must have been some weird cached data messing things up. Really appreciate everyone sharing their solutions in this thread!
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Dyllan Nantx
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!
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