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I ran into this exact same issue last month! What helped me was checking the IRS's "What's New" section on their website - they sometimes post interim guidance or notices with updated figures before the full publication is released. Also, if you're working with a tax professional or have access to professional tax software, they often have the updated worksheets available earlier than the general public since they get advance copies. In the meantime, the 2023 version with updated 2024 limits (as others mentioned) should definitely work fine - the calculation methodology rarely changes, just the dollar amounts.
Great suggestion about checking the "What's New" section! I'm dealing with this same frustration right now. Do you happen to remember which specific notices or interim guidance documents had the updated retirement plan figures? I've been digging through the IRS site but there's so much content it's hard to know where to look. Also curious about your mention of tax professionals getting advance copies - is that something they make available to the public at all, or is it restricted to licensed practitioners only?
I completely understand your frustration! I went through this same headache last year when I was trying to set up my first SEP-IRA. Here's what I learned from that experience: The IRS usually publishes Notice 2024-xx (they use different numbers each year) in late October/November with all the updated contribution limits and cost-of-living adjustments for the following year. For 2024, it was Notice 2023-75 that had all the retirement plan limits. You can find these notices much earlier than the full publication updates. For immediate help, I'd recommend calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. They have specialists who can walk you through the worksheet calculations using current year figures. The wait times are brutal, but if you call right when they open (7 AM local time), you usually get through faster. Also, many local SCORE chapters (free small business mentoring) have retired CPAs who volunteer and can help with these calculations. They often have access to the updated worksheets through their professional networks before they're publicly available. Don't stress too much about being "behind" - you're actually ahead of most small business owners by handling this yourself and asking the right questions!
Just wanted to chime in - be careful about what's on your EIN letter. Mine also mentioned Form 720, but my accountant explained that the IRS often lists ALL potential forms a business might need, not necessarily what your specific business requires. Form 720 is pretty specialized for excise taxes on specific products/services.
That's really helpful context! So basically the EIN paperwork is showing possibilities rather than requirements? Has anyone else found their EIN paperwork listing forms they didn't actually need to file?
Exactly right - the EIN paperwork often lists various potential forms as a general notice rather than specific requirements for your business. This happens all the time with my clients. When you apply for an EIN, the IRS system generates paperwork that includes information about forms that might potentially be relevant based on very broad business categories. It's more of a "heads up" about possible requirements rather than a specific directive for your unique business situation. Many of my clients have had forms listed that weren't actually applicable to their specific operations.
I run a small greenhouse business which has some similarities to landscaping. I've never had to file Form 720 because I don't deal with any of the excise taxable items. If you're just doing regular landscaping you should be fine without it! My advice is to check Schedule C instructions (if you're a single-member LLC) to make sure you're handling your tax situation correctly for your business type.
Are you sure about this? I thought Form 720 was related to payroll taxes. That's what my buddy who runs a business told me.
I'm an accountant and see this ALL THE TIME this year. There are massive delays with several banks including Credit Karma. The issue is volume - the IRS is processing refunds in batches and some batches are getting delayed on the receiving end. Nothing to worry about yet, but if it goes beyond 5 business days from your DDD, then call the IRS directly to confirm it was actually sent.
I'm dealing with the exact same situation! DDD of 3/15 with Credit Karma and still waiting. After reading through all these comments, it sounds like CK is doing extra verification holds this year without notifying people. I'm going to try contacting them through the app chat specifically asking about holds like some people suggested. It's so frustrating when you're counting on that money and the bank doesn't even tell you there's an issue! Hopefully we all get our refunds soon. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - makes me feel less alone in this mess.
I work at a tax prep office (not giving tax advice, just sharing experience). We see this situation ALL the time lately. The IRS is severely backlogged with amended returns. The key thing most people miss: if your amended return involves a refund AND you've been waiting over 45 days from when it was received, you're actually entitled to interest on that refund amount! The IRS is required to pay interest on refunds not issued within 45 days of the filing deadline or receipt date, whichever is later.
Is that interest automatically calculated and added to the refund? Or do you have to specifically request it somehow? I've been waiting almost a year for my amended return to process!
The interest is automatically calculated and added to your refund when it's finally processed - you don't need to request it separately. The IRS calculates it from 45 days after they received your amended return until the date they issue the refund. After waiting almost a year, you should definitely be getting a decent amount of interest added to your refund! The current interest rate for individual overpayments is 8% annually, so that can really add up over months of delays. When you do eventually get your refund, it should show the interest amount separately on the payment details. Keep an eye out for it when your refund finally comes through.
Has anyone successfully gotten their amended return expedited? Mine has been "in process" for over 10 months now and I need it completed because I'm trying to get a mortgage and the lender needs my correct tax information.
Thanks for the tip! Did you call the regular IRS number or is there a specific taxpayer advocate line? Also, how much faster did your return get processed after you got the advocate involved?
You can call the main IRS number (1-800-829-1040) and ask to be transferred to the Taxpayer Advocate Service, or you can call them directly at 1-877-777-4778. The advocate got involved in my case and my amended return was processed within 6 weeks after that - compared to the 11 months I had already been waiting! Make sure you have documentation of your mortgage application timeline ready when you call. They need to see that there's a genuine hardship situation that requires expedited processing. The advocate will open a case file for you and follow up on the status regularly until it's resolved.
Ava Williams
Just drive over there! If they're only 15 mins away and you've already tried texting, just stop by in person and ask for a copy. They're legally required to give it to you, and it's harder for them to ignore you when you're standing right there lol.
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Raj Gupta
ā¢This! I had the same problem last year and just showed up at HR. Got my W-2 reprinted on the spot. Sometimes the direct approach is best.
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Isabella Martin
Another thing to consider - if you have your final paystub from December, it should have your year-to-date totals for wages and tax withholdings. While it's not a perfect replacement for your W-2, you can use those numbers to estimate what you'll owe or get back as a refund. This might help you decide if it's worth waiting longer or if you need to be more aggressive about getting the actual W-2. Also, if you do end up having to file Form 4852 (the W-2 substitute), make sure to keep trying to get the real W-2 even after you file. If the numbers end up being different, you might need to file an amended return later. But at least you won't miss the filing deadline!
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