If I understand correctly, this might be related to the software provider's business model, rather than something you selected. Most, though not all, tax preparation companies use SBTPG as their financial processor, even for their free filing options. It seems somewhat counterintuitive, but perhaps it's more cost-effective for them to use a single system for all filings? I'm wondering if anyone has found tax software that bypasses SBTPG entirely?

Unlike online shopping where you can go straight to the manufacturer, tax filing is more like buying through a marketplace that has its own payment processor. I was in the same boat last year - filed completely free but still saw SBTPG handling my refund. The difference? When I paid for premium service in 2022, they took $39.95 off the top. With free filing in 2023, my full amount came through untouched. It took about 36 hours longer than when I filed directly with the IRS in previous years, but every penny arrived safely.

I had this exact situation last tax season. Here's what worked for me: • Created an IRS online account • Downloaded both the Return Transcript and Record of Account • Sent both to my lender • Explained that my preparer was unresponsive • Signed an affidavit confirming the transcript matched my return Most lenders have a process for this exact situation. They deal with it all the time.

I actually went through this nightmare scenario last summer! My tax guy suddenly closed his practice and I needed my returns for a business loan. I spent hours researching and found that creating an IRS online account was the fastest solution. The verification process was frustrating though - they kept rejecting my mobile phone for the verification step because it was a business line. Finally got in using my personal cell instead. The transcripts worked for my lender, but they initially pushed back saying they needed the "actual return" until I showed them that the transcripts came directly from the IRS.

Let me warn you about something important with prepaid cards: Step 1: Always check deposit limits before choosing a card for tax refunds Step 2: Verify if the card charges fees for government deposits (some do!) Step 3: Read the fine print about how long they can hold large deposits Step 4: Consider what happens if there's an issue I learned this the hard way last year with a different prepaid card. My $3,800 refund exceeded their $3,000 limit, which I didn't know existed. The deposit was rejected, and I ended up waiting 6 additional weeks for a paper check. This completely derailed my budget plans and cost me a late fee on my rent.

I've assisted numerous taxpayers with this exact scenario. The ONE card utilizes a legitimate banking infrastructure that's fully compatible with IRS direct deposits. The ACH transfer system doesn't distinguish between traditional bank accounts and prepaid products like ONE when processing your refund. Tax Slayer merely transmits your banking details to the IRS without any interference in the deposit process. I've observed successful deposits to ONE cards from multiple tax preparation services including Tax Slayer, with standard processing timeframes of 8-21 days from acceptance date.

I had a similar issue trying to reach Social Security last year. The IRS situation is even worse during filing season. Just to put this in perspective: imagine if your bank only answered 1 out of every 10 calls, or if Amazon made you call 15 times before you could return something. We've somehow normalized this terrible service from the IRS. I finally got through after two weeks of trying by calling the Spanish line (1-800-829-1040, then press 2) and then asking for an English-speaking representative when someone answered. Not ideal, but it worked when nothing else did.

Have you tried scheduling an in-person appointment at your local Taxpayer Assistance Center? I know it sounds old-school in the age of smartphones, but sometimes face-to-face is the way to go! You can schedule an appointment by calling 844-545-5640. The trick is to just keep saying "representative" or "agent" at every prompt until it gives up and transfers you to a human who can schedule the appointment. I jokingly call it the "Karen technique" - just keep insisting on speaking to a manager until the system surrenders! 😂 Seriously though, once you get the appointment, they're usually pretty helpful and can resolve most issues on the spot.

I believe most of us are finding that the IRS processes have become somewhat more efficient this year. Perhaps they've learned from the backlog issues of previous years. I was quite surprised when they verified my information over the phone without requiring the letter. It seems they may be trying to reduce paper correspondence when possible.

I filed on February 12, 2024, and noticed no movement on WMR until March 5. Called on March 6 and they said I needed verification. Instead of waiting for a letter, I asked if they could verify me on the call. They did, and my refund was deposited on March 15. The agent specifically mentioned they started allowing phone verification on January 29, 2024, for certain types of verification flags.

For in-person verification at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC), you'll need to bring specific documentation. This typically includes: your government-issued photo ID, Social Security card or ITIN letter, any IRS notices received (dated within the last 12 months), and proof of address. If verifying for a tax return filed on April 18, 2024, bring a copy of that return. Schedule your appointment at least 14 calendar days before any response deadline mentioned in your notice.

Here's exactly what worked for me: Step 1: Call 844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment at your local TAC Step 2: Tell them you need identity verification (mention any letter reference numbers) Step 3: Bring two forms of ID (I used passport and driver's license) Step 4: Bring a copy of the tax return in question Step 5: Bring the letter requesting verification Step 6: Arrive 15 minutes early (they're strict about appointments) The whole process took me about 45 minutes at the office, then my return was processed within 3 weeks.

OMG this is so frustrating! 😤 Did the agent give you ANY hint about what might have triggered the review? I'm wondering if it could be related to the W-2 verification system they implemented this year? So many people are getting caught in these reviews even with perfect returns!

Word of caution - I had a similar situation last year and made the mistake of assuming I just needed to wait out the 120 days. Turns out they had sent a notice requesting documentation to an old address I hadn't updated with them. When I didn't respond (because I never got it), they adjusted my return and I lost a significant portion of my refund. Had to file an amended return and it took another 6 months to resolve. Don't just wait - be proactive about checking your account transcript weekly for updates.

Warning from someone who learned the hard way: SBTPG showed my refund as "processing" for FIVE DAYS after my DDD! 😤 I kept checking their portal every hour like a crazy person. Then I called my bank (thinking maybe SBTPG sent it but it wasn't showing), and they said they had no pending deposits. Finally on day 6, it magically appeared in my account with no status change on SBTPG's site. Their tracking system is a joke! 🤣 My advice: add 3-5 business days to your DDD and try to forget about it until then. Watching the pot doesn't make it boil faster!

I've been tracking SBTPG patterns for three tax seasons now. They've actually gotten faster each year. In 2022, they averaged 3 days after DDD. Last year it was down to 2 days for most people. This year, I'm seeing lots of folks get their money just 1 day after DDD. I had my DDD on March 22nd and got my deposit on March 23rd around 3pm. My sister had her DDD on March 29th and got hers on April 1st (because of the weekend). The timing seems to depend on your bank too - credit unions tend to be faster than big banks in my experience.

The Child Tax Credit regulations for 2024 are actually quite straightforward. IRC Section 24 clearly establishes that any child with a TIN (Tax Identification Number) who meets the qualifying child definition under Section 152(c) and is under age 17 at the close of the calendar year qualifies for the full $2,000 credit. The refundable portion (ACTC) is calculated as 15% of earned income exceeding $2,500, up to the maximum refundable amount of $1,600 per qualifying child.

I just went through this process for my 2023 taxes with our November baby, and it was much simpler than our rental property deductions! You'll need to get a Social Security Number for your baby though - the hospital will give you the paperwork, but it takes a few weeks to process. The IRS won't accept your return claiming the credit without a valid SSN for the child.

Just got my refund yesterday after seeing tax topic 152 for 17 days! • Filed: February 28 • Tax Topic 152 appeared: March 3 • Transcript updated: March 18 • DDD appeared on WMR: March 19 • Money deposited: March 20 Don't wait any longer - check your transcript NOW! The processing window is closing fast and you need to know if there are any holds on your account!

Does anyone know if having tax topic 152 means you're definitely getting a refund? Or can they still deny it at this stage? This is my first time seeing this code and I'm not sure if I should be relieved or still worried, haha. Also, does checking WMR multiple times a day slow down processing? (Asking for a friend... who might be me 😅