Just tried to check my transcript but the verification system is so annoying. Can't get past it. Ugh.

I did actually check my transcript and I do see the 846 code with 2/26 date. So I guess it really is on CashApp's end now.

Same here! I've been refreshing my CashApp every few hours like it's going to magically appear 😅 It's so nerve-wracking when you're expecting money and it just doesn't show up when it's supposed to. I didn't realize the 5 business day thing was normal for CashApp - definitely going to remember that for next year. The transcript checking tip is super helpful too, I'm going to try that tonight as well. Glad we're all going through this together!

You're definitely not alone in this! I've been through the same anxiety with delayed refunds before. That obsessive checking is so real - I probably refreshed my banking app 50 times a day when I was waiting for mine. The transcript thing really does help give you peace of mind because at least you'll know for sure if the IRS actually sent it out. Once you see that 846 code with your date, you know it's just a waiting game with CashApp. Hopefully yours hits soon! Keep us updated when it comes through.

Thank you for sharing your experience! As someone new to dealing with IRS payment plans, this is incredibly reassuring. I've been putting off addressing my tax debt specifically because of the biometric verification concerns, and it's really helpful to hear from people who have successfully gone the phone route recently. One question - when you mentioned that the agent noted your privacy preference in your file, does that help if you ever need to call back in the future? I'm wondering if that notation prevents them from suggesting online options or trying to push you toward creating an account during future interactions. Also, I'm curious about the payment coupons they send by mail - are those just for record-keeping, or do you actually need them for anything when using Direct Pay? I want to make sure I understand the full process before I make the call. The timing advice about early Wednesday mornings is really valuable too. I'll definitely plan to call then with all my documents organized. Thanks for taking the time to share such detailed information!

Yes, having that privacy preference noted in your file definitely helps with future interactions! When I've called back with questions about my payment plan, the agents can see that notation and don't try to push online account creation or suggest switching to the web-based system. It saves time and avoids having to re-explain your privacy concerns every time. The payment coupons are mainly for backup/record-keeping when using Direct Pay. You don't actually need them to make payments - Direct Pay just requires your SSN, the payment amount, and your bank info. However, I do keep the coupons because they have helpful reference numbers and show your exact payment schedule, which can be useful if you ever need to reference specific details about your installment agreement. The coupons also serve as a paper trail showing your agreed-upon payment amounts and due dates, which I find reassuring. If there's ever a dispute or if Direct Pay is temporarily unavailable, you can always fall back to mailing a check using the coupon. One more tip for your call - write down the confirmation number they give you for your installment agreement setup. You'll get a written confirmation in the mail later, but having that number immediately can be helpful if you need to reference your case during any follow-up calls.

I'm so glad this thread has been helpful for you! As someone who was also hesitant about the biometric requirements, I completely understand the relief of finding out there are still privacy-respecting alternatives available. One additional tip I'd suggest - when you do call, consider jotting down the name or ID number of the agent who helps you set up your payment plan. While your privacy preferences should be noted in your file, having that reference can be helpful if you need to call back with specific questions about your agreement setup. Also, don't be surprised if the agent asks whether you're sure you don't want to set up direct debit from your bank account (which has lower fees). Just politely confirm that you prefer the non-direct debit option so you can maintain control over when payments are made. They're required to mention the lower-cost options, but they won't pressure you once you decline. The fact that so many people in this thread have successfully gone through this process recently really shows that the IRS is accommodating privacy concerns, even if they don't advertise these alternatives as prominently as the online options. Good luck with your call - you've got this!

Thank you for sharing this reassuring perspective! As someone new to using the Serve Card for tax refunds, I was starting to panic thinking I had done something wrong with my filing. It's really helpful to hear from someone who's been through this before. The 1-2 day delay you mentioned makes total sense now that I think about it - I guess I just assumed "direct deposit" meant it would be instant like when my employer pays me. I'll try to be patient until Thursday before I start worrying. Did you ever figure out why the Serve Card takes longer than regular bank accounts?

From what I learned after doing some research, prepaid cards like the Serve Card go through an extra intermediary bank (MetaBank in this case) that handles the processing. Regular bank accounts receive ACH transfers more directly, but prepaid cards have this additional verification step that adds the 1-2 day delay. It's basically like having an extra checkpoint in the process. The good news is that once you know to expect it, the delay becomes much less stressful! I actually switched to having my refund deposited into my regular checking account this year just to avoid the waiting game entirely.

Thanks for calling and getting that confirmation from customer service! That's actually really helpful info about the higher volumes causing delays. I was wondering if this was just a "me" problem or if everyone with Serve Cards was experiencing the same thing. It's reassuring to know that the delays are system-wide and not because I messed something up on my return. I think I'm going to follow your lead and try to stop checking the app until Thursday - the constant refreshing is just making me more anxious! Fingers crossed we both see our refunds hit by then. 🤞

I used TurboTax last year for this exact situation. There's no special form for the current year - you just enter your W-2 as is. Next year when you get the 1099-R, TurboTax has specific questions that identify it as a return of excess contributions. It was pretty straightforward once I understood I didn't need to do anything special in the current year.

This is really helpful advice, especially about getting written confirmation from the 401k administrator! I'm dealing with this exact situation right now and feeling pretty overwhelmed by all the conflicting information I've been getting. One quick question - when you say "return of excess deferrals," is that different from just a regular 401k withdrawal? I want to make sure I'm using the right terminology when I contact my plan administrator so they understand exactly what I need documented. Also, did you end up owing any penalties when you filed the following year with the 1099-R, or was it all handled smoothly since you corrected it quickly?

Is taxr.ai actually legit? Seen it mentioned a few times

Yes! It's the real deal. Saved me so much confusion and stress. My transcript had all these weird codes and cycle dates that made no sense, but taxr.ai explained everything clearly and predicted my deposit perfectly. Totally recommend it.

This is exactly what I needed to hear! I was definitely expecting it to show up right at midnight like some kind of magic, but knowing it could be anytime during the day (or even the next day) helps manage my expectations. The deposit alert idea is genius - I'm setting that up right now so I can stop obsessively checking my phone. Thanks for the realistic timeline!