Think of the injured spouse process like trying to untangle Christmas lights - it takes time and patience. Using Claimyr is like having someone hold the other end of the lights while you work - it doesn't make the process inherently faster, but it can prevent additional frustration. I've used it twice this year when I absolutely needed to speak with an agent about complex issues. It's like paying for a fast pass at an amusement park - the ride is the same length, but you skip the line to get on it.

I went through this exact process last year and can share some helpful insights. Filed my return in February 2023, mailed Form 8379 the same day. The IRS received my paper form about 10 days after mailing (I confirmed by calling), but the actual processing took 13 weeks from the date they received it. Here's what I learned: 1) The WMR tool is basically useless for injured spouse cases - it stayed on "processing" the entire time, 2) Account transcripts are much more informative (look for transaction codes TC 971 and TC 570), and 3) The paper form really does slow things down significantly. Pro tip: if you need to call the IRS, do it on Tuesdays or Wednesdays around 7:30 AM - much shorter wait times. The good news is once they start processing, the refund comes pretty quickly. Hang in there!

One thing nobody mentioned yet is that Coverdell accounts give you WAY more investment options than 529 plans. With a 529, you're usually stuck with whatever investment options your state's plan offers (typically target-date funds and some index funds). With a Coverdell, you can invest in pretty much anything - individual stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, etc. This was a huge factor for me since I wanted more control.

Another consideration is that 529 plans can now be rolled over into Roth IRAs (as of 2024) - up to $35,000 lifetime limit. This is HUGE for flexibility if your kid doesn't use all the 529 funds for education. Coverdells don't have this option.

Been using Chime for 3 years now and can confirm it's usually 2-5 days early like others mentioned. But this year has been weird - some people getting theirs super early, others waiting forever. The key thing is waiting for that 846 code on your transcript with your actual DDD. Once you see that, then you can start counting down for when Chime might release it early. Good luck! 🤞

Same situation here! My transcript shows Path lifting on the 16th and I'm banking with Chime too. From what I've seen in other threads, Chime has been pretty consistent with 3-5 days early this year, but like everyone's saying you really need to wait for that 846 code first. The Path lift is just the beginning - then IRS still has to process and assign your actual deposit date. Hoping we both see some movement soon! 🤞

I was hoping for the same thing! Filed with Credit Karma last week and was excited about potentially getting my refund early. But after reading these comments, sounds like that's just wishful thinking. The early deposit feature only works for regular paychecks, not tax refunds. Guess we're all at the mercy of the IRS timeline regardless of which bank we use. Thanks everyone for setting realistic expectations!

Just want to add my experience - I've been using Credit Karma (now Cash App Tax) for 3 years and can confirm what others are saying. The "early deposit" feature is legit for regular paychecks from employers, but tax refunds are a whole different beast. The IRS controls when they release refunds to banks, so even if your bank wanted to give it to you early, they literally don't have the money yet. Best bet is to use the IRS Where's My Refund tool and just be patient. The good news is Credit Karma/Cash App is still free and reliable for filing, just don't expect miracles on timing!

Don't forget about the use tax side of this too! If you're paying sales tax on the cameras you buy from eBay but those cameras are inventory for resale, you might be eligible to use a resale certificate for THOSE purchases too. In most states, you can provide your resale certificate to avoid paying sales tax on items you're buying specifically for resale. This is possibly costing you money unnecessarily.

This thread has been super helpful! I'm in a similar situation with my small reselling business. One thing I'd add is that it's really important to get the resale certificate from mpb.com BEFORE you make any more sales to them. I made the mistake of continuing to sell without proper documentation for months, thinking I could get it retroactively. When I finally got my state's sales tax registration sorted out, they told me I was technically liable for the uncollected tax on all those previous sales until I could prove they were legitimate resale transactions. Also, make sure you understand your state's registration requirements. Some states require you to register for sales tax collection even if most of your sales are exempt. The registration is usually free or very cheap, but the penalties for not registering when required can be significant. @Chris King - definitely reach out to mpb.com one more time specifically asking for their "resale certificate" or "sales tax exemption certificate" rather than just asking about sales tax in general. Sometimes using the exact terminology makes all the difference in getting the right response from their accounting department.