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To all those having trouble reaching a human at the IRS. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/wMf29SmRU-I
@Gary Graves - A negative 816 code is actually good news! Code 816 typically represents estimated tax payments that were made, and when it shows as negative, it means those payments are being credited to your account. So you have a 150 tax (liability with) a positive amount, but your 816 estimated (payments is) negative, which means those payments are reducing what you owe. The calculation would be: your 150 minus the absolute value of your 816 = your or remaining balance. You should be getting money back!
@Dylan Cooper Thanks for breaking that down! I was getting worried seeing the negative number but that makes total sense now. Really appreciate the explanation - these codes are so confusing when you re'trying to figure them out on your own š
Hey @Mele Uluiviti! Just to add to what others have said - you're definitely getting a refund! š The way to think about it is: Code 150 is what you owe in taxes, and codes 766 & 768 are credits being applied to your account. Since those credits (the negative amounts) are larger than what you owe, the difference becomes your refund. The 04/15/2023 date is just when the cycles process - it doesn't mean you have to wait until then to get your money. Usually refunds with those codes process much faster. You should see your hit your account within the next few weeks if everything processes smoothly. Keep checking your bank account and the "Where's My " tool on the website for updates!
@LordCommander This is really helpful! I'm new to all this tax transcript stuff and was getting super confused by all the different codes. Just to make sure I understand - so the negative amounts on 766 and 768 are actually GOOD because they're credits being applied? I always thought negative meant I owed money or something was wrong. Thanks for explaining it in simple terms!
yep did that right when i filed
Don't panic! I went through the same thing last year. Blank transcripts are super common in the first month after filing. The IRS processing systems update in batches, not real-time. Since you e-filed 3 weeks ago, you're right in that normal window where nothing shows up yet. I'd give it another week or two before getting concerned. The fact that WMR shows "received" is actually a good sign - means your return made it into their system successfully.
Can anyone confirm if we're supposed to check box 13b on Schedule A of Form 8936? The instructions are unclear but that box specifically asks if you transferred the credit to the dealer.
Yes, absolutely check box 13b! That's the flag that tells the IRS system you transferred the credit. Then enter $0 on Schedule 3. I spoke with my uncle who works at the IRS (in a different department but still familiar with these forms) and he confirmed this is the correct procedure.
Thanks everyone for the detailed responses! This has been incredibly helpful. I was definitely overthinking this situation. Based on what I'm reading here, it sounds like the consensus is: 1. Complete Form 8936 showing I qualify for the credit 2. Check box 13b on Schedule A indicating I transferred to dealer 3. Enter $0 on Schedule 3 Line 6f with "TRANSFERRED" notation 4. Attach a statement referencing IRC Section 30D(g) with my dealer documentation I really appreciate the specific IRC section references and sample statement language from @Hugh Intensity - that gives me confidence I'm documenting this properly. And @Melissa Lin, thanks for confirming about box 13b, I was definitely unsure about that checkbox. It's frustrating that the IRS instructions don't make this clearer, but at least there seems to be a consistent approach that works. I'll go with this method and keep all my documentation organized in case there are any follow-up questions. You've all saved me from either underpaying my taxes or spending hours on hold trying to reach the IRS directly!
This is such a great summary of all the advice in this thread! I'm dealing with the same exact situation and was getting overwhelmed by all the conflicting information I found online. Having it broken down into those clear steps makes it much more manageable. One quick question - when you attach the statement, are you including it as a separate page or writing it directly on the form somewhere? I want to make sure the IRS processors see it and don't miss the explanation for why I'm showing $0 on Schedule 3 despite qualifying for the credit. Also really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here. It's reassuring to know this is a common issue and there's a established way to handle it properly.
Don't worry, you're totally normal! As a first-time filer myself last year, I was checking every single day too. Generally takes 1-3 weeks after acceptance for transcripts to show up. Since you just filed last week, you're still well within the normal timeframe. The IRS system updates in batches, usually Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday mornings, so try checking then instead of refreshing constantly (learned that the hard way š ). You'll drive yourself crazy otherwise!
Same here! First time filing and I was literally setting alarms to check at those specific times š The batch update thing is so helpful to know - saves me from checking randomly throughout the day. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Don't stress! I'm also a first-time filer and was in your exact same situation. Filed through TurboTax about 3 weeks ago and kept obsessively checking the transcript page - it finally showed up yesterday! The waiting is definitely nerve-wracking when you don't know what's normal. From what I've learned lurking in this sub, anywhere from 1-4 weeks is totally typical, especially during tax season when they're swamped. Try to resist the urge to check more than once a day (easier said than done, I know!). You're doing great - filing for the first time is a big step!
Ravi Sharma
Check if your company uses ADP, Workday, or another payroll system that has an employee portal. You can usually log in and see a detailed breakdown of all your deductions there. My company uses a cryptic "VOLBEN" code on paystubs but in the portal it shows exactly what it covers (dental $12.47, vision $5.80, life insurance $3.25, etc.
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NebulaNomad
ā¢This is great advice! I had the same issue with a code called "FIWH" and couldn't figure it out until I checked our Workday portal. Turned out to be "Fixed Insurance Withholding" for some optional coverage I forgot I signed up for during orientation.
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StarStrider
Pro tip from someone who's been through this exact situation - if you still can't find clear documentation about your deductions after checking all the suggested resources (benefits portal, orientation materials, etc.), you can also request a "total compensation statement" from HR. This document breaks down not just your salary but ALL benefits and their costs, including those mystery deductions. Most companies are required to provide this annually anyway, but you can request it anytime. It's much more detailed than a regular paystub and will show you exactly where every dollar is going. I discovered I was paying for benefits I didn't even know I had!
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