dont even bother calling tbh. system automatically converts failed direct deposits to paper checks. just gotta wait it out

Same thing happened to me with Cash App last year! The rejected deposit bounced back to IRS within about 5 business days, then got my paper check exactly 3 weeks later. Make sure your mailing address is current on file with them - you can check/update it on the IRS website. The waiting sucks but at least you'll definitely get your money 💸

Have you checked if your return is showing any specific codes on your tax transcript? Sometimes the transcript will show a specific freeze code that indicates what type of verification is needed, which might help determine if you can proceed without the letter.

I went through this exact situation just two months ago! You definitely don't need to wait for the verification letter - I never received mine either. Here's what worked for me: I went directly to idverify.irs.gov and completed the online verification process. You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and your prior year AGI (adjusted gross income). The system will ask you some knowledge-based questions about your credit history, previous addresses, and sometimes loan information. The whole process took about 10 minutes, and my return started processing within 3 business days. Since you mentioned you're a student with pending financial aid, I'd recommend doing this ASAP rather than waiting for a letter that may never come. The IRS has been having mail delivery issues this season, so many people are successfully verifying online without ever receiving the physical correspondence.

I've been dealing with tax prep for over a decade and completely understand your frustration with the "free" software that's anything but straightforward. Here's something most people don't realize: the IRS actually requires all major tax software companies to offer truly free versions for simple returns, but they make them incredibly hard to find on purpose. For your situation where you've already done the work, I'd strongly recommend the IRS Free File Fillable Forms route that others mentioned. It's basically like filling out the paper forms online - no interviews, no upsells, just straightforward data entry. Since you already have your PDFs completed, you're essentially just copying numbers from one form to another. One thing to watch out for: make sure you're accessing it directly through irs.gov and not through a third-party site. The official IRS version is completely free and doesn't try to upgrade you to paid services. It should feel very similar to the PDF forms you've already completed, just in web format instead. The only real downside is that it doesn't hold your hand like the interview-style software, but since you've already figured out which forms you need and done the calculations, that shouldn't be an issue for you.

I work as a tax preparer and want to clarify something that might save you time and headaches. While the IRS Free File Fillable Forms is definitely your best option for avoiding the interview-style questionnaires, there's an important limitation to be aware of: you can only use it if your adjusted gross income is below certain thresholds (it changes yearly, but it's typically around $79,000 for 2024 returns). If your income is above that threshold, you'll need to use commercial software or paper filing. However, there's a lesser-known workaround: many of the major tax software companies are required by the IRS to offer a "Free File" version of their software for qualifying taxpayers, but they also have separate "free editions" available to everyone that cover basic tax situations. The key is to look for the software company's "free edition" (not their "Free File" version) which usually allows you to prepare and e-file simple returns without the income restrictions. These versions typically handle Form 1040 with standard deductions and common schedules, though they might not support every form you need. Since you've already done the work of figuring out which forms you need and completing them, you should be able to breeze through any of these options much faster than starting from scratch with the interview process.

Does anyone know if the HSA contribution limits are different if you have a family plan vs individual? I think I might have over-contributed this year and am worried about penalties.

This is such a common confusion point! I went through the exact same thing last year. The key thing to remember is that "Contributions Through an Employer" refers to the METHOD of contribution, not WHO contributed the money. So Carmen, in your case, you'd report the full $4,550 ($3,650 + $900) under "Contributions Through an Employer" because both amounts went through your employer's payroll system. Your $3,650 was deducted pre-tax from your paychecks, and your employer's $900 contribution also went through their system. You should NOT report your $3,650 anywhere else on the form - that would be double counting. Your W-2 should show the total HSA contributions in Box 12 with code "W" which would be that same $4,550. The IRS distinguishes between employer-facilitated contributions (which are already tax-advantaged) and direct contributions you might make from your personal bank account after receiving your paycheck. Since all your contributions went through your employer, they all fall under the "Contributions Through an Employer" category.

This happened to me and it turned out the partnership had made a mistake. They checked box 16 on everyone's K-1 but there were actually no foreign transactions that year! They sent a corrected K-1 after I called them. Might be worth checking if this was just a clerical error.

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! After weeks of back-and-forth with the partnership and getting nowhere, I discovered that many partnerships are still figuring out the K-3 requirements themselves since they're relatively new. Here's what worked for me: I contacted the partnership in writing (email with read receipt) requesting the K-3 and kept a copy of that request. When I still didn't receive it after 30 days, my tax preparer filed my return with a statement attached explaining that I had requested but not received the K-3 form despite the checked box 16. The IRS actually has guidance allowing this approach when partnerships fail to provide required supplemental information. The key is documenting your reasonable efforts to obtain the form. Don't let a missing K-3 prevent you from filing on time - you can always amend later if needed once you get the information. But definitely don't just ignore a checked box 16 without taking some action!