I had these codes last month and got my refund exactly 2 weeks later if that helps

Hey! I've been dealing with IRS transcripts for years and these codes can definitely be confusing at first. Code 766 means a credit has been applied to your account (could be from withholdings, estimated payments, or other credits), and 768 specifically indicates the Earned Income Credit has been approved. The fact that you're seeing both is actually a positive sign - it means the IRS has processed these parts of your return. The waiting is frustrating but these codes appearing usually means you're in the system and things are moving forward. Just keep checking for that 846 code which will show your actual refund date!

I totally feel your frustration with the commuting costs! As everyone has confirmed, those daily miles to your regular office unfortunately aren't deductible. But since you mentioned you've been doing this 3-year commute, you might want to explore some alternatives to help with those costs. One thing that helped me was calculating whether it would actually be cheaper to move closer to work or find a job closer to home. With 64 miles daily (32 each way) at current gas prices plus wear and tear, you're probably spending $4,000+ annually just on commuting costs. That's a significant chunk of money that could go toward rent in a closer location or justify negotiating remote work days. Also, keep detailed records of ANY business travel you do beyond your regular commute - even small trips to pick up office supplies or attend off-site meetings. Those miles at 67 cents each can add up to real deductions. And definitely ask HR about commuter benefits or flexible work arrangements if those are options at your company!

I'm in a similar boat with a long commute and was hoping for some tax relief too! Thanks to everyone who clarified that regular commuting miles aren't deductible - definitely disappointed but better to know the truth than get in trouble with the IRS later. One thing I'm curious about though - if I stop at the grocery store or run errands on my way home from work, does that change anything about the deductibility? Or is it still considered personal commuting since I'm ultimately heading home? I sometimes wonder if there are any edge cases where part of the trip might qualify, but I'm guessing the answer is still no. Also really appreciate the suggestions about tracking legitimate business miles and looking into employer commuter benefits. I'm going to check with HR this week to see what options we have available. Even small savings add up when you're spending this much on transportation!

Another option to consider is carpooling or ride-sharing with coworkers if any live near you! I was in a similar situation and found two colleagues who were also struggling with downtown parking costs. We rotate driving duties and split parking expenses three ways, which brings my monthly cost down from $240 to around $80. Plus we can use the HOV lanes during rush hour which saves time too. It took some coordination at first but now it's routine and we've all become good friends. Might be worth posting on your company's internal message board or asking around to see if anyone else is interested in sharing the cost burden.

I'm dealing with a similar situation and found that even though regular commuting parking isn't deductible, there are still some strategic ways to handle this expense. One thing that helped me was keeping a detailed log of any business-related travel during work hours - if you ever drive to meetings, client sites, or other work locations during your workday, those parking expenses ARE deductible. I use a simple phone app to track mileage and take photos of parking receipts for those specific trips. Also, definitely explore that pre-tax parking benefit others mentioned - even if your current employer doesn't offer it, it's worth bringing up during benefits discussions since it's a win-win for both parties (you save on taxes, they save on payroll taxes). The savings add up quickly when you're paying $240/month!

Don't forget to check with your state tax agency too! Some states have their own free file programs separate from the federal ones. I'm in California and they have CalFile which is completely free for state filing regardless of income, and it accepts unemployment income. Saved me $39 on state filing fees and was actually easier to use than the paid services.

Just wanted to add another option that worked great for me last year - TaxSlayer through the IRS Free File program. I had a W-2, 1099-G from unemployment, and some student loan interest deduction, and it handled everything for free (federal filing). The key thing is making sure you access it through the official IRS Free File portal like others mentioned. When I went directly to TaxSlayer's website, they wanted to charge me, but through the IRS portal it was completely free for my income level. One thing I liked about TaxSlayer is that it walks you through each form step-by-step and explains what each line means in plain English. Super helpful when you're dealing with unemployment tax situations for the first time. Definitely worth checking out as another free alternative!

Pro tip: take pictures of all your documents and save them somewhere safe. They might ask for verification later and having everything ready helps speed things up.

Code 570 is actually pretty common and not necessarily bad news! It just means they're holding your refund while they complete their review. Since you have withholding of $5,200 and only owe $3,835, you should get a refund of $1,365 once they finish. The fact that your transcript is showing activity is a good sign - it means they're actively working on it. Just keep an eye on it and you should see a 571 code (release of hold) followed by an 846 code (refund sent) once they complete the 60-day review.