The 'overtime isn't worth it' myth caused me to turn down shifts for YEARS before I learned better. Here's a simple way to think about it: Let's say you're in the 22% federal bracket plus 7% state taxes. That means you keep 71% of each additional dollar (100% - 22% - 7% = 71%). So: - Regular time at $42.50/hr = about $30.18 after taxes - Time and a half at $63.75/hr = about $45.26 after taxes - Double time at $85.00/hr = about $60.35 after taxes - Triple time at $127.50/hr = about $90.53 after taxes Tell me where in that calculation it's "not worth it" to work more? Even at your lowest overtime rate, you're making more per hour after taxes than your regular rate before taxes!

Your buddy is spreading one of the most persistent tax myths out there! I used to believe the same thing until I actually did the math. Here's what's really happening: When you work that much overtime, your paycheck withholding might look scary because payroll systems often calculate as if you'll earn that same amount every pay period. But that's just withholding - not your actual tax liability. With your income levels, you're likely in the 22% or 24% federal bracket, plus whatever your state charges. Even if overtime pushes some income into a higher bracket, you're still keeping 70-75% of every overtime dollar you earn. Think about it this way: even your lowest overtime rate (time and a half at $63.75) nets you more after taxes than your regular rate before taxes. Your triple time is basically printing money at nearly $90/hour take-home. The real question isn't whether overtime is "worth it" financially - it always is. The question is whether the extra money is worth the physical and mental toll of working 84-hour weeks. That's a personal decision only you can make, but don't let tax bracket myths be the reason you turn down shifts!

Just wanted to add some perspective as someone who processes payroll corrections - when you receive a W2C, that becomes your official tax document for the year. You should NOT use the original W2 at all. The W2C will show the corrected amounts and should include both the wrong state correction (likely showing $0 or negative amounts) and your correct state information. For your filing strategy: Use only the W2C for your federal return and both state returns. You'll file a non-resident return in the wrong state to claim back those withheld taxes, and file normally in your actual state. Most tax software can handle this, but double-check that the W2C shows corrections for both states before filing. One tip: Keep copies of both the original W2 and W2C for your records, even though you'll only use the W2C for filing. This documentation might be helpful if either state has questions about the correction later.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation where my employer reported my state taxes to the wrong state. Based on what everyone's shared, it sounds like the key points are: 1. Use ONLY the W2C for filing (not the original W2) 2. File a non-resident return in the wrong state to get those taxes back 3. File normally in your correct state using the W2C info 4. Make sure the W2C shows corrections for both states before filing One question I haven't seen addressed - does anyone know roughly how long it takes to get the refund from the wrong state? I'm wondering if I should expect it to take longer than a normal state refund since it's essentially correcting an error. Also, has anyone had issues with the wrong state questioning why they're getting a non-resident return when they have withholding records showing you as having worked there? I'm worried they might flag it as suspicious.

This is absolutely unacceptable! I filed my return 8 weeks ago and just got off the phone with an agent who told me the same thing - another 120 days for "additional processing." When I asked what specifically was being reviewed, they gave me the runaround about "manual verification" without any real explanation. The worst part is that I e-filed everything correctly, have simple W-2 income, and claimed standard deduction - nothing complicated that should trigger these massive delays! I'm seriously considering filing a complaint with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) because this feels like a systematic failure in their processing system. We shouldn't have to become tax code experts just to get our own money back in a reasonable timeframe. The fact that they're holding thousands of returns for 3-4 months with zero transparency is completely unacceptable. Has anyone had success escalating through TIGTA, or is that just another bureaucratic dead end?

I'm dealing with the exact same nightmare right now! Filed 9 weeks ago and just got the dreaded "120 additional days" notice when I called yesterday. What's really getting to me is how they act like this is totally normal - the agent literally said "we appreciate your patience" like I have a choice in the matter! I've been checking my transcript obsessively and all I see are these cryptic codes that don't make any sense. The most infuriating part is that I have the simplest return possible - single filer, one W-2, standard deduction, no dependents. How does THAT require 4+ months to process?! At this point I'm convinced they're using our refunds as an interest-free loan while we struggle to pay bills. The IRC section 6611 interest you mentioned better actually kick in because this is beyond ridiculous. I'm seriously considering documenting everything and filing complaints with both TAS and my congressman's office. We shouldn't have to become activists just to get our own money back! 😤

Does anyone know if mailing old returns affects how fast you get your refund? I heard the IRS is still backed up processing paper returns from 2021...

I'm in a similar boat with unfiled returns and want to share what I've learned from my tax preparer. The key thing to remember is that even though you can't e-file old returns, you still have time to claim those refunds - you have 3 years from the original due date. So for 2020, you have until April 2024, and for 2021 until April 2025. One tip that helped me: when you mail the returns, send them certified mail with return receipt requested. It costs a few extra dollars but you'll have proof the IRS received them, which is crucial if there are any questions later. Also include Form 1040X if you need to make any corrections after filing. The processing time for paper returns is brutal right now (6-12 months in some cases), but don't let that discourage you from filing. The IRS penalties and interest keep adding up if you owe money, and if you're due refunds, that money is just sitting there waiting for you. Better to get the ball rolling now than wait any longer.

Quick question - when you filed the amendment, did you check the "amended return" box at the top of the form? I've seen the IRS treat amended forms as new, late filings when this box isn't checked properly.

I'm dealing with something very similar right now with my Canadian RRSP account. Filed both 3520 and 3520-A forms on time for three years running, but just got a penalty notice for my 2022 filing claiming I never submitted the 3520-A. The really frustrating part is that I have the e-filing confirmation from my tax software showing both forms were transmitted successfully. When I called the IRS (after waiting 3 hours on hold), the agent could see my 3520 in the system but said there was no record of the 3520-A, even though they were filed together electronically. Has anyone else experienced this issue where one form gets "lost" in their system while the other one processes normally? I'm wondering if this is a systemic problem with how they handle these foreign trust forms or if it's just random bad luck. I'm planning to file an appeal with all my documentation, but seeing all these similar stories makes me think there's something seriously wrong with how the IRS processes international filings.