Navy Federal is definitely one of the more reliable banks for tax refunds! I've been with them for about 3 years now and they've consistently deposited my refunds 1-2 days before the official DDD. Since your DDD is 3/22 (which is a Saturday), there's a good chance you'll see the money hit your account on Thursday 3/21 or Friday 3/20. A few tips from my experience: • Set up mobile alerts in the Navy Fed app so you'll know immediately when it posts • The deposits usually hit overnight, so check first thing in the morning • Navy Fed processes ACH transactions pretty quickly compared to bigger banks • Since it's your first year with them for tax deposits, double-check your routing/account numbers match exactly what's in your app $3,200 should definitely cover your moving expenses! Just maybe have a backup plan ready in case there are any unexpected delays, but historically Navy Fed has been really good about not holding tax refunds. Good luck with your move after graduation! 🎓

Navy Federal member here! I've been banking with them for about 4 years and can confirm they're really solid for tax refunds. Since your DDD is 3/22 (Saturday), you'll most likely see the deposit hit on Friday 3/21 or even Thursday 3/20. Navy Fed doesn't play games with holding tax refunds like some of the bigger banks do. A couple things that might help ease your mind: • Navy Fed typically processes overnight between 12am-6am EST • Their mobile app notifications are instant when deposits hit • They've never held my tax refunds past the processing date • Even if there's a delay, it's usually only 1 business day max Since you mentioned this is for your post-graduation move, you might want to give yourself a small buffer just in case. But honestly, based on my experience and what I've seen from other Navy Fed members, you should have your money by Friday at the latest. The prepaid card thing really isn't worth it when you have a reliable bank like Navy Fed - those fees add up quick and you're only saving maybe 2-3 days at most. Congrats on graduation btw! 🎓

I'd also suggest keeping detailed records of all your attempts to get your W-2. Screenshot any emails you send to your former employer requesting it, and keep copies of their responses (or lack thereof). This documentation becomes really important if you need to file Form 4852 or contact the IRS for help. One thing I learned the hard way - don't assume your employer will automatically send your W-2 to a new address. Even if you updated your address with HR before leaving, definitely send them a written request (email is fine) with your current mailing address specifically for tax documents. I've seen too many people miss their W-2s simply because of address mix-ups. Also, check if your employer uses a third-party payroll service like ADP or Paychex. Sometimes you can access your W-2 through their online portals even after termination. Worth looking into before going through the IRS process.

Just to add another perspective - if you're dealing with a particularly difficult former employer, you might want to consider reaching out to your state's Department of Labor as well. While the W-2 issue is primarily an IRS matter, some states have additional protections for workers regarding final pay and documentation. They can sometimes put pressure on employers who are being uncooperative. Also, don't forget that you can estimate your taxes and file even without the W-2 if you have your final pay stub. You'd use Form 4852 (Substitute for Form W-2) which asks for the same information. The key is to be as accurate as possible with your wage and withholding amounts. Keep your final pay stub safe - it's going to be your best friend if your employer tries to play games with your W-2. One last tip: if you do end up having to contact the IRS, try calling early in the morning (around 7-8 AM) when the phone lines open. You'll have much better luck getting through than if you call during peak hours.

They switched mine too!!! Hoping this means were getting closer to that bag 💅

I had the exact same thing happen! Went from 05 to 04 about 3 weeks ago and was stressing about it. But like DeShawn said, it just means they're processing more frequently. I actually got my 846 code (refund issued) yesterday! The cycle change was definitely a good sign in my case. Hang in there, sounds like you're getting close! 🤞

mines been doing the opposite, went from 04 to 05. this whole process is driving me nuts fr

The IRS is so behind rn its not even funny. My friend works there and says theyre still processing returns from last year

Curious about the property services side - are there any Section 179 deduction implications when using YouTube earnings to purchase equipment for an unrelated business? I'm in a similar situation where one business is funding equipment purchases for another.

This is a great discussion on multi-entity structures! One thing I'd add from my experience with similar setups is the importance of maintaining arm's length transactions between your LLCs. Even though they're all disregarded entities for tax purposes, you still want to document that any services or fund transfers between entities are at fair market rates. For example, if your holding company is providing management services to the YouTube LLC, document what those services are and that any management fees charged are reasonable compared to what you'd pay an outside company. Same goes for any loans between entities - use proper loan documents with market interest rates. Also, since you mentioned substantial income ($175k), consider whether making an S-Corp election for any of these entities might save on self-employment taxes. With that level of income, the salary vs. distribution optimization could be significant, but you'd need to weigh that against the added complexity of payroll compliance. The key is having a legitimate business purpose for your structure beyond just tax planning. Sounds like you do with the different industries, but make sure that's well-documented in your operating agreements and business records.