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Has anyone actually tried the free filing options instead of TurboTax? I'm wondering if this is just a TurboTax issue or if all the tax software has the same problem with 1099s? Here's what I'd try: 1. Download your info from TurboTax if possible 2. Try the IRS Free File options 3. See if the same error occurs Does the 1099 have anything unusual on it that might be triggering the review?
I tried exactly this last yr w/ a similar situation. Switched from TT to FreeTaxUSA and it worked perfectly! No weird flags, saved $89, and got my refund in 2 wks. The interface isn't as pretty but tbh it was more straightforward for the 1099 stuff. Def worth a try!
I've seen this issue frequently - TurboTax's review system often gets triggered when it sees both W-2 and 1099 income from what appears to be employment-related sources. Before you abandon TurboTax entirely, try this: go to the 1099 section and look for an option to "Override" or "Continue Anyway" - it's usually buried in small text near the review message. The software is being overly cautious, but you can often proceed if you're confident the information is correct. That said, the free filing suggestions above are solid alternatives. Also, make sure your husband's employer didn't make an error - having both forms from the same employer can sometimes indicate a payroll mistake that should be corrected at the source.
I feel your pain! I'm also in PA and got the same 8-12 week notice. From what I've seen in other forums, it's mostly just a CYA message they send out. Most people I know got their PA refunds within 3-4 weeks of the processed status. The state systems are just slower this year because of budget cuts and staff shortages. Keep checking your account but try not to stress too much - it'll come! š¤
Thanks for the reassurance! I was starting to panic thinking I'd actually have to wait the full 12 weeks. Good to know it's probably just their standard disclaimer. I'll try to be patient but man, it's hard when you're counting on that money! š Did you end up getting yours within the 3-4 week timeframe?
Hey! I'm in the same exact situation - PA resident here and got that same scary 8-12 week message after my return showed processed. I was freaking out too because I really need this refund ASAP. But after reading through all these comments, I'm feeling a bit better knowing it's probably just their standard warning. Has anyone actually tried that taxr.ai thing people keep mentioning? I'm tempted to give it a shot for a dollar just to get some peace of mind about when this refund might actually hit my account. The daily bank account checking is driving me crazy! šµāš«
Yeah I tried taxr.ai after seeing everyone talk about it here and honestly it was super helpful! For just $1 it gave me way more detail than the PA tax website ever did. It analyzed my transcript and actually showed me I had a minor processing hold that should clear within 2 weeks. Way better than just staring at that vague "8-12 weeks" message and wondering what's actually happening. Definitely worth it for the peace of mind - at least now I know what's going on instead of just refreshing my bank app 20 times a day š
I'm dealing with a very similar situation with my real estate partnership K1s, and this thread has been incredibly enlightening. While my situation involves real estate rather than oil & gas, I'm seeing the same pattern where different CPAs handle partnership income adjustments inconsistently for Schedule SE purposes. What really resonates with me is the point about needing specialized knowledge. My regular CPA has been great for straightforward tax situations, but when it comes to these partnership complexities, I'm realizing they're just not equipped to handle the nuances properly. For those asking about finding specialists - I've had good luck checking with your state CPA society. Many have directories where you can search by specialty area. Also, if you know other investors in similar partnerships, asking for referrals has been valuable. People who've dealt with these issues successfully are usually happy to share their CPA recommendations. One thing I'd add to the documentation advice - make sure you keep records of any conversations with your CPAs about these issues, especially if they're giving you conflicting guidance. Having that paper trail can be helpful if you need to justify your position later, either to a new CPA or potentially to the IRS. The potential savings mentioned here ($7K-$13K) really drive home why it's worth the effort to get this right. Thanks to everyone who's shared their expertise - this has given me the confidence to pursue amendments for my own situation.
This is really valuable insight about real estate partnerships having similar issues! I had no idea these Schedule SE adjustment problems extended beyond oil & gas. It makes me wonder how many investors across different partnership types are unknowingly overpaying on self-employment taxes because their CPAs aren't familiar with the specialized rules. Your point about documenting conversations with CPAs is excellent advice. I wish I had done that with my former CPA - it would have made it much easier to explain the inconsistency to my current one. The state CPA society directory suggestion is brilliant - I never thought to search by specialty area. I just assumed all CPAs would know these rules, but clearly that's not the case. It's becoming obvious that for partnership investments, you really need someone who deals with these structures regularly. Thanks for sharing your experience with real estate partnerships. It's reassuring to know others are successfully navigating similar amendment processes. The potential savings really do justify the effort to find the right professional and get this corrected.
This entire thread has been incredibly helpful! As someone who's been struggling with similar K1 issues from a working interest partnership, I can't thank everyone enough for sharing their expertise and experiences. What really stands out to me is how this situation perfectly illustrates the importance of getting the right professional help. The fact that two different CPAs can handle the exact same K1 information so differently is honestly shocking - and expensive for taxpayers who get the wrong treatment. For the original poster, I'd definitely echo the advice about finding a CPA who specializes in energy taxation. The general consensus here seems clear that your new CPA is handling this correctly by subtracting IDC and depletion from Box 14a for Schedule SE purposes. One additional resource I'd suggest is reaching out to the partnership itself. Many oil & gas partnerships have relationships with tax professionals who understand their specific structures and can provide guidance or even referrals to qualified CPAs in your area. They deal with these K1 questions all the time and usually want their partners to handle things correctly. The potential savings you're looking at ($7K-$13K) definitely justify the time and effort to get this sorted out properly. Don't let your former CPA's unwillingness to address this stop you from pursuing what sounds like legitimate refunds. With all the resources and expert opinions shared in this thread, you've got solid ground to stand on when filing those amendments.
Just wanted to share my recent experience with TC290! Got the code on my transcript about 10 days ago after my examiner call, and I've been obsessively checking for updates every day since then. Based on what everyone's saying here, it sounds like I'm right in that 2-4 week window that most people are experiencing. Really hoping mine comes through soon because like many of you, I've got bills piling up and this refund would be a huge relief! It's reassuring to see so many people getting their money after TC290 posts - gives me hope that the end is actually in sight after months of waiting. Will definitely update this thread when mine hits! š¤š°
Fingers crossed for you! š¤ I'm in day 12 after my TC290 posted and still waiting too. It's so hard not to obsessively check the transcript every day lol. Really hoping we both see some movement soon - this whole process has been such a stressful waiting game but sounds like we're finally in the home stretch! Definitely keep us posted when yours comes through! šŖ
Just went through this same situation! Had my examiner call about 3 weeks ago and TC290 posted the next day. Got my refund deposited exactly 18 days after the code appeared - so right in that 2-3 week sweet spot everyone's mentioning. The wait felt eternal but once TC290 shows up, you're definitely in the final phase. Keep checking your transcript every few days and try not to stress too much (easier said than done, I know!). The IRS may be slow but they do follow through eventually. Hang in there! šŖ
NebulaNomad
Just wanted to add that Sprintax isn't always the best with explaining the FICA refund process for international students and scholars. I was on an F1 visa (similar issue with FICA refunds as J1) and they never told me the refund would come as a check separate from my regular tax refund. My check ended up at my university's international office because that was the address I had listed, and I almost missed it! For anyone reading this who's filing through Sprintax in the future - make sure you use an address where you'll actually be able to receive mail 6-12 months after filing.
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Freya Thomsen
ā¢I had a better experience with Glacier Tax Prep for my J1 visa taxes. They made it super clear that FICA refunds come separately as checks and take forever. Sprintax is cheaper though.
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Avery Saint
I went through this exact same situation with my J1 visa in 2022! The waiting is absolutely nerve-wracking, especially when you can't track the status anywhere. A few key points from my experience: - FICA refunds are indeed processed as paper checks only, never direct deposit - They use the address from your Form 843, not your 1040NR - Processing times are incredibly slow - mine took 14 months total Since you've moved back to your home country, I'd strongly recommend calling the IRS international line at +1-267-941-1000 as soon as possible to update your address. When I called, they were able to see that my check had already been processed and mailed to my old address. They put a stop on that check and reissued a new one to my international address. The key is being proactive - don't just wait and hope it shows up. The IRS won't automatically know you've moved internationally unless you tell them. Also, keep in mind that even after you update your address, it can take another 4-6 weeks for them to reissue the check. Good luck! The money is probably there waiting for you, just needs to get to the right address.
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Diego Ramirez
ā¢This is super helpful! I'm in a similar boat - J1 visa from 2023 and still waiting. Quick question: when you called the international line, did they ask for any specific information to locate your FICA refund? I'm worried they won't be able to find it in their system since it's processed separately from regular tax returns. Also, did you have to pay any fees for the reissued check or was it free? Thanks for sharing your experience - gives me hope that my refund isn't lost forever!
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