Have you considered just using the "catch-all" category? That's what my accountant recommended when I couldn't decide between my different service offerings. I ended up using 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services). Been doing it that way for 3 years with no issues.

Check the Schedule C instructions PDF on the IRS website. There's a whole list of business codes in the back pages. Just scroll through and pick the one that most closely matches your MAIN business activity. I remember panicking about this last year too, but it's really not that big a deal.

Code 830 is actually a really good sign! It means your return has been fully processed and your refund amount has been determined and approved by the IRS. From what I've seen in this community, most people get their refund within 2-4 weeks after the 830 code appears on their transcript. Since you've been waiting since February, I know it's frustrating, but you're definitely in the final stretch now. Keep checking your bank account - it should show up soon! 🤞

Code 830 is definitely progress! I had the same code appear on my transcript back in October and got my refund about 18 days later. The IRS systems have been super backed up this year so the wait times are longer than usual, but 830 means they've finished processing and approved your refund amount. You should see it hit your account within the next few weeks. I know the waiting is brutal when you've been at it since February but you're definitely close to the finish line now! 💪

Have you verified if you're affected by the PATH Act? This legislation requires the IRS to hold refunds involving EITC or ACTC until at least February 15th, causing significant delays for qualifying taxpayers. Did you claim either of these credits on your 2023 return?

I feel your frustration - filed mine on February 14th and still waiting too! The uncertainty is the worst part, especially when you're budgeting around that refund. One thing that helped ease my anxiety was setting up IRS account online and checking my transcript weekly instead of obsessing over WMR daily. The transcript often shows activity before WMR updates. Also found that calling the automated refund hotline (1-800-829-1954) sometimes gives slightly different info than the website. Hang in there - based on what others are sharing, it sounds like many February filers are still in the same boat!

Has anyone noticed that the instructions for Form 8889 are absurdly complicated? I swear the IRS intentionally makes this stuff confusing. I have a masters degree and still can't figure out if I'm doing my HSA right.

I think I see where your confusion is coming from! You're absolutely on the right track - if you contributed $3,100 against a limit of $3,850, you have no excess contributions at all. You're actually $750 UNDER the limit. The key thing to understand is that Form 8889 has two main parts that deal with completely different things: - Part I (lines 1-13): This is about CONTRIBUTIONS to your HSA - Part II (lines 14-21): This is about DISTRIBUTIONS from your HSA What you're seeing in Part II (lines 14a/14b both showing $500) means you withdrew $500 from your HSA and used all $500 for qualified medical expenses. That's actually perfect - no taxes owed! If you had actual excess contributions, they would show up in Part I of the form, specifically around lines 6-8, and would be subject to a 6% excise tax. But since you're under your contribution limit, this doesn't apply to you. Your form is filled out correctly. The $500 on line 14b represents qualified medical expenses, not excess contributions. No additional taxes are due on this amount.

Another option worth considering is using tax software to prepare your 1040x. I had to amend last year and used TurboTax to prepare my amendment. It was pretty straightforward - I just created a new return with the correct information, and the software generated the 1040x for me showing the differences. Most major tax software can handle amendments, though you'll still need to print and mail the forms rather than e-file. Might be cheaper than going back to H&R Block if you're comfortable doing it yourself with some guidance.

I went through something similar last year with a missed 1099-INT. One thing I learned is that you should gather all your documents first before deciding on your approach. Make sure you have your original tax return, the missed 1099-INT forms, and any other tax documents handy. If the total additional tax owed is under $100 (which it probably will be for those amounts), I'd honestly suggest doing it yourself rather than paying H&R Block's amendment fee. The 1040x form looks intimidating but it's basically just three columns - what you originally reported, what it should have been, and the difference. Download the form and instructions from IRS.gov, take your time, and double-check everything before mailing it in. For straightforward additions like interest income, it's really not as complicated as it seems. Save yourself the $100+ fee and use that money for something more enjoyable!